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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
I bought this planner in December and I haven’t look back. Not only has it got me organized but I also have developed a washi tape addiction. I am always on the hunt for washi tape to make my planner pretty and fun.
I have repurposed the blocks in the planner with the help of the washi tape so that they fit my needs. Currently, the top block is for appointments, the middle block is for errands and household chores, and the bottom block contains my work tasks.
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!