NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) —Summer is winding down, and it’s time for parents to get ready to send their kids off to school.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to do a few organizing projects that will set you up for success.

Tidying up just a few spaces can be a game-changer when school is in session.

Here are three places that Star Hansen , a certified professional organizer, suggests you take care of.

You can refresh the pantry by tossing out anything that is expired or isn’t used or liked. It can also be a good time to think about a snack system. While older kids can “fend for themselves” when it comes to snacks, the younger ones still need guidance. You can create a system that lets them get their own healthy snacks, which will take some of the labor off you while also empowering them to take care of themselves.

Another space to take care of is the laundry room. It’s a very important room, and frequently used. You can evaluate what is working and what needs to be updated. However, instead of organizing the entire space, do a few small projects that will improve the daily use and functionality of the room.

The third space is the entryway, as it’s the launching pad into the world and the landing pad at the end of the day. This space isn’t always the front door, it could be the garage door or a mud room — it’s wherever you enter and leave the house. You can always ask yourself what you can add to make it more functional and supportive.

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