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Streamline Back To School Shopping With Tips From Yonkers Expert

YONKERS, N.Y. -- It's back to school shopping time and navigating those lists can be overwhelming. 

Make lockers sparkle with fun accessories.

Make lockers sparkle with fun accessories.

Photo Credit: Submitted
Insulated lunch bags are great for back to school.

Insulated lunch bags are great for back to school.

Photo Credit: submitted
Having an organized workspace helps tremendously with keeping kids on track.

Having an organized workspace helps tremendously with keeping kids on track.

Photo Credit: submitted

Here, Michael Atwell, general manager of the newly opened Container Store in Yonkers, offers ideas for items that can make your life easier.

For elementary school: Think cookie cutters. Turn brown bag lunches into something more fun with sandwiches cut into fun shapes.

Another option: get small dipping containers for a lunch that includes salsa for veggies, tomato sauce for cheese sandwich bites and yogurt for fruit. 

Bento-box-style containers are a great way to add a bit of color and keep foods separate. Single serving containers also help keep portions the right size and reduce waste. 

For older children, consider adding a thermos for soup or pasta to mix things up.

For middle school:

It's all about the locker. Maximize vertical space with the Janus locker shelf. This provides multiple levels of storage for better organization. 

Keep kids on schedule with a message board. 

And don't forget magnetic hooks for hanging hats, bags etc.

For a burst of personality, check out locker accesories like a sparkling locker gem chandelier.

For high-school:

Set up a home study zone wiith a desk, table or other smooth surface with room to spread out.

You'll also need a chair that’s comfortable, but not too cozy. 

When selecting a workspace, choose a modular system that will grow with your child through high school and even into college. Make sure the room has adequate lighting.

If possible, implement a cell phone-free study zone to avoid distractions like text messaging. 

You should also create a scheduling system with a large monthly calendar and place it near the workspace. 

Color code the calendar items, such as homework and project due dates, exams and birthday parties, in order to easily identify school versus personal entries. 

This makes it easy for students to manage responsibilities and is also simple for mom and dad to check on the status of kids' projects. 

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