6 Organizing Tips to Take Kids from Summer Days to School Days in Apple Valley and Savage

No matter how old kids are, they need a little nudge to get back in school mode after a summer of freedom. These tips will help you prepare them to be ready to go when the first school bell sounds.

1. Stock Up on Supplies

Take advantage of back-to-school sales at stores like Target and Office Depot to pick up staples like writing utensils, notebooks and backpacks. Use a shopping list and check off items as you go. Save time and place orders online for store pickup.

2. Set Up a To-Go Station

Even the best planning can't prevent the occasional last-minute rush. Fill an over-the-seat car organizer with extra supplies along with granola bars and other quick breakfast and snack items.

3. Create a Command Center

Textbooks and other school materials have a magical way of becoming scattered around your Springs at Apple Valley or Springs at Egan Drive luxury apartment home. Set a master staging area in a convenient spot where kids can stash everything until morning.

4. Designate a Homework Zone

Kids will be more likely to focus on homework when they have an area that's dedicated to school activities. If you're short on space, a DIY portable lap tray can turn any spot into a desk.

5. Pre-Plan Lunches

Do lunches sometimes turn out to be whatever you could grab quickly from the fridge? Post a cheat sheet of mix-and-match nutritious lunch items and add them to your shopping list so healthy options are always available. Older kids can even use the choices to make their own lunches.

6. Don't Forget the Fun

Kids sometimes think that back-to-school means the end of fun. Make a point to schedule regular family outings that are both entertaining and educational.

• Head to Walker Art Center in Minneapolis each month for Free First Saturdays featuring live performances, arts and crafts, games and family-friendly films.
• The second Saturday of each month is Family Fun Day at Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley. Each event revolves around a different theme such as "Earth Art" and "Cold-Blooded Critters."
• Summer will last a bit longer with a trip to watch the Minnesota Twins play in their beautiful new home at Target Field.
• Saturday, September 23 is Museum Day Live! This Smithsonian-sponsored event allows free entry to participating museums and cultural institutions with a ticket downloaded from the magazine's website.

Do your kids have a favorite healthy snack or lunch item? Tell us about it in the comments!