Organize + Energize: 5 Tips For Easier Back To School Shopping

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Kristin MacRae, GoLocalWorcester Organizing Expert

Shopping is the first hurdle of many in the back to school season. Make sure you're prepared!

You may have already started back to school clothes and supply shopping, but have you taken inventory of what your child already owns? Save money and avoid purchasing duplicate items by having a system for back to school shopping. Be prepared, plan ahead and get your lists ready!

Here are 5 tips to make back to school shopping less stressful:

1. Pre-shopping.

Take everything out of their clothes closet. Make 4 piles: Donate, sell, keep, and toss. Do you know what is hiding in the back corners of their closet? You won’t know unless you take everything out.

2. Categorize and organize before you shop.

Filter clothes back in by categories. Organize their clothes according to how they wear them. Do they have clothes that they wear for certain occasions? You can categorize the clothes this way or however you would like. Be sure however you choose to store them, you have an organized system that your child can follow.

3. Take inventory.

You now know exactly what your child owns and you won’t have to worry that you are wasting money purchasing duplicate items. Take a look at all the clothes and build a mix and match wardrobe from those pieces.

4. School supplies.

Talk with your kids to find out exactly what supplies they might need to start the school year. Make a list at home before you rush out to purchase supplies. Search for the best deals online and then head out to the stores.

5. Make a list.

Write down exactly what you need to purchase and take it with you to avoid buying duplicate items and wasting money. Be sure to bring any coupons you may have.

If you are organized, shopping will not be a chore. Be sure to map out where you want to shop, which stores you want to visit and be sure to bring coupons and your list. Bring an envelope/pouch with you to store all your receipts so they aren’t thrown all over your pocketbook. It will be easier to keep track of how much you are spending if all your receipts are contained. You will look back on this back to school season and be happy, and relieved that you have saved time and money.

Next week’s article: Importance of a calendar.

Kristin Carcieri-MacRae, the founder and owner of Organizing in RI, has always enjoyed finding creative ways to streamline the environment around her. Kristin has appeared on air on www.talkstreamradio.com and Patricia Raskin's Positive Business Radio. Her articles have been published in the Rhode Island Small Business Journal and New England Home Life. Her CD, Organizing Basics, is a 1-hour guide for the person who wants to get organized but doesn't know where to start and is available at the following locations listed here. She is also available for organizing workshops.

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.

Email to a friend Permalink