In this Local Lifestyles video Amy talks about organizing all the stuff your children bring home from school, and how to get ready for the following school year without causing stress over the summer.

Clean it all out

Before they disappear for the summer, have your children help you go through the locker and gym stuff right away, and clean out backpacks so there are no nasty surprises (like a forgotten lunch) in the fall!

Sort that stuff

If you haven’t done this throughout the year, go through their papers and pick your top 10-15 items (20 max!) and set up a file system or a bin to store those precious papers, certificates and memorabilia.

Clothes, too

Whether your children wear uniforms or not, you’ll know what no longer fits. If items are in good condition, donate them or consign them. If they’re full of holes and worn, toss ’em out!

No-fuss Fall

To make sure things are ready to go when fall rolls around, go ahead and start your back-to-school list right away. Any clothing items that need to be replaced can go on the list, as well as any supplies they may need (remember to watch for the lists that the schools give local merchants listing specific items).