True confession time . . . I love back to school shopping. It might be the office supplies at the lowest prices of the year. Maybe it’s the beautiful potential of a brand new year. I always know our daughters will learn and experience so many life giving opportunities.
After more than a decade of shopping for a new school year, I’ve learned to go with the flow because the unexpected is always right around the corner. But just because you don’t know what life might throw at you over the next 180 days doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare your home.
School supply lists focus on the many items we know our kids will need – pencils, crayons, scissors, and glue (and eventually composition books and fancy calculators). However, you may want to open your pantry and cabinets to see if YOU are really ready for the back to school rush. If not already on your list, add these items to the ever growing “to be purchased” page.
Quick Fix Breakfast Items
On the first day of school, you’ll probably rise early and begin preparing a breakfast ample enough for a farmer to eat before going to work the fields. But after the special first day celebrations wear off, you need plenty of quick fix, go to items in your fridge, freezer, and pantry. Lean into what your kids eat well that requires little to no preparation.
Consider these quick and easy ideas:
- Oatmeal
- Cereal
- Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches
- Fruit
- Yogurt
Toiletries
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste – when any of these items run out, your whole world veers off track. Take a few minutes to inventory what you already have. Then, fill in the gaps so you’re not caught off guard. Don’t forget face soaps, hair styling products, and makeup, too.
After School Snacks
On the first day of school, I always try to make fresh chocolate chip cookies for the girls to devour. But again, every day can’t be the first day. So think smart about stocking your refrigerator with healthy, quick, and easy options. Consider pre-chopping veggies and fruits. Buy string cheese or nuts. Pop popcorn and bag it yourself. Try to avoid high sugar, high calorie goodies beyond that first special day.
Household Cleaners and Gear
When the school year begins, our family naturally falls back into the regular rhythm of dinner every night at home around the table. The quick snacks and sandwiches of summer are replaced with a wholesome square meal. That means a whole lot of dirty dishes. Household necessities like laundry detergent and trash bags, dish soap and all purpose cleaner will be in high demand as your home returns to its on the go school mode.
Be sure to stock up on what you need before your supplies run dry. Don’t forget to include items like sandwich bags for lunch boxes, too.
Paper Goods
When we were paying off debt, some of the first simple, everyday extravagances to hit the chopping block were items like paper plates and plastic cups. While handy, they’re not necessary. If you’re trying to achieve a financial goal, you may not want to stock up on paper goods during back to school season and remain on track. However, if your budget has wiggle room, a few extra paper goods might make your life a bit easier.
Begin with the essentials – toilet paper and facial tissue. You may even want to pick up an extra box of tissues or two for your child’s classroom. After you’ve built a decent reserve of those items, branch out to the kitchen conveniences like disposable bowls, plates, and cups. Again, you won’t want to use these items every night of the week, but having a few on hand when life gets busy doesn’t hurt.
Hooray for the blessing of a new year. As you send the kids off to the classroom with a bundle of supplies, don’t forget to pick up a few items for your home. Having what you need on hand, keeps you out of the store in the long run. Plus, the less flustered you feel, the less money you spend. Prepare and then enjoy the ride!
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage releases September 25th from Zondervan Harper Collins Christian and is already available for pre-sale now everywhere books are sold.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission.
