<p>True confession time … I love back to school shopping. I’m not sure if it’s the office supplies at the lowest prices of the year or the calm before the storm as our summer winds down. 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 during the academic year, both in and out of the classroom.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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’re really ready for the back to school rush. If not already on your list, you may want to add these items to the ever growing “to be purchased” page.</p>
<p>Quick fix breakfast items</p>
<p>On the first day of school, you’ll probably rise early and begin preparing a breakfast good 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.</p>
<p>Toiletries</p>
<p>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 and then fill in the gaps so you’re not caught off guard. Don’t forget face soaps, hair styling products and makeup, too.</p>
<p>After-school snacks</p>
<p>On the first day of school, I always try to make fresh chocolate chip cookies for the girls to devour when they get off the bus. 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.</p>
<p>Cleaners and gear</p>
<p>When the school year begins, our family naturally falls back into the regular rhythm of dinner every night at home around our kitchen table. The quick snacks and sandwiches of summer are replaced with a wholesome square meal — and 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.</p>
<p>Paper goods</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Begin with the essentials, such as 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 such as 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.</p>
<p>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, too. 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!</p>
