1. Plan Meals Ahead

Homekeeping Planner / Weekly Menu Planning Notepad

• Meal Plan: Dedicate time each week to map out meals. I typically use Fridays to clean out the fridge, plan meals, and shop for the upcoming week.
• Involve the Kids: Make meal planning a family activity. Allow children to choose a meal or create a list of family favorites to pull from during the week.
• Batch Cooking and Freezing: Prepare and freeze meals in advance, or prep meal components to reduce cooking time during the week.
• Snack Station: Create a designated snack station in the pantry or fridge with pre-portioned items for kids to easily grab on their way out or for after-school snacks.

2. Make a Plan for the Day

• Family Calendar: Utilize a centralized family calendar (either digital or physical) to keep everyone’s schedules visible. This helps create an easy reference for children to follow daily activities.
• Prioritize Tasks: Determine the most critical tasks for the day and address those first. The Homekeeping Planner simplifies household tasks and helps you track schedules effectively.

3. Catch Up on Laundry (and Do a Load a Day)

• Laundry Catch-Up: Address any backlogs before the school year picks up momentum.
• Laundry Schedule: Establish a weekly laundry schedule that assigns different days for various family members or clothing types.
• Involve Children: Teach older children how to do their own laundry, promoting independence and responsibility. Prepare outfits the night before to minimize morning chaos.
• One Load a Day Strategy: Implement a ‘load a day’ method, where one complete load of laundry is processed daily, including sorting, washing, and putting away. This can greatly assist in maintaining a clean home.

4. Organize an Area That Will Help

• Designate a ‘School Zone’: Create a specific area for school items such as backpacks, papers, and supplies.
• Declutter and Clean: Take time to declutter any cluttered spaces before the school year starts, discarding unnecessary items and creating a fresh environment.
• Organizational Tools: Use bins, labels, and hooks to ensure kids know where items belong, making it easier to keep the area organized.

5. Embrace the Routine

Homekeeping Planner

• Consistent Bedtimes: Establishing specific bedtime routines for everyone can significantly aid in adjusting back to school schedules.
• Family Time: Amidst the busyness, make sure to carve out time for family bonding, whether it’s shared meals, a post-dinner walk, or a movie night.

Remember to extend grace to yourself and your children as you adapt to new fall routines. Transitioning can be demanding, but by planning ahead, you’ll find more time and energy for family moments!