Beat the Morning Rush

Weekday mornings can be a mad dash. Rushing to get dressed and eat breakfast. The rushing to get the kids up, dressed, and fed. By the time the kids are dropped off at school you're exhausted, and you still have to get to work. This routine is even more chaotic at the start of the school year. School is just around the corner. Now is the time to set up a routine. One that will make mornings easier.

Start the night before.

Line up lunch boxes on the kitchen table and pack them with nonperishable's. A bag of chips, a cookie, and a banana are just a few options. Choose items with wrappers, or that can be placed in a baggie. Make sure they will not spoil overnight.

Make sandwiches and place them in the refrigerator. Place the name or initial of the recipient on the bag. This will make things easier in the morning when you pass them out. Also, place juice boxes, yogurts, and any other cold items for lunches, in easy reach of the sandwiches. In the morning just grab the items and place them in the lunch boxes.

Pick out clothes for work, and school, the night before. This will save you from standing in the closet, wondering what to wear. Do the same for the kids.

After homework is completed, have the kids repack their school supplies. Don't leave books and notebooks out on the table. Place them back in the backpacks. Parents do the same thing. Have your purse and briefcase packed and ready the night before. Don't forget your keys and sunglasses.

Have a central location.

Find one spot to hold the essentials needed for work and school. A location near the door is best. A re-purposed bookcase is a great choice. Backpacks can go on the bottom, with shoes on the next level. Above that, place purses and briefcases. With everything in a central location, there is no chaotic game of hide-n-seek.

The lunches are partially packed. Clothes are out and ready. Purses and backpacks are ready to go. In the morning all that is left is hygiene, breakfast, and actually getting dressed. Add a drink to the lunch box, with the perishables. Grab your bags and go.

A little organization and planning ahead will save time and frustration on busy weekday mornings.