Back-to-School Uniform Checklist: Tips for a Smooth Start

1. Get all your uniform items together and remember to check backpacks, sport bags, the car and anywhere else uniforms tend to end up in your household.
2. Give everything a wash and dry in the sun if possible to freshen it up.
3. Get the kids to try everything on to check the fit. It's amazing how much they can grown over the holidays.
4. Check for wear and tear - lost buttons, loose threads, tears, hems falling down.
5. Make any repairs or alterations if you're handy or visit a good tailorto have them done.
6. Remember that if an item like a dress or trousers still fit but are now too short, most uniforms come with very generous hems that can be taken down to extend the duration they can be worn.
7. Create an inventory of what you need to replace and see what you can find second hand before investing in new. See if other parents have items they no longer need, check the school uniform shop for second hand donations or look on second hand sites.
8. Check if shoes need replacing due to size or wear and tear. If not give them a good polish.
9. Don't forget about sports shoes which could usually benefit from a run through the washing machine to freshen up.
10. List any items that you no longer need on second-hand sites or donate to friends or back to the school so that someone else can benefit from them.
11. Clearly label EVERYTHING, even shoes. There are great options like stamps and iron on labels available, but a permanent marker works just as well.
12. Iron and hang everything up ready for the first day back to school.
13. You're done - until someone inevitably loses something!