We interrupt your summer siesta with this gentle nudge to remind you that the new school year is right around the corner. That’s right—get ready to juggle your kids’ school schedules, make sure homework gets done, and pack those lunches! And while you can’t prepare a year’s worth of their lunches ahead of time, you can prepare them with the school supplies they need for a new year of learning. Alright, hit the snooze button one last time—then take a look at these five things to keep in mind as you get ready for back-to-school shopping:
1. Take stock of your current inventory. Buying brand-new school supplies every year can get costly. So before you head out the door with your back-to-school shopping list in hand, take a look at what you currently have and see what can be reused. You may be surprised how many back-to-school supplies just keep on going! 2. Look for durable, quality products. School supplies can lead a pretty rough life. They get handled day in and day out, and there’s the constant traveling between home and school. That’s why you should consider school supplies that won’t wimp out, like the Avery Heavy-Duty Binder designed for durability, and reusable Avery Write-On Dividers that are built to last. Also, a quality backpack with a warranty might be a good investment even if it costs more in the event a strap or zipper breaks, advises GreatSchools™, a national non-profit organization. 3. Stock up and save on the basics. When you shop for your back-to-school basics, consider buying in bulk, suggests ConsumerReport.org. Notebooks, paper, erasers, Avery HI-LITER® pens, and Avery Glue Stics are often sold in larger quantities that give you a lower price per product. Store a supply at home, or divvy up a large quantity and split the cost with other parents. 4. Make a difference with products that support your school. Did you know schools have earned more than $1,000,000 from Box Tops coupons found on Avery school supplies? Box Tops coupons make it easy to support your school. Just clip and save these coupons from binders, dividers, labels, and more and your school can redeem them to earn cash for playgrounds, books, and other much-needed supplies and equipment. 5. Get the kids involved and make it fun. Getting ready for a new school year doesn’t have to be a chore. Sit down with your kids to go over your family’s back-to-school shopping strategy, including setting a budget for new supplies. Teach them how to take care of their supplies, and create personalized labels to help them mark belongings they will take to school for easy identification should these items get misplaced. You can also show them how to “dress up” existing supplies with labels and stickers so they can decorate their items in their own style. Wakey, wakey—time to get in gear and prepare for the school year. Now’s the time to be on the lookout for back-to-school specials, promotions, and coupons—and get your back-to-school shopping game on! For more organization tips, join us on The Organization of Moms Facebook page. |
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