With just weeks left until the opening school bell rings, marking the end of unenforced bedtimes, weekday sleepovers, and marathon X-Box sessions – parents of children that wear uniforms to school may still have some lose ends to tie up.

While school uniforms can help ease the stress for parents with back-to-school shopping for the latest fashions, outfitting ever-growing kids with uniforms year after year is another story.

Tracy Ormsbee of Timesunion.com recently listed the following  five tips for making sure back-to-school uniforms are in tip top shape:

1. Check specifications: It’s important to check with the school to find out exactly what the uniform policy entails. You want to make sure all the alterations follow those guidelines.

2. Start early: One of the common complaints on Angie’s List in the alterations category is that clothes are not altered in time. Don’t wait until a week before school starts to get those clothes fitted properly because they might have a back to school rush. Keep in mind shops may also be busy this time of year with wedding alterations.

3. Rely on professionals: If you’re not a savvy seamstress, you run the risk of ruining those newly purchased clothes. Instead, have the alterations done at a reputable company.

4. Shop Around: Prices are fairly consistent across the board, but its quality that makes the difference. Look for company recommendations from family and friends or check out ratings on services such as Angie’s List.

5. Trust is a Must: Alteration companies rarely offer refunds to unhappy customers. It is up to you to find a place that you trust to leave your clothes at whether it’s for one day or one week.