Downsizing Homeschooling Supplies

I admittedly LOVE paper/writing products. Books, paper, pencils, pens ( I am a pen FREAK!), notepads, school supplies, school books etc....

I also LOVE getting free or used things from people! Hey, I have four children that I am homeschooling now, stuff is expensive!

A few days ago, I realized there are alot of things I just don't use. Like anything else in your house: clothes, shoes, books, etc...you use about 20% of it, 80% of the time. Not only that, but there are games/curriculum etc that my girls have outgrown that I will not be using with my son.

It dawned on me that I need to do with my school stuff like I do with everything else in my house: I need to examine it as soon as it comes in the door. I need to go through things, determine what I KNOW I will use and pass on the rest to other families I know will need it.

In the meantime....I have to go through what I have and make my three piles: KEEP/GIVE/TOSS. That's next week!

NOTE: If you are like me and have a large family. You probably love getting "hand-me-down" clothes, used books or school supplies someone is done using. Make a point of going through it as soon as it enters the front door. Put away what you can use, box up what you can't and take it right out to the car. You will find that it saves alot of time and energy later. (This is a great idea for the mail that enters your house!)