August is when almost all local and national retailers have their back-to-school deals and Texas offers a tax-free weekend. Before taking advantage of potential savings, there are a few best practices to follow.
Check the list of required supplies
You can often find a list of suggested supplies on your school’s website, or in a flyer that was sent through the mail. Make sure you have that list in hand so you don’t buy things you don’t need, or miss others you do.
Take inventory of what you already have
My son almost always has never-used supplies from the previous year. Look for pencils, pens, notebooks, and other discarded utensils. Collect what you find and put them in a designated spot in your home, so you can locate them easily when you need them.
Use some supplies for a homework station
Some teachers require very specific supplies and last year’s protractor won’t cut it this year. If that’s the case, use leftover supplies to set up a homework station. If you have a significant amount of unused supplies, or you have items that are no longer age appropriate, then consider donating them to the school for classes where there is still a need.
What still fits?
Before shopping for new clothes, take an inventory of what you have that still fits. If they have five pairs of jeans that still fit, then buying five more is a recipe for a messy room and a ton of laundry woes. As much as your kid might fight it, it is a good idea to take him/her with you on any clothing and/or shoe-buying trips. Having your kid present will ensure you get clothes and shoes that actually fit, so you’re not having to make multiple trips to a store to return ill-fitting items.
Give yourself a break
It is not the end of the world if everything isn’t purchased by the first day of school. Once the year is in full swing no one will remember that you sent glue on day two.
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