Can you believe it's already August 1st? We sure can't, we thought we were missing a week on our calendars. Now that it's August, it's time to start preparing for the new school year! *Cue the collective groans from kids and cheers from parents* Here are a few easy tips to make the transition back to school a little bit easier.

Get Organized- We all know what it's like to be rushing out the door, already late for school or work and suddenly somebody can't find their shoes. Small storage boxes underneath a stylish bench help you stay organized without wasting any space. We love this beautiful (and comfortable!) bench with a shoe rack beneath it, perfect for laundry or mud rooms! Also be sure to have a designated place to hang keys and backpacks each day so you can rush out of the house with ease.

Organize Clothing- This is another tip to make mornings just a bit easier. Pick your (or your kiddos') outfits the night before so there are no fashion emergencies on busy mornings. Girard Homes' beautiful and spacious closets make it a cinch to see all of your options, while giving you enough space to seperate your outfits for the next morning.

Have a Designated School Work Area- It's harder and harder to avoid distractions and focus on work when you need to. Alleviate some of the difficulties with focusing by setting up a specific area in your home for kids to work at. It could be your dining room or your breakfast bar, but just be sure to create a distraction free zone!