Hey friends!
Let’s cut through the noise for a second.
There are a million blog posts, reels, videos, and Pinterest boards telling you how to get ready for back to school. But here’s the truth:
Don’t reinvent the wheel.
Say it again with me: Don’t reinvent the wheel. And if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
If your family already does a pretty good job getting back into the school groove—amazing. Don’t overthink it. There’s already enough anxiety in the air this time of year (for you and the kids). If what you’re doing works and it’s not stressing anyone out, give yourself a high five and go back to soaking up summer.
But if you want a quick reality check or a gentle nudge to get a few key things off your plate, I’ve got you.
There’s no magic formula to prep for a new school year. It really just comes down to making a master list and checking things off so nothing slips through the cracks.
So here it is—a simple checklist of the must-dos (the essentials) and the nice-to-dos (helpful, but not deal-breakers). Use what you need and ignore what doesn’t fit your life.
✅ Must-Dos (Before the First Day)
- Download the supply list
Before you buy anything, dump out those backpacks and drawers. Reuse what you can. Kids break and lose stuff all the time—there’s no award for “Most New Supplies.” As one of my teacher friends pointed out this week if the teacher notes a specific brand try to get that brand as there is a reason they name it. (Thanks Mary 🙂) - Set up Family Calendar – Download and save the school calendar
Add key dates to your planner or phone now so you’re not scrambling later. - Go to the meet-and-greet
It helps everyone feel more settled and ready. - Create a command center
Just a spot for backpacks, lunchboxes, papers, and that calendar. (Bonus if you already have one!) For the first couple of weeks you can tape signs up where everything goes until its an established habit for everyone. - Ease into routines
Slowly move bedtime and wake-up earlier so it’s not a total shock the first week. - Book appointments
Physicals, dentist, eye exams, haircuts—knock ’em out now. - Label all the things
Water bottles, hoodies, lunchboxes. If it can walk away, label it. It doesn’t have to be a fancy sticker – bring back the 80’s and 90’s when you used a sharpie, as long as it’s labeled. - Talk expectations with your kids
Discuss routines, responsibilities, and even screen time now—before the madness kicks in. Write them out and make them visible for each family member. One less thing to remember helps. - Take a deep breath
You don’t have to do this perfectly. Just move forward. You’ve got this. Remember this is not just a big change for you but your kids.
👍 Nice-to-Do (But Totally Okay If It Doesn’t Happen by Day One)
- Coordinate carpool or bus info with neighbors or friends – see how the first couple of weeks flows and talk to neighbors and friends about how you can help each other. Remember to build your village.
- Clean out closets & drawers – Donate what doesn’t fit. Take stock of what your kids actually need. No, they don’t need 12 pairs of jeans. You don’t need a whole new wardrobe before the first day of school but a couple of new outfits helps.
- Clear some space for a homework zone or quiet space for decompressing after school.
- Prep a few weeknight meals or freezer dinners or make a list of easy meals so there are options to that dreadful question “What’s for dinner?”.
- Meal prep lunch/snack ideas – Make a quick list of go-to lunch and breakfast combos—save yourself some stress later.
There you go—simple, flexible, and judgment-free. If you need a little help getting organized or feel like you’re drowning in the back-to-school shuffle, I’m just a message away.
To make it even easier for you here is the link to download and customize YOUR own prep list.
Let’s make this school year a little smoother—together.
Did you miss last week’s blog with my must have organizing products? Grab the list by clicking the link below. 👉👉👉 [FAVORITE PRODUCTS LIST!]
💛
Nicole
Stay tuned for next week’s POP Talk!
This post may include affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. Regardless, I only share products and resources I genuinely love or find helpful!
