The French term it la rentrée, a reference to early September, when school sessions start again, the return from our summer vacations. September marks not just an end to the summer season but the beginning of the “other” new year, the school year.

For those of us with children & teens, we live by the schedule of the school year. Before busy-ness takes over, and you are scrambling to find a free spot on your calendar, take the time to schedule your time for the coming school year.

Here is a list of essential items to consider scheduling in your calendar as appointment non-negotiables.

Holidays you have booked or are planning to book. The idea is that you reserve the time for yourself before work or other plans make time off unavailable. Ensure you request the time off from work before others do so you have the first choice. You can always cancel and reschedule your plans but at the minimum, you have quality time reserved for you and your family.

School holidays, teacher/study days, report cards, parent/teacher meetings, class trips. Most schools have an electronic calendar you can sync to your own, or an app (like Schools United & Social Schools) that gives you an at a glance review of the school’s calendar. There is always that extra day off, in the middle of a random week or added to a holiday, that throws off your weekly schedule. Ensure you always have the latest information.

Personal time. Everything and everyone else gets time on your calendar so why not you? After all, you deserve some personal downtime alone or with friends. Book it in for the coming months for your much-needed recharge.

Haircuts and beauty appointments. Do you, your partner or children routinely need haircuts? Do you have other spa or other beauty treatments that need to be scheduled?

(Routine) date night with your partner. Schedule the babysitter and some one-on-one quality time with your partner. No babysitter available? Put the kids to bed and order in a special meal. Turn off the devices and TV.

Doctor and dental appointments. Twice a year check-ups with the dentist and dental hygienist are recommended. Have you been avoiding calling the doctor over a health issue?

Renewal of vital documents. Driver’s license/passport/identification card due to expire in the coming months? Check the dates and book in reminders to request necessary documents, have passport photos taken, etc., well before the expiration date.

Extra Tip for business owners: block time to in your agenda to catch-up on your financial administration for submission of your quarterly taxes. With the time blocked you can better manage your client workload and pay your taxes on time.

How about you? Which of these items do you regularly add to your calendar at the start of a new year? What other items can you think of that should be added to an annual calendar? 

Are you finding it hard to manage your schedule? Feeling your time is in the hands of others and not your own? Enlist the help of sorted.by Melissa. I can help you find more space, focus and time to do the things you love.

I want to help you live a more organized life. Let’s get you sorted.