3 Organizing Staples I Always Buy During Back to School Sales

Before my kids were in school, I used to try and stay away from stores in August and September —specificallyin order to avoidback-to-school shoppers(especially since we alsolive in a college town).

But now, since picking up school supplies is a family tradition (my kids love going to the store and checking off their lists), I take the opportunity to stock up on organizing staples for our home. The sales and the ability to see and handle items that are ordinarily available only online make back-to-school an ideal time to stock up on certain home items — whether you have school-aged kids or not.

As always, it’s rarely a budget-friendly move to buy itemsjustbecause they’re discounted, but if store sales intersect your list of need-to-buy items, here are some finds you may want to look for during back-to-school season.

If you’re thinking of switching from exclusively digital to a paper planner system or you need a fresh start, back-to-school time is the perfect time to spread your wings. Not only will you find academic year planners (these start in July or August rather than January), but colorful pens and markers are also readily available and often on sale.

This year, I also bought a large dry-erase calendar for the family. Because of the time of year, there was a large selection of sizes and styles at Home Goods, which, at other times of the year, wouldn’t have such a variety available.

Here are some planners and journaling supplies you may want to check out:

• Planners
• Dry erase calendar or blank boards
• Sharpies
• Pens
• Dry-erase markers
• Notebooks

Shoebox-sized plastic binsare one of my favorite organizing staples. I use them in our clothes closets, for toy storage, and to corral craft supplies. They stack well, are interchangeable, and can be unobtrusively labeled with awhite Sharpie marker. (If you want to change the label, the Sharpie wipes off easily with a Magic Eraser.)

Back-to-school time is also the perfect opportunity to grab some larger plastic storage bins, if you need them. Having bought colorful storage bins in the past and regretting it, I now only choose clear bins with white lids. Uniformity breeds serenity when it comes to containing clutter.

Storage bin-like items you may want to pick up:

• Shoebox bins
• Large bins for garage or upper closet shelving storage
• Underbed storage bins
• Plastic drawer units

College students need home basics tostock their dorms, so back-to-school time means sales on towels, sheets, and other bed and bath linens. You’ll also find a good selection of budget-conscious items like hanging shelves, drawer inserts, shower caddies (I use them tocorral cleaning suppliesunder the sink), garbage cans, hangers, and office supplies.

Here are some bed, bath, and desk items you may be able to scoop up for less:

• Towels
• Sheets
• Bath mats
• Shower curtains
• Comforters/duvet covers
• Pillows
• Hanging storage units
• In-drawer organizers for dressers or desks
• Table-top lamps
• Garbage cans
• Shower/cleaning caddies
• Hangers
• 办公用品
• Bulletin boards

Happy shopping!