Summer winding down can only mean one thing for parents: It’s back-to-school time! This is when family schedules are once again upended but for good reasons. Adjustments will have to be made and pickups and drop offs will need to be coordinated. Here are some other items to consider when you’re getting your kids ready for school.

Embrace Their New Hobbies

The older a child gets, the more they’ll be able to explore new hobbies and activities. Most of these will be happening after school but that’s not a bad thing as long as they don’t run into homework time. Although they will be focused in the moment of doing their best playing sports, dancing, acting, singing or playing an instrument, a lot of what they’ll learning in these hobbies can have a positive impact on the rest of their lives. In other words, embrace their new hobbies.

Liven Up Their Lunch Boxes

The best way to insure your student is having a healthy lunch is to pack it for them. First, you might want to say good-bye to the juice box and hello fruit infused water. They get the same fruity “kick” but without all the added sugar. Instead of salty snacks, pack veggie sticks. Let your kid pick out their favorites. As for the sandwiches, you can mix things up there, too by switching up the bread. Try wraps, pitta, bagels or toast.

Wake Up Early

Sorry but school days means everyone gets up early. Since you’re in charge, you should add 15 minutes to your wakeup time so you can assess the day and get things in order. For breakfast, let the kids pick what the want the night before and then set out as much as you can to have it ready. On the weekends, whip up a batch of waffles and pancakes and then freeze them. One pass through the toaster and they’re ready to go.

Choose Outfits the Night Before

Along with getting as much ready for breakfast and lunch making the night before, you should also have your kids pick out what they’re going to wear the night before. If your child has a school uniform, then the night before would be the time to wash and/or iron it.

Once you get into these habits, you’ll find your mornings running a lot smoother. It will help you stay organized when there isn’t a lot of clutter in closets, dressers and everywhere else. That’s why a decluttering session with Junk King Chicago should be a priority. You designate what you want removed and the Junk King crew will whisk it away in a matter of minutes. Getting your kids ready for school will be helped when you get rid of the clutter. Give that job to Junk King Chicago today.