Back to school with Creative Options / by jen geigley

It's almost back-to-school time for my kids and when it comes to a love for school supplies, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Lotus and I both are suckers for a fresh pack of Ticonderogas, new markers or a brand new box of crayons. I'm sure you can relate. It's the most wonderful time of the year!

But staying organized throughout the school year is a challenge. That's why I was excited to try out this new organizational system from Creative Options, perfect for school and art supplies. Check out how we'll be using these storage solutions for back-to-school.

This is the Creative Options Two-Tray Box, which is similar to a large tool box or tackle box. It has 2 cantilever trays with 13-24 adjustable compartments and tons of storage in the base. This is ideal for art supplies for kids of any age, and would make a great locker organizer. Lo loved moving things around from compartment to compartment and I was happy to see that she thinks organizing can be fun!

Check out all of the art supplies that easily fit inside this box. Even Lo's big Crayola boxes fit inside the large compartment under the trays, and finding anything you need is a cinch. I love that there's a place for each and every tiny supply.

The lid of the Two-Tray Box has two more storage compartments that are perfect for smaller items. Like erasers. Or colored pencils. Or paperclips. Or hair clips, chapstick and ponytail holders. We have lots of ideas. Anything goes!

Next up ... paper. On Lo's school supply list this year were a number of notebooks, folders, lined paper, composition notebooks ... plus she always needs construction paper and plain white drawing paper for school projects and homework assignments.

This Project Box with Handle is the perfect, compact way to store all of her folders, paper and notebooks (plus a few extras.) It's heavy duty and the clips stay closed, making this box perfect for a school desk or locker. If you have younger kids, this would also be a great addition to your art supplies area to keep all of your craft papers in check. This organizer was nominated for the 2015 The Craft & Hobby Association Hot Product Award!

Last but not least is the awesome Large Craft Caddy, perfect for locker organization or kids going off to college dorm rooms. This caddy has eight outer storage pockets and a removable inner tote that snaps on or off. I love the three little pockets in front that hold pens or pencils.

This compact organizer holds a ton of things. Once again, Lotus fit in several large Crayola boxes, pencils, markers, highlighters, glue, a pencil box and pencil pouch and so much more. This is perfect for kids in elementary, junior high or high school – anyone can get organized when it's this easy!

It's hard not to get excited for back-to-school time! Everyone loves a fresh start. Organization is a fantastic thing to teach your kids. Watching them do it on their own is pretty cool, too.

For more great ideas on how to use these organizational boxes and caddies, check out the Creative Options Facebook page here.  My friend Amy Tan has also done some fantastic blog posts and and fun videos featuring really smart ways to use Creative Options' organizational tools, like this one! Definitely check it out for some inspirational ideas for new ways to organize your life.