5 Tips for Getting Organized for Back-to-School

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With only 2 weeks until the 1st day of school, back-to-school prep mode is in full swing here! This past weekend we managed to get the bulk of our school shopping done – clothes, shoes, & even most of our school supplies. With those items crossed off of my to-do list, I’m now feeling ready to tackle the rest of the month and get everything organized for the coming school year.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a paper + pen gal to the core. Sure, I love my smart phone, but there’s just something I love about a good pen. Anyone else relate?! And that’s where FriXion Pens by Pilot Pen come in! FriXion pens are pretty incredible – they are true erasable Gel ink pens that actually work. They write smoothly while still allowing you to write, erase & re-write until you get your project just right.

This back-to-school season, head to Michaels to stock up on a variety of pens by Pilot Pen. Michaels is the ultimate writing destination for all of your back-to-school needs. And if you happen to be a teacher, Michaels wants to show how much they appreciate you with a 15% Teacher Discount.

With the help of Michaels + Pilot Pen, here are my best tips for staying organized this back-to-school season.

1. Choose a Paper Calendar/Planner

Like I mentioned earlier, there’s just something irreplaceable about good old fashion pen + paper. I stay so much more on top of tasks when I can see my days, weeks, and months all laid out for me on paper. Every month when I sit down to fill my planner with important dates & reminders, I always reach for FriXion Color Marker Pens. I love how many colors there are to choose from and the fact that they are erasable is even better! Now I can keep my planner looking clean + colorful and I don’t have to worry about unsightly scribble all throughout my planner.

2. Make To-Do Lists

Now that you’ve filled out your planner for the month, it’s time to break those tasks down into bite-size chunks. Did you begrudgingly volunteer for your child’s class Halloween party and now have a laundry list of things you have to bring to said party? I recommend either keeping a running to-do list under each day on your calendar or on a separate sheet of paper tucked in the front pocket of your planner. Either way, make the list and keep it handy! It’s always a good idea to keep a FriXion Clicker pen or two inside your notebook/planner, too.

3. Don’t Procrastinate!

Even more so than pretty planners + detailed to-do lists, I personally believe the key to staying organized is completing tasks right away. When that inevitable stack of school emergency contact forms, field trip permission slips & class party sign up sheets make their way home, do yourself a favor and fill them out as soon as you can. Otherwise, they’ll just get buried under that huge pile of papers that’s been sitting on your kitchen island for weeks (guilty!).

4. Invest Time into Sunday Prep

I’m a huge believer in Sunday prep! A dedicated hour or two spent preparing for the week ahead can make a huge difference in how smoothly your week goes. I realize you can’t plan for every little thing on Sunday; however, you can take the time to set yourself up for success. Gather up all of your writing supplies – a note pad, planner/calendar, sticky notes and your favorite FriXion pens. Take some time to meal plan (both dinners + school lunches), update your calendar and write out lunch box notes ahead of time.

Get-Organized-this-Back-to-School-Season

5. Create a School Folder for Each Child

To avoid loose papers from being stacked sky high on the kitchen counter, pick up an inexpensive folder (or binder) for each of your kiddos and file all of their important school papers inside. I started doing this when my oldest was still in preschool and it has been so helpful in keeping up with everything. File away classroom contact lists, report cards, and even writing assignments and/or artwork! I especially love going back and looking through my son’s writing worksheets from the beginning of the year to see how much he’s learned. And don’t forget to periodically go through your folder and purge anything that you may no longer need. Recycle the folder, and use it again next school year!

Bonus Tip: A Simple Back-to-School Teacher Gift Idea

Now that you’ve had a chance to see just why FriXion is the #1 Selling Erasable Pen Brand in America, treat your child’s teacher to a 1st day of school gift – a cute mason jar filled with a variety of pens by Pilot Pen. The best part about this gift is that it takes mere minutes to put together. As a teacher myself, I promise he or she will so appreciate this kind gesture!