Oh joy, the kids are back in school and we’re getting used to the new routines… Life is good… And then from the very first day of school you realize you have an organizing challenge ahead of you! The Paper! The paper is newsletters, permission slips, notes, homework, assignments, and artwork! I am sure I missed a few categories – but you get the point… There is so much paper and if you don’t have a system in place, where does the paper go? Probably everywhere- kitchen counters, tables, kids bedrooms, underneath beds, etc. So here we go again wasting time and energy looking for something we know we have, we just can’t find!
Here are some simple solutions in getting this paper under control!
1. Have a plan for paper- decide up front where the paper is going. For every piece of paper needs to have a home. You can use a banker box, clear or colored storage containers for each child. As paper and artwork come in, this is where it lands. Of course for the special projects and assignments those are posted for everyone to see. But even these items need to be rotated as new ones come in. When they have had their turn on the refrigerator, place in your box.
2. Set guidelines on what is going to be saved and what is not. In order to eliminate paper clutter you can not save everything. Save the items that mean the most to you and your children. You can purge the paper as it comes in, in 2 weeks, 6 months, or at the end of the year. Whatever works best for you, just make sure you do it! For items you don’t necessarily want to keep but do not want to forget, take a picture of the item with your child.
3. Make sure to have a spot designated in your home for important school papers- for example permission slips, upcoming events, calendar, etc. This paper can be tacked on a bulletin board, ( Just make sure to not clutter the bulletin board! Recycle paper as it as expired) I keep a manilla folder on my desk labeled – School Info. Another idea is to have a binder in your kitchen or main area that is just for school papers, you could use tabs to separate the papers by month. It doesn’t matter exactly what it looks like – just make sure to have spot!
4. Have a Memorabilia Box for each child. These are the things you want to keep forever, or at least for awhile! Separate the papers & artwork by grade level and school year. If you scrapbook- use some of the pieces as part of your pages- showcasing your child’s best work.
5. Establish a daily routine to clean out the backpack! Make sure any excess papers are filed and put away.
Happy Organizing!
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