It’s hard to believe fall is almost here and it will be back to school time.  So let’s get ready to begin adjusting to the new routine with some tips that On The Go Concierge has found to make everyone’s life easier.

• Start limiting TV and encouraging more reading.
• Check your school’s websites for updates.
• Help you children start getting to bed earlier and waking up earlier the week before school begins.
• Complete any needed medical, dental and eye-care appointments as soon as possible.  Don’t cause unnecessary absences.
• Know the school bus route and schedule.
• Adjust your budget to consider changing school fees or the costs of lunches, transportation, or activities.
• Find out about dress codes before you shop.
• Go through your children’s clothes with them.
• Don’t shop the day before school starts.  Many stores have back-to-school sales so shop early for the widest selection.  If back-to-school shopping at crowded malls tends to leave you feeling tense and exhausted consider doing some shopping through catalogues or online.
• Pick out clothes the night before and assemble outfits on hangers.
• Call your childcare provider at least a week before school starts to review your arrangement.
• Make a list of everything you need to do before school starts.
• Label everything that your child will be taking to school.
• Put up a family calendar in a central place.
• Give each family member a place to store things for school and work.
• Buy a special folder with sections or another filing system to help organize school papers and all the forms you’ll need to fill out.

Have a happy 2011-2012 school year!