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Nailing the school run!

23rd June 2016 by Organisedjo 39 Comments

Three times this week I have actually managed to get us all to the school doors before they have opened! This has been my holy grail since the youngest started school last September. Whoop whoop, where’s my ‘I completed the school run on time medal’? What, there isn’t one??! Oh!

Pinterest Image of two girls dressed in school uniform

We won’t talk about my epic fail that happened the other week though. Oh you want to know why? Well, we walked all the way to school without my youngests school bag, which had her packed luch and drink in too. She then proceeded to tell EVERYONE about this from the school gates all the way to her classroom. Why do they do that? Anyway, a quick dash home ensued with a detour to the school again on my way to work.

This fail of mine got me thinking. How did I get good at this school run thing? I came to the conclusion it was because I was being that little bit more organised the night before. This was making my mornings run smoother. Find out below what we do to get out of the house and to school on time.

The night before:

  • Sort kids bags – As soon as the kids walk in the door, or when I get home from work the girls bags are empted. Drink bottles are washed up and packed lunch boxes, if used, are cleaned out. I also read all the letters/notes/flyers/birthday invites that have come home that day. Fill out any forms that need completing and put them back in the bags. All ready to be handed in the next day.
  • Update calendar – Add any school trips/birthday invites/important dates to the calendar and clip the piece of paper to the girls individual clipboards.

Kitchen wall with clipboards hanging up to hold school paperwork

  • Check what’s on for the next day – I then check if there is anything happening the next day that the girls need extra things for. If so, I sort it there and then. If I don’t I will forget!
  • Start preparing packed lunches – If they are not having a hot dinner I make sandwiches and create their piles of lunches in the fridge. These usually include a sandwich, cheese string, yoghurt and fruit. They then just need putting in the girls packed lunch boxes the next morning. I also add crisps or breadsticks to their cleaned out packed lunch boxes and leave these on the side. They are then ready for the fridge stuff in the morning.
  • What are you wearing? – I have been sorting out the girls uniform and my work clothes for the next day before bedtime. Including pants and socks for all of us. This has certainly helped, and it moves the ‘I have nothing to wear’ conversation to the night before. Don’t forget the shoes. I leave ours at the bottom of the stairs ready for the morning.
  • Empty dishwasher –  I hate leaving the house with dirty dishes on the side, so having an empty dishwasher when I get up in the morning means the dishes from breakfast can go straight in.

And in the morning:

  • Get up before the kids – I have been trying to get up at least half an hour before the girls do. This gives me time to have a drink, catch up with social media and sort out my daily Instagram post. Now I know I’m lucky with this, but I have to wake the girls just after 7. While the girls are coming too, watching TV or playing with toys its time for a shower and to get changed and do hair before breakfast.
  • Keep their breakfast simple – I’ve noticed that if I keep the options to three things breakfast goes smoother. These are cereal, toast/brioche or fruit and yoghurt.
  • Keep your breakfast simple – I have been loving smoothies and it starts my day feeling quite virtuous. With smoothies I can sometimes get at least 2.5 of my 5 a day in one go. My go to reciepe is banana, frozen fruit (either mixed fruit, raspberries or blueberries), handful of spinach, chocolate flavoured whey protein and almond milk. Bung it in the Nutribullet and you are off.
  • 8 am and everyone back upstairs – The girls can both get themselves dressed on their own now and then off to wash, brush teeth and hair. Kids then entertain themselves for 10 minutes while I brush my teeth and do make up.
  • 8.30 am – shoes on, grab bags (don’t forget the bags!!) and go!!

This routine seems to be the one that works for us. It has certainly helped take the stress out of getting the three of us out of the house, looking decent ish and to school and work on time.

What is your routine? What helps get you and your family out of the house in the morning?

Lets get organised!

Jo

x

 

A Cornish Mum
My Random Musings

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Filed Under: Featured, Organising Tagged With: Clipboards, Control Centre, Morning Routine, Organising, Paperwork, routine, School run, Tips

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Comments

  1. Laura - dear bear and beany says

    24th June 2016 at 10:34 am

    I am booking mark this! My daughter starts school in September and this is a fab! X #picknmix

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      24th June 2016 at 10:17 pm

      Thanks for your lovely comment Laura. It’s a nervous exciting time when they start school, hope your daughter loves it as much as my two do! X

      Reply
  2. Charlotte says

    24th June 2016 at 12:38 pm

    It is so important to stay organised for the school run, I am not as organised as this, I still make up their lunch boxes in the morning, but our morning routine is very similar. As of next September the kids start school 10 minutes earlier so will have to shift the routine slightly. #picknmix

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      24th June 2016 at 10:28 pm

      Thanks for the comment Charlotte. Once you find your routine, it’s great isn’t it. I love it, and helps to make the mornings a bit less stressful! X

      Reply
  3. There's always time for tea says

    24th June 2016 at 1:25 pm

    I have to to do everything the night before as well. Makes my mornings so much easier! xx #Picknmix

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      24th June 2016 at 10:30 pm

      It so does and I really notice it if I don’t get sorted the night before, and it’s just not nice starting the day stressed before you even get out the door! X

      Reply
  4. T says

    25th June 2016 at 10:09 pm

    Loving your smoothie recipe… where do u get your whey protein and frozen fruit from? 🙂

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      25th June 2016 at 10:41 pm

      Thanks for the comment. I buy any packs of frozen fruit from any supermarket, I’ve got raspberries at the moment. The protein I buy online from My Protein as I love their flavours – fans are smooth chocolate and chocolate mint (it tastes like matchsticks ). Let me know if you give it a go, they are lush. Xx

      Reply
  5. blabbermama says

    27th June 2016 at 10:31 am

    Now this sounds like my kind of thing! My son goes to nursery in September and a lot of this I can use. Anything to make mornings go a bit smoother! #marvmondays

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      30th June 2016 at 10:46 pm

      I did this when my girls were at nursery, it really did help getting me and them out the door nearly on time most days! Hope your son enjoys his time at nursery next term. Thanks for commenting. Jo x

      Reply
  6. the frenchie mummy says

    27th June 2016 at 1:54 pm

    Wow! Your blog is just perfect for you! I am amazed. let me know when you pass by the south east of London. Maybe you can organise my house? Just kidding but thanks for a lot tips for a disorganised mummy like me. Really happy to have discovered your blog!
    #MarvMondays

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      30th June 2016 at 10:47 pm

      Thank you so much for your lovely comment. And I’m more than happy to pop on when passing, especially if payment is in coffee and cake, or Prosecco, I’m not picky! . Jo x

      Reply
  7. Kaye says

    27th June 2016 at 7:25 pm

    Fab tips! Though we have a while until schooldays, I already try and get up before Archie (a peaceful cup of tea and getting some blogging done early feels great) and I need to seriously get organised the night before. I should do this for my own job but never do and end up rushing around like a mad woman on the mornings I work! Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays. Kaye xo

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      30th June 2016 at 10:50 pm

      Thanks for the comment Kaye. I love the morning before the kids get up, sets me up for the day. X

      Reply
  8. Yvonne says

    27th June 2016 at 9:40 pm

    We are not at school age yet – by that i mean the kids ha ha – but this is a great post for ideas on how to get ready and be there on time, we are late for everything and I have not idea how we are going to get to the school gates on time!! xxx #MarvMondays

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      30th June 2016 at 10:51 pm

      Thanks for commenting Yvonne. I never released how long it took for two girls to put their shoes on while singing and dancing around the hallway! This is what normally makes me late!! X

      Reply
  9. A Cornish Mum says

    30th June 2016 at 12:35 pm

    Oh your girls look so cute in their uniforms! Luckily now my two are older they do most things themselves in the mornings including getting their breakfasts, just as well as I’ usually the one holding everyone up! I have to drop off and 2 different schools so we always leave the house by 8am yawn!

    Thank you for linking up to #PicknMix hon 🙂

    Stevie xx

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      30th June 2016 at 10:58 pm

      Thanks for the comment Stevie. We are half way there with the girls sorting themselves out, my eldest does help herself, just not the best at clearing up the mess behind her!! See you at the next #PicknMix linky. X

      Reply
  10. Cat says

    30th June 2016 at 6:19 pm

    I’ve always been terrible at mornings, before two small people were thrown into the mix! Being organised the night before has been a big help. I have lists up for what goes in the girls bags (they are only 3 & 1). It pretty much takes any thinking or forgetting out of the process!
    #SharingtheBlogLove

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      30th June 2016 at 11:00 pm

      Thanks for commenting Cat and loving your lists. It certainly helps take the pressure of as well as not having to engage your brain when you’ve had a sleepless night. X

      Reply
  11. Midge says

    30th June 2016 at 8:07 pm

    Love it! My top tip for the school run – I get hubby to do it! Eeek! In fairness its because I have to get to work to get Pre-school ready for my little people SO he has to do the school run! Don;t get me wrong I love the rare occasion I get to do it BUT we are always late! The peachicks moan A LOT when they realise its me taking them! LOL!

    #BloggerClubUk

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      30th June 2016 at 11:05 pm

      Ha ha, looooove your top tip! If hubby hadn’t got footed it out the house for work himself I would send him up! X

      Reply
  12. Crummy Mummy says

    30th June 2016 at 10:24 pm

    Thankfully I don’t do the morning run, but even so they always leave late…not sure what the answer is! #picknmix

    Reply
  13. Sabrina @ The Mummy Stylist says

    30th June 2016 at 11:12 pm

    I’m so glad you wrote this! My boy starts reception in September and I’ve got a newborn so I am so nervous about how we are going to do the school run, we are so terrible at getting ready in the mornings anyway! But your tips sound manageable, I just got to be organised. Thanks so much! Xx
    #MarvMondays

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      3rd July 2016 at 8:06 pm

      Thanks for commenting. I felt the same when my eldest started school & I still needed to get my youngest to nursery. It does get easier, honest. It is all in the organising the night before. Now I get it done in no time at all & is part of our routine. X

      Reply
  14. Katy - Hot Pink Wellingtons says

    1st July 2016 at 3:13 pm

    I’m yet to face this problem, but when the time comes I know where I’ll be coming! I love being organised and being late or last minute really stresses me out. Thanks so much for linking up to #SharingtheBlogLove – I really hope we’ll see you again next week!

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      3rd July 2016 at 8:08 pm

      I know what you mean about being late, I hate it! Thanks for commenting and see you next week. X

      Reply
  15. Sarah | Digital Motherhood says

    1st July 2016 at 9:16 pm

    Good advice, I think that the secret to an organised school run is definitely to get as much ready the night before as possible! #MarvMondays

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      3rd July 2016 at 8:09 pm

      Totally agree, it does take the stress out. Thanks for commenting. X

      Reply
  16. Mudpie Fridays says

    3rd July 2016 at 1:49 pm

    I have yet to embark on a school routine, although Monkey starts in September so I will have to start thinking about it soon! I like the tip about forms and things plus the individual notice boards will have to bear that one in mind! Thanks so much for joining us at #BloggerClubUK hope to see you again this week X

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      3rd July 2016 at 8:12 pm

      Practice has certainly made perfect for me (nearly 4 years of practicing to be precise!!) Filling out the forms & responding to the birthday invites as soon as they arrive has been a game changer for me. I feel more in control of what’s going on (not saying I’m a control freak or anything, well maybe a little bit!!). Thanks for commenting. X

      Reply
  17. Laura - Dear bear and beany says

    3rd July 2016 at 8:48 pm

    I already commented before from PicknMix. But wanted to thank you for linking up to #SharingtheBlogLove x

    Reply
  18. Laura says

    6th July 2016 at 8:51 am

    Love these tips and very timely for me as my son starts preschool in Sept. I’ve commented before but just want to say again how much I love the clipboard idea X #sharingthebloglove

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      6th July 2016 at 10:39 pm

      Thanks for commenting again Laura, and thanks for your nice words about the clipboards. I still really like them too. Hope it all goes well when your sin starts pre-school. X

      Reply
  19. Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love) says

    7th July 2016 at 10:23 am

    I try to be organised the night before for preschool but don’t quite always manage it. Great tips for helping make the morning less stressful though – have pinned this for future reference as my eldest starts school in September. I love your clipboard idea for keeping track of school letters and forms. We have a huge noticeboard in the kitchen which has pretty much the same function but I’m quite tempted to use the clipboard on there as well. #sharingthebloglove

    Reply
  20. Gemma says

    7th July 2016 at 5:15 pm

    Great post – I love your organisation system with the calendars and clipboards for each child – you are so organised and I may just have to steal that idea for my own use 🙂 We still have a few years before the school run and I’m still struggling to get out the house on time just with one toddler. I always feel like I have plenty of time to get ready and then that time disappears and before I know it I’m 5 minutes late leaving, I’d love to know where that time disappears to! #sharingthebloglove

    Reply
  21. Lucy (@Lucy_at_home) says

    7th July 2016 at 8:44 pm

    Your morning routine is surprisingly similar to ours, although I have to admit my self-discipline has slipped somewhat as the school year has worn on! I used to get the clothes out religiously every night (including a quick check on the weather forecast to see what sort of attire would be needed), but I have definitely lapsed. This post has inspired me to get back into better routines…starting tomorrow (the girls are in bed right now so I can’t get at their clothes right now!). #sharingthebloglove

    Reply
  22. Natalie Williams says

    3rd September 2017 at 3:50 pm

    I think we all live and learn don’t we, I’ve had epic fails too. I need a proper school activities calendar and be more organised that way. I get everything ready the night before too as it can be chaos if things are amiss.
    Great post!
    #DevonBloggers

    Reply
    • Organisedjo says

      9th September 2017 at 5:08 pm

      Getting everything ready the night before is the key I think. And I know what you mean the kids activities, my two seem to have changed nights for nearly all of there activities so we are trying to get used to the new routine. X

      Reply

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Who is Organised Jo?

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read my blog Organised Jo. My name is Jo, a 40 *cough* something year old married working mum living in sunny (ish) South Devon. I live with my lovely and very understanding hubby and our two daughters, who are aged 9 and 6. During the day I work for the local Council as a Communications Officer. I don’t work full time or part time but inbetween doing 30 hours a week. I run Organised Jo alongside my day job and what started as a hobby has now really become a huge passion of mine. Read More…

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