Tackling this daily task in the Weekly Household Planner:
Start school supply/clothes shopping
Gearing up for back to school means supplies, school clothes, possible medical check ups and vaccinations, and tying up other loose ends before the big day.
Plan Ahead
The last couple of weeks before the beginning of the school year can be pretty hectic, so it’s important that you plan ahead so you’re not losing your sanity and feeling overwhelmed. One big concern these days when it comes to back to school is making sure your kids have the supplies and clothing they need without breaking the bank.
Inventory
Kids grow quickly, so the clothes they were wearing even last spring may not fit. For the sake of saving money though, you should go through their existing wardrobe to see what does still fit and is usable.
Budget
Assuming that your kids aren’t required to wear a school uniform, take stock of your budget and what you can realistically afford. By July, fall clothes are in the stores, so you can begin shopping early and look for the best deals. You won’t want to wait until a week before school starts to get your children outfitted. Hit the early sales and make sure they have the basics – jeans, t-shirts and sweaters or sweatshirts. Pick up some socks and underwear, and a new pair of sneakers.
This will give them a good start that you can build on. If your child is old enough, let him or her participate in the shopping process. School clothes shopping is something you should tackle fairly early.
Smart Options
If you are really frugal, you can take a look at the local resale shops for gently used clothes. This is a great way to save money, and most kids are pretty open to the idea. You can teach them the concepts of bargain hunting, and recycling and reusing all at the same time.
The Basics
School supplies such as pens and pencils, backpacks, notebooks and other items usually are on sale for about four weeks before the start of the school year. Schools often send lists out of items that your child will need.
Hopefully you have been able to access the school supply lists for each of your children. I think it is a great idea to have your child participate in the process of supply shopping, since it allows them to see the cost of supplies and hopefully will help build some pride to take care of what is purchased.
With back to school preparations, the key is not waiting until the last minute to do things. A few well-planned afternoons will get your kids outfitted for their return to the classroom, and save you from feeling overwhelmed and grouchy during the last few days of summer. Why not use those days for a final outing to the beach or park instead?
What tips do you have for an easier back to school shopping experience?
