Back to School Tips - Get the Closets Ready

The first in the three-pronged approach to back to school readiness is Get the House Ready.

The first plan of attack is your sons' closets. No matter what their age, you'll need to initiate closet cleanout, because they're rather unlikely to even consider that on their own. You'll need their help, however. Getting their input on what fits and what doesn't, what they like and hate will make the whole process easier and more efficient. Besides, moms need to teach their sons how to take care of their clothes. Someday they'll be filling up (and maybe even cleaning out?) closets on their own. Toddlers to teens need to be involved in this process.

First, make some piles. Boys love chucking stuff in piles. Make up three little signs -- Too Small, Don't Wear, Worn Out. If your boys don't read yet, let them come up with a funny picture for each. Place the signs in three separate areas of the room and start the "weeding out" process.

Next, bag and move. If the "too smalls" and the "don't wears" can go to a brother or other, move them. If not, bag them up for Goodwill or a charitable clothes closet.

Next is your search and discover mission. Have the boys search their closet for their school clothes and warmer clothes.

It's now moving time. Move the school clothes and warmer clothes to the front of the closet, organizing them as you go. If your son wears uniforms to school, put the shirt together by color and sleeve length, then follow with the pants.

The next area to attack is belts and shoes. Use a special hanger for belts or put them in a bin or basket. Make sure everyday shoes for school are front and center and easy to find.

If your son has clothes in drawers, bins or baskets, follow the same steps to organize those areas. If you have toddlers, consider a 2 rod system for your closet so they can reach items easily. One of my mom friends has invested in canvas pockets that hang from the rod. She places shirts in one, shorts in another, etc., and her 3 year old son can easily find his own clothes.

Now, get rid of those "too smalls," "don't wears," and "worn outs." NOW! You can take the boys along to drop them off at Goodwill -- it's a great way for them to see how their stuff can help others. If you're pressed for time, most charitable organizations will come by and pick up if you just give them a call.

A few extra hints

Lost shoes can be disaster on school mornings. I established a front hall shoe lineup for my boys, and they kicked off and deposited their shoes there. One of the boys had the job of "straightening the shoes in the front hall" each night before bed.

Consider a "tomorrow spot" in each boy's room or closet. Encourage them to place the clothes they'll wear tomorrow in that spot each night before bed. That way, if for some reason the favorite shirt just HAS to be worn tomorrow and it's dirty, you'll at least know 12 hours before so you can show him how to throw it in the washer.

So go attack those closets. Choose your poison -- get them all over with in one day or set aside a day for each son. It's up to you. But do it now and you'll save yourself aggravation later.

Anything that will make school mornings go more smoothly is worth a little summer time. And don't forget, Mom -- all that you do now is training for your sons' futures.

For the love of boys,

Laura