Back-to-school season always seems to creep in. One day it’s pool floats and popsicles, and the next, your inbox is full of teacher emails and your kitchen’s stocked with lunchbox snacks. Whether you’re sending off a brand-new kindergartener or a seasoned high schooler, a little preparation now can make a world of difference in your day-to-day.
In this guide, we’re covering everything from closet clean-outs and smart shopping tips to resetting routines, organizing school supplies, and even packing lunches your kids will actually eat. Consider this your go-to roadmap for a smoother, more organized transition into the new school year.
Check Your At-Home Inventory Before Shopping
School Supplies
Most schools provide supply lists, but before you click add to cart on every pencil and glue stick, take a quick inventory at home. You might already have leftover supplies hiding in drawers from last year.
Tip: Create a “school supply station” at home with bins: one for current needs, one for extras, and one for donating what you don’t use. Buy a few extra supplies at the beginning of the year when there are great sales and that might just get you through the year!
Favorite places to shop great school supply sales:
- Walmart
- Target
- Amazon
- Note that Amazon also has bulk supply packs!
Clothes
Before rushing out to buy a whole new wardrobe, take a few minutes for a try-on session at home. Check what still fits, what doesn’t, and what your kids are actually willing to wear. It’s a simple step that can not only save you money, but also reduce stress by clearing out the clutter.
Make it fun: Turn on music, do a fashion show, and offer a reward when the job is done! Then you can shop with a real list instead of guessing.
Here are some great donation spots in our local area for anything that’s been outgrown:
- Bloom Closet, Fayetteville
- Clothes Less Traveled Thrift Shop, Peachtree City
- One Roof Outreach, Newnan
Back-to-School Style on a Budget
Kids grow fast, and trends change even faster, so being a savvy shopper is the secret to keeping up without blowing the budget. The good news is the back-to-school season brings some of the best sales of the year, making it the perfect time to stock up. Whether your kid is all about comfort, style, or a mix of both, there are plenty of places to find affordable outfits they’ll actually want to wear. From basics to statement pieces, here are some of our favorite spots to score deals that don’t skimp on style.
Reset the Routine Before the First Day of School
After a summer of staying up late and sleeping in, early mornings can hit hard. A week or two before school starts, begin shifting bedtimes and wake-up times gradually.
Other routines to reset:
- Pack lunch the night before
- Set out clothes in advance
- Create a “launch pad” by the door for backpacks, shoes, and lunchboxes
Tip: Create a checklist for each child to follow in the morning so you don’t have to repeat yourself 37 times before coffee.
Easy and Yummy Lunch Ideas
Packing lunches every single day can get exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be fancy to be fun and filling. Here are some easy, mix-and-match lunch combos your kids won’t trade at the lunch table:
Lunchbox Favorites:
- Turkey & cheese pinwheels + grapes + pretzels
- Hummus + pita chips + carrot sticks + cuties
- Mini bagel with cream cheese + boiled egg + strawberries
- DIY Lunchables: crackers + deli meat + sliced cheese + apples
- Leftover pasta in a thermos + side of cucumber slices + cookies
- Chicken salad with crackers + blueberries + mini muffin
- Peanut butter & banana sandwich + popcorn + yogurt tube
Tips:
- Use a bento-style lunchbox to keep food neat and temperatures as they should be. We LOVE the Omie boxes!
- Freeze juice boxes to double as ice packs
- Freeze yogurt tubes and the melt to the perfect temp my lunch time
- Include a sweet lunchbox note just because
Where to Get the Best Backpacks
Backpacks take a daily beating, so durability and comfort are key. There are lots of stylish, functional options at different price points, and many retailers offer summer sales or monogramming promos.
Pottery Barn Kids & Teen
- Known for: Durability, adorable designs, monogramming
- Best sales: Late June–early August
- Shop here for kids and here for teens
Target
- Known for: Trendy and affordable options
- Best sales: Weekly back-to-school deals start mid-July
- Shop here
L.L.Bean
- Known for: Super sturdy, classic styles, reflective safety strips
- Best sales: July leading into school starting
- Shop here
Amazon
- Known for: All price points, fast delivery, variety
- Best sales: mid-July to August/September
- Shop here
Create a Family Command Center
The school year brings all the paper, emails, and things we can’t forget. Keep it under control with a central station for:
- Calendars
- Permission slips
- Homework
- Library books
- Chore charts
Try a bulletin board, wall files, or a rolling cart with labeled folders. A few intentional zones = less chaos and fewer “Mom, where’s my…?” moments.
If paper isn’t your thing and you’re able to splurge, the Skylight Calendar is a game-changer. It’s a digital touchscreen calendar that keeps your family’s schedule in one beautifully displayed place, syncing seamlessly with your devices and helping everyone stay on track. If you have room in the budget, this one’s truly worth every penny.
Ease the Anxiety (Theirs and Yours)
New school years bring excitement and nerves. Talk through what to expect, visit the school if you can, and keep the first week as calm as possible.
What helps:
- A handwritten lunchbox note
- Extra hugs on the first day
- Letting them choose their outfit or backpack
- Planning a small treat or dinner to celebrate the first day back
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school prep isn’t just about the supplies or the schedules. It’s about setting the stage for another year of growth, learning, and everyday magic. Yes, it’s a grind. There are early mornings, forgotten lunchboxes, missing shoes, and meltdowns over math homework. But tucked into all of that are the tiny moments that matter most.
The sweet “have a good day” hugs.
The artwork shoved lovingly into backpacks.
The snacktime chats about what happened at recess.
It’s true what they say: the days are long, but the years are short. One day, we’ll miss the sticky lunch notes, the backpacks dumped by the door, and the chaos of picture day mornings. So as you check off your to-do lists, take a breath. Soak in the laughter, the learning, the little hands in yours, because one day, these will be the days we yearn for.
You’re doing an amazing job, Mama. ❤️
Happy last days of summer,
The Gals at Good to Be Home 🐝
