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If you're new to packing a school bag, or you've always been disorganized about it, there are some useful tips you can learn to ease the process. A well-packed school bag makes it easier to remember things, to find things and to carry it all. Just remember that you don't pack it once and forget about it––a school bag needs to be cleaned out and reorganized regularly, so that you don't end up carrying rotting bananas and a ton of pencil shavings.
Steps
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Check your timetable. [1] X Expert Source Alicia Oglesby
Professional School Counselor Expert Interview. 13 April 2021. Organize your books in the order. This way, you won't be looking for books while your classmates are working. You will feel much more organized as you pull the books out where you expect them to be. [2] X Research source -
Keep all your papers in folders. Folders are an essential for neatness. You can keep your assignments and assessments, homework, important notices and basically anything important in this folder. [3] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source
- Have three separate folders―one to keep for school (this folder), another to keep your assignment/test grades in, and another to use for old drafts for schoolwork.
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Make the most use of pockets and divisions in your school bag to keep distinct items separate. For example, keep your books in one area, your pencil case and related items in another section and your lunch in another. Place items such as your cell phone, money, ID card, house key, etc. in the pockets of the bag. Get used to distinct parts of your bag containing the same items, so that you know where to reach instinctively, even without looking.
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Put all your school items into your bag and check it over once more. Last of all put in your lunch, a bottle of water and a pack of chewing gum and mints (if using).
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Sort existing items. Put your existing items into to two piles, one for things you need and the things that you want. This will help you decide what is essential for school and what's just a preference. Even though some things may not be essential, they may make your studies more enjoyable, so you'll want to make room for them. Also, put aside things that are no longer useful, such as a grubby eraser or dog-eared exercise books with filled pages. [4] X Research source
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Sort what should be in your bag. The typical things to keep in your school bag include: [5] X Research source
- Books
- Homework Planner
- Folders
- Two-pocketed pencil case - pencils, pens, ruler, eraser, highlighter, colored pencils, marker(s), sticky notes, tape, scissors, glue, pencil sharpener, compass, protractor, etc. The two-pocketed pencil case for school keeps all of your things in order without being too small.
- Calculator (preferably in a cover)
- Lunchbox (with daily lunch essentials, such as your water bottle)
- ID card
- Cellphone (if relevant)
- House key
- Tissues, medical needs
- Emergency money
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Add sports gear as relevant. It is a good idea to have a locker for sports gear so that you don't have to carry it daily, but do remember to bring it home regularly for washing and return it when ready again. In some cases, you may need to carry an extra bag for sports gear or special activities such as playing a musical instrument, doing art or participating in a club.
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Get a suitable school bag. The size should be right for you and it is a good idea to try it before you buy it. If it's a backpack, try it on and check the comfort level. If it's a carrying style of bag, carry it around and get a feel for the handle, weight, and balance of the bag. Ask the retailer if it's okay to stuff the bag for trying it so that you get an idea of what it feels like when full (just use items from the back-to-school section to fill it, or stuff in a few other bags from nearby). Walk around a bit and see how the bag performs for you. You can choose a size colour and style yourself. Nowadays laptop bags are available. They can hold large items. So if you want you can buy a laptop bag also. [6] X Research source
- Check the stitching or seals. Does the bag look like it can last the next year or does it look like it's about to fall apart with the first fill of books and clothes?
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If using your existing bag, clean it out. Remove all the contents and give the bag a wipe down inside and out. If it is machine washable, give it a spin and air dry. If not, wiping and vacuuming should do the trick. Start with an empty, clean bag. [7] X Research source
- Take everything out of your school bag, even if you know that you need it. Make sure all of your pockets are empty too.
- Make sure all the rubbish such as used tissues, rubbish wrappers, etc., is put in the bin.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow should a girl organize their desk?Robert Rybarski is an Organizational Specialist and Co-Owner of Conquering Clutter, a business that customizes closets, garages, and plantation shutters to ensure organized homes and lifestyles. Robert has over 23 years of consulting and sales experience in the organization industry. His business is based in Southern California.Get an organizational system for any loose paper on top of your desk, like a small, mail-slot type device. You could always opt for the old-fashioned "inbox" and "outbox" as well. Try organizing the inside of your desk with dividers, which you can hold in place with Velcro or sticky tape.
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QuestionWhere do you keep your bag in the classroom?Top AnswererThat will likely be explained to you in class. If not, see what everyone else is doing. Usually you just put your bag under your desk, or on the chair next to you, if it's free. In primary school, you'll likely be given a peg to hang your bag on. In some cases, bags may go to a certain area of the classroom, or you may be able to keep it in your locker if you don't need it.
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QuestionIf I am walking to school, what bag is best for me to use?Top AnswererA rucksack would be the best option for comfort, but any bag can work, even if you are walking.
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Tips
- Try not to have random papers stuffed at the bottom. This makes it impossible to find them and soon it becomes a pile of squashed papers that aren't of use to you anymore but are taking up space.Thanks
- Always unpack your bag when you get home so that you can take out all of your papers. Then, repack your bag for the next day.Thanks
- If possible, keep big things such as your lunch in your locker so you won't carry to every class and at the end of the day, pick it up. Make good use of your locker too.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- The night before, always double-check if you have everything you need for the school day. This will help with keeping your stuff organized and you won't forget any assignments you have to turn in.
- If you accidentally put the wrong school books in your school bag, try color-coding your schedule. Learn the colors for each day and put the right books in your bag for school.
- Keep valuable stuff hidden, like your phone or wallet, so it doesn't get stolen! Always check your bag briefly after each lesson and properly when you get home.
- Try to clean out your backpack at least once a week so that it's neat and tidy. You wouldn't want your friends to see that you have a messy backpack!
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Warnings
- Never try to stuff everything into your bag because it will get messy and heavy. It might also split the bag if it's not strong enough; most recent bags have a weight limit that will be specified by the manufacturer.Thanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about organizing your school bag, check out our in-depth interview with Alicia Oglesby .
References
- ↑ Alicia Oglesby. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.
- ↑ https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/kids/skills-for-secondary-school/organisation-skills/organising-your-school-day/
- ↑ https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/teaching-organizational-skills/8-tips-for-organizing-your-childs-backpack
- ↑ https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/kids/skills-for-secondary-school/organisation-skills/organising-your-school-day/
- ↑ https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/kids/skills-for-secondary-school/organisation-skills/organising-your-school-day/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/backpack.html
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/how-to-wash-a-backpack
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