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Two of Ireland’s top professional organisers have put their heads together to offer some game changing tips for parents as the back to school season comes into full swing.
Kim and Lyn from organising company A Sorted Affair are determined to help take the stress out of getting the little ones back into their school routine.
Lyn explains: “As busy working mums, we know that this time of the year can be overwhelming. So, starting early and being prepared is the easiest way to make the transition back to school less stressful for everyone, especially the mums!”
Below are some of their top tips for the coming term.
1. Uniform and clothes
Kim says: “Take an hour out of your weekend to make sure the items you need for Monday – Wednesday (at least) are washed and dry. We recommend having everything you need, including underwear and socks, in one, easy-to-grab location.
2. Food
Kim says: “Organise the fridge! It’s a simple tip but very effective and one of the biggest time savers. Put all the lunch box items together and in grab-and-go containers. That way you can lift it out of the fridge, get what you need and then pop them straight back in ready for the next day.”
3. Labels
Lyn says: “We are the self-confessed labelling queens so this one seems obvious, but it’s at this time of year especially that they really are a handy item to have in your home. We use them to label uniforms, bags, lunch boxes, football boots, the school jumpers. Labelling anything that leaves the house means you have a better chance of it making its way back!”
4. Home time
“The biggest overall tip we can give you is to create new household habits, especially when coming home from school,” says Kim. “Yes, you will get the moans and groans from the kids but very quickly it will turn into second nature like any healthy habit. When coming in from school, coats and bags are stored on a designated hook. Shoes are in designated drawer or basket. No more being half an hour late because one shoe is missing.”
Kim and Lyn are professional organisers and run A Sorted Affair, a team of professional organisers that help individuals, families and businesses, declutter and get organised.