A More Minimalist Mindset for Back to School Shopping

Back to school shopping is one of my favorite things to do. It was when I was a kid and still is as I prepare by two sons. It’s easy to get swept up in all the fun new things and overspend, though, and this time of year is a great opportunity to help your kids plan and decide on what they absolutely need with a few ‘wants’ too.

Here are a few tips to have a more minimalist mindset when it comes to making your lists and heading to the store.

CREATE SPACE WITH A THOUGHTFUL EDIT IN CLOSETS AND DRAWERS

Pull all clothing out of closets and drawers to decide what still fits and still liked. Categorize everything by type and organize everything back, always leaving 20% room for growth.

Note: when organizing things back, make sure you’re setting things up in a way that is accessible for your children to be independent getting dressed in the morning.

GO THROUGH SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO SEE WHAT CAN BE REUSED

New things are exciting to purchase, but this presents a wonderful chance to educate your children on the importance of mindful buying decisions. If their backpacks and lunchboxes remain in excellent shape, these savings could possibly be set aside for future needs or experiences.

MAKE A LIST OF WHAT IS NEEDED AFTER EDITING

Include your kids (if age appropriate) with this so they understand what the plan is when entering the store.

Example: “We decided you needed two pants and three shirts as well as one pack of socks and underwear - let’s go pick everything out together!”

ALLOW A COUPLE OF ‘WANTS’!

Starting a new school year is so exciting, and it’s always fun to grab a couple of things that aren’t necessarily needed but wanted. I do let my kids select a couple of things they want! This year, my son really wants a new pencil box, because the black one with the zipper is so more cooler than the plastic version, obviously! :), so we decided that was fine and we’ll repurpose his old one for our craft cabinet.

Happy Back to School Shopping!