Back to school - time to do your 'home' work

(ARA) - Before you know it, the kids will be back in school ... which means back to crazy schedules of carpools and extracurricular activities. To help keep some sanity during your hectic days, do your "home" work now. A few simple steps to get your house organized and updated can mean less stress once the school year begins.

Everything has its place

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, things have a way of being thrown on the floor or misplaced when entering or exiting the home. Stop the chaos now by establishing a location for everyday items such as keys, shoes, jackets and backpacks to ensure everything has its place. It's easy to create a storage area in your mudroom. Cubbies, hooks and baskets make hanging items effortless and also provide a place to store extra objects or sports equipment.

Super savers

To prevent added stress and chaos, be sure to plan ahead for the busy weeknights after school and work. You can save time and money by preparing meals for the week during the weekend. Sundays are a perfect day to cook up some nutritious and delicious dinners to freeze for the following week. Have your children help out and not only will you be able to spend quality time with the family, but you'll also make sure the menu is to everyone's liking.

Not a big fan of cooking? Another option is to have meals prepared for you. Companies, such as Super Suppers, can help prevent dinner stress. You can select dinner entrees within your price range, pick them up at your convenience and cross another item off the to-do list.

Kitchen and bath clean up

As two of the most used rooms in the home, the kitchen and bathroom, can quickly become messy. Help to keep these high-traffic areas looking clean with an innovation that not only saves time, but also makes clean-up a snap. With the new Spot Resist finishes from Moen, you no longer have to worry about cleaning your faucets. Available at Lowe's and The Home Depot, this innovation does what it says - resists fingerprints and water spots - for a designer look that maintains the beauty and brilliance of the faucet in between cleanings. It'll give you more time to do what you like, with one less kitchen and bathroom chore on your list.

Study zone set up

Help your children start the school year on the right foot by creating a productive study area. Locate a spot with minimal distractions to set up a desk and chair with all of their books and materials. Be sure the room has sufficient lighting and keep necessary supplies such as pens, calculators and reference materials on hand. To help prevent wasted study time, consider adding a power charger or charging station for items like laptops and smart phones.

Visual and digital planner

Being super mom or super dad during the school year is tough while juggling your children's schedules and your own. Get organized with a visual or digital planner so you never have to worry about missing a doctor's appointment, school play, cheerleading or football practice again. Hang a master calendar that lists all of the important family activities and appointments. A mesh bulletin board is a great option, such as the one from Crate and Barrel, that comes with both push pins and magnets. And, as a bonus, it cleans off easily with a damp cloth. For those who prefer the digital world, be sure to sync up schedules in Outlook and set audible reminders.

For many parents, back to school is considered the "most wonderful time of the year." Help to keep your family's spirits up by completing these easy "home" work tasks early to ensure an enjoyable time for all.

Courtesy of ARAcontent