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As a mom, I know that a back-to-school checklist is the easiest way to get ready for a new year. I know—it feels like we’re finally ready to enjoy summer with plenty of travel and fun activities coming up. But before we crack open that first summer beach read it hits us: back-to-school is right around the corner.
As much as I want to put off thinking about back to school, I know my future self will thank me for getting a head start. Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten or you’ve done back-to-school for years, getting a head start on your checklist is the secret to not stressing.
Many schools send out reading lists and the crucial school supplies list in mid-summer. I’m doing you one better because we know how much you deserve to feel ready for the year. Plus, if the last few years have taught me anything, it’s that scrambling during the last weeks of summer makes it all more stressful. Being ready with a back-to-school checklist actually helps me enjoy those last long summer days.
That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate back-to-school preparation checklist for parents. The best part? We’ve broken it up into chunks of time in the summer to complete them.
This way, hopefully all parents feel less overwhelmed and are ready to have the best school year possible. Plus, download and save our free downloadable checklist for added convenience!
The Ultimate Back-to-School Preparation Checklist for Moms
These are the tasks that will either require more advanced notice or that can be completed without outside input.
Schedule Any Doctor’s Appointments
Many schools ask that children have physicals before getting back in the classroom. Whether this be for extracurricular activities, or just routine vaccines or eye exams, get this on the calendar as soon as you can. You won’t want to be scrambling too close to school deadlines. While you’re there, be sure to:
Order a second set of any prescriptions to keep at school: Getting a refill of any prescriptions your kiddos need to have on hand will give you both peace of mind. Contact your doctor or pharmacy a few weeks before school begins to make sure they’re ready to go for the first day of school.
Get copies of medical forms needed: Lots of schools will request things like vaccine records and their latest physical information. Get these files ready to have on hand when needed.
Audit Previous Years’ Supplies
Before embarking on the school supply hunting trip, go through what you already have. Chances are your little ones still probably have a few items that can be reused. Once you’ve checked off what you already have on the school supply list, then you can head to the store for what’s missing. Make sure you’re grabbing the grade-appropriate pencils, notebooks, and scissors this year—younger kids may need special ones according to skill level, while older kids may have outgrown what they used last year.
Don’t forget: This is also a great time to check that backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, and any school uniforms still fit and are in good condition. Identifying what needs to be replaced now can help you avoid last-minute shopping trips later in the summer.
As kids get older, they’re often spending more time away from you—between school, after-school activities, sports, and friends’ houses. Before the school year begins, decide how your family will stay connected throughout the day. Talk through things like when kids should check in after school, how they’ll let you know if plans change, and who they should contact in an emergency. If your child is ready for a device, now is also a good time to set expectations around calling, texting, and screen time so everyone starts the year on the same page.
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Make a List of Meal Ideas and Grocery Items
There’s nothing harder to deal with than going into the first days of the school year not either not knowing what to pack for lunches, or to make for dinner. Instead of wrestling with the responses to “What do you want for dinner?” start a list of meal ideas to refer back to.
Even though the kids will be out of the house more during the school year, there are things to do around the house that will make things easier once school starts.
Set up a homework/study spot: This will especially come in handy for our middle and high school students but can be beneficial for elementary school kids getting into the homework habit as well. Maybe it’s time for them to get their first desk, or there’s a nook in the living room you can put some school supplies like notebook paper to get them ready to study.
Start a filing system for yourself: Inevitably, kiddos will come home from school with lots of things. The fun stuff like artwork, pictures, and awards will come home with things like event flyers and informational handouts. Set up a filing system that makes storing and finding these items when you need them simple.
Review the School Calendar
Just when we thought nothing could beat the busyness of our summer calendars, we’re handed the school calendar. There are a few things you can do to make all of the upcoming events feel less overwhelming:
Add all of the important school dates into your personal calendar: This way you know when you need to take any PTO for work, or when you’ll need to source and schedule additional childcare. When it comes to these things, the sooner the better!
Sit down with your partner/co-parent: Have a conversation about weekly schedules, pick-up/drop-off needs, and extracurriculars. Having a plan set in place for these needs will make all the difference when the time comes.
Go Back-to-school Shopping for Supplies and Clothes
Since we can’t get out of it, we may as well get it done. Plus, we know you’ll never hear the end of it if it’s put off too long and all the good supplies are gone. As soon as you get that school supplies list, make time to get out there and shop.
Don’t forget things that won’t make it on the list—see our list of back-to-school essentials below—like water bottles, lunch boxes, a school backpack, new shoes, and any uniforms. Be sure to label everything, especially for younger kids prone to leaving things on the playground.
Don’t forget: If your school uses communication apps, parent portals, or online payment systems, take a few minutes to make sure your accounts are set up and passwords are up to date. Future you will be grateful when permission slips and school announcements start rolling in.
Hear us out, it’s not a bad idea to practice your morning routine before the first week of school. Practice things like waking up early, putting on shoes, and leaving the house in a timely manner. It will make doing so in real-time so much easier if a routine is already established.
Create a Morning Checklist
We love our checklists here at The Everymom—along with our back-to-school preparation checklist, we recommend crafting a morning checklist. Nothing is more anxiety-inducing than frantically trying to leave the house knowing that you’ve forgotten to do something. Think about what exactly needs to happen to get everyone out of the door each morning and write these things down to refer back to.
Schedule Them a Haircut
Use the first day of school as the perfect reason for kids to get a haircut. They’ll be looking fresh in time for the first day of school—and the cut might even last until school picture day.
Review School Safety Protocols
Reviewing the school drop-off or bus policy will make sure everyone’s ready to get to and from school safely. It also doesn’t hurt to request the safety policies from your school and decide how much information to share with your kids. Reviewing them together can give them an opportunity to ask questions in a comfortable setting and add confidence when leaving the house.
Attend a Teacher Meet-and-Greet
You know the first day of school is getting near when the class list frenzy begins. If your child’s school offers a teacher meet-and-greet visit, plan to attend to get them familiar with the people and places where they’ll be spending plenty of time during the upcoming year.
Plan the First Day of School Outfit
Make sure their favorite fit is clean and ready to go. Consider laying it out together the night before so they feel extra ready—and excited—for the first day of school.
Don’t forget: Label water bottles, lunch boxes, jackets, and backpacks before the first day. It only takes a few minutes and can save you from replacing items that inevitably end up in the lost and found.
The Night Before School Checklist
Don’t forget: Charge school-issued devices, lay out first-day outfits, pack backpacks, and double-check arrival and dismissal plans. Taking care of these small tasks the night before can make the first morning of school feel much less rushed.
Before you finish your checklist, make sure you have these commonly forgotten back-to-school essentials ready to go. While your school supply list covers classroom basics, these are the items parents often realize they need once the school year begins.
Ensure they’re always hydrated with a durable, convenient, and leak-proof water bottle. We know it sounds impossible, but we promise, quality water bottles for kids are out there!
Back-to-School Clothes & Shoes
Start putting together your back-to-school clothes shopping list early. That way you’re ready to tackle sales as they pop up, including new school shoes.
Home Organization Items
Remaining organized throughout the end of summer and the school year will make all the difference. Use these products to get your home ready for whatever the school year has in store.
Name Labels
Keep their new back-to-school gear out of the lost and found with name labels for their coats, water bottles, and more.
As the Editorial Assistant, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!
Roberta is an editor with 10+ years experience in content strategy and brand building. Before joining The Everymom she was Editorial Director at Brides and previously served as Digital Editor at Women’s Wear Daily. She grew up in Brazil and currently calls Brooklyn home with her son, Lucas.
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This post contains sponsored inclusions of Verizon, Instacart, and Staples, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.
