Back to school organized means being

Getting your family prepared and organized for backto-school can help save time, money and stress. Take a look at some quick tips from Hellen Buttigieg, a certified professional organizer, on how to seamlessly transition your family from summer fun to back-to-school:

• Cut the clutter – With new school supplies, clothing, and endless amounts of homework streaming into the house, take a moment before the chaos starts to purge items that you no longer want or need. This includes clothing, toys, electronics and old school supplies. Take donations to charity (or establish hand-me-downs) and enjoy the newfound space in your home.

• Plan before you shop – Make a list before you embark on your back-to-school shopping trip. Starting shopping without knowing what your kids actually need is asking to spend money in the wrong places. Take an afternoon to assess each child's clothing needs (after purging) and check in with the school for classroom supply lists before picking up new school supplies.

• Label belongings – Labelling your child's belongings, whether it's lunch boxes, school supplies, or clothing, is one of the most simple and effective ways to stay organized and minimize lost, stolen, or mixed up items.

• Prevent paper pileup – Homework, permission slips and school newsletters can quickly lead to unorganized paper pileup. Creating an easy-to-access space that organizes what is going in and out will help keep track of important forms to ensure they are not forgotten in the morning.

• Keep a centralized calendar – Displaying a centralized calendar in a high-frequency space, such as the kitchen, will help the family keep track of activities. After school activities such as music lessons and sports practice can make life hectic, so having everyone's schedule in one spot will help you stay organized and on track. More information and tips from Hellen Buttigieg are available online at weorganizeu.com.