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It feels like summer just began but the back to school shopping signs have already started popping up in the stores. Ever since I was a kid, back to school shopping has been one of my favorite things to do. There’s nothing better than buying a fresh pack of crayons and a blank notebook.
As a mom, there are a few things that I need to get myself ready for the kids to go back to school. They aren’t the only ones that need supplies to keep organized throughout the school year.
6 Things Every Mom Needs for Back to School
If I want to stay on task, I need to use a planner. I practically plan every aspect of our lives: appointments, baseball games, and daily household chores. I also keep a running grocery list for the week.
When I don’t use the planner, I feel like we are out of control. At least if I write it down, I can feel like at least I am trying to have our lives in control.
Colorful Pens
To go along with my Erin Condren Life Planner, I have an array of colorful pens. My favorite pens are the PaperMate Flair pens. They don’t bleed through the planner and ruin other pages. Everyone has an assigned color. I am purple, Ethan is blue, Ben is green, and Mike is yellow. If it’s a family event, I use red. When I put stuff into the planner, I use the appropriate color so at a glance I know what everyone has going on.
I also can’t survive without my tablet or phone. Not only do I write my appointments down in my planner, I keep them on my tablet calendar as well. This way I always have my appointments and tasks with me on the go. I can also jot down notes and schedule appointments without double booking anyone.
I have to have my camera ready for all the first day of school pictures. Every year, we take a picture of the boys under the tree across the street. I also like to take a picture on the last day of school and compare just how much they grew over the school year. 
For now, they play along and don’t give me too much of a hassle but I know in a few years they will hate me for making them take these pictures.
I have a special binder that I use to keep all important school papers in. Each kid has their own section where I keep their school calendars along with schedules. This is also where I keep communication from their teachers and newsletters.
I also include sport schedules and medical documents. At the end of the school year, I empty it out and get it ready for September. Having it all together in one binder makes it easy for me to find what I need when I am looking for it.
Last on my must-have list is a tote bag to put everything in! We are on the go a lot and if I have it all in a tote bag, I can grab and go. I always have my essentials so I can stay on top of everything!
A great planner makes all the difference in keeping track of things!