How to Pack a Pencil Case for School

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Packing and organizing your pencil case for school is the best way to make sure your year will be as stress free as possible. Finding the right pencil case can make packing your supplies even easier. Throughout the year, you will always know where to find anything you need at a moments notice. Bring your best to each class and succeed!

Best Items for Your Pencil Case

Check your school supply list to see what supplies you need for each class. Common supplies include regular pencils, red pencils, pens, protractors, erasers, highlighters, calculators, scissors, and glue. Then, put the supplies into the pencil case starting with the biggest items and ending with the smallest.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Packing Your Pencil Case

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    Each school year, students are responsible to bring the same types of supplies with them to class everyday. Though certain classes can call for some variety in supplies, downsize what to pack in your pencil case initially to optimize organization. Here are some necessities you could start with: [1]
    • Two lead pencils
    • One red pen, one blue pen, one black pen
    • Sharpener
    • Protractor
    • Scissors (5”)
    • Eraser
    • Glue stick
    • Highlighter
    • Calculator
    • Ruler (doesn't have to be full-sized!)
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Pack a Pencil Case for School
    Put the items that will take up the most room first at the bottom of your case, such as calculators, scissors, or protractors. This will provide a base for your smaller items, such as pencils, pens, or sharpeners.<ef> https://listonic.com/school-supplies-list-pencil-case/ </ref> Your case will be neater and easier to maneuver when looking for a certain item.
    • If using a case with a zipper, put the pencil case on its side with the zipper facing left or right. It will be easier to pack your supplies, and will help you to utilize the space inside the case.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Pack a Pencil Case for School
    Since you already started with the necessities, adding in supplies based by grade or course should not be too difficult. [2] If you are adding in any loose supplies, keep them contained before packing.
    • Elementary school supply lists usually call for colored pencils, crayons, and magic markers. To save space, choose the colors you use most for each, remove them from their box, and wrap each group together with rubber bands.
    • Middle or high school supply lists may call for post-it notes. Put the post-it notes in a small zip lock bag. This will make sure none of the notes rip off or get bent in the pencil case.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Pack a Pencil Case for School
    Every month, clean out your pencil case to make it as accessible as possible throughout the year. As the school year progresses, it’s easy to let all of those pencil shavings and notes take over your case. Instead, throw out what you don’t need and replenish.
    • Get rid of any broken pencils or crayons.
    • Replace dulling highlighters.
    • Replenish glue sticks and erasers
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Choosing Your Pencil Case

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Pack a Pencil Case for School
    A pencil case with multiple compartments of different size will help you effectively pack your supplies. Try to get a case with stackable layers, in order to fit in as many supplies as needed. [3]
    • Organize each compartment with supplies of the same category and/or size.
      • Put the compass, protractor, and calculator together.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Pack a Pencil Case for School
    Carrying a pencil case between classes as well as back and forth from home will definitely cause some wear and tear on the fabric. Choose a fabric that will be less likely to rip in between classes, so none of your supplies fall into your backpack or on the floor.
    • Try to get a pencil case made with nylon fabric. Not only is it easier to clean, it is strong enough to stay intact if you fill your pencil case to maximum capacity.
    • Hard plastic pencil cases are durable, but make sure to keep track of how much supplies you try to pack. If you pack too much, you will be less likely to close the case because it has a lid instead of a zipper.
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    A medium sized pencil case would be the best size for everyday classes. You may have a class where you may need more room for a ruler or a notepad, so a larger case would be suitable. [4]
    • If after a few months of your school routine, you notice that you are not utilizing many of your supplies, scale down to a smaller pencil case. This will fit in any backpack, and could even be left out on your desk since it wouldn’t take up much space.
    • Some people find it best to only carry the necessities and keep a bigger pencil case in their locker for things that are specific to one class (geometry kit, watercolours, coloured pencils etc.)
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  • Question
    Is it okay if I have different pencil cases for different purposes and reasons?
    Community Answer
    Of course. If different pencil cases and materials are what you need to stay organized, then go for it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Are compasses and protractors useful in school?
    Community Answer
    Yes, both can be useful in school, so it would be a good idea to include both in your pencil case.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    Should I have some things that I don't need?
    Community Answer
    You could. It's fine to have things like loose change or maybe your keys. But, remember to never over clutter.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Buy a separate clear pencil case for exams. The see-through material will allow you to have it on the desk while you take your exams.
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      • Write your name on your pencil case, so it can be returned to you if lost.
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      • Keep your reinforcements in a zip lock bag, so that they won't peel off the sheets and end up sticking on your pencil case, calculator, etc.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Pencil case
      • Two lead pencils
      • One red pen, one blue pen, one black pen
      • Sharpener
      • Scissors (5”)
      • Eraser
      • Glue stick
      • Highlighter(x2)
      • Ruler
      • Ink eraser/Correction pen
      • Geometry Set
      • Gel Pens

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEUkJ6-iNUM
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDkRyqLfasM
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDkRyqLfasM
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDkRyqLfasM

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To pack a pencil case, start by gathering the items you might need, like pencils, markers, scissors, a sharpener, protractor, eraser, glue stick, highlighter, calculator, and ruler. Then, lay your pencil case on its side so it's easier to load. Load the largest items first so it will be easier to find what you’re looking for later. Repack your case every month to keep everything neat, and adjust what you put in the case as you move on to higher grades. Scroll down to learn how to choose a pencil case!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Mar 27

        "At first I had a lot of stationary so I didn't know what to bring. So I brought all my things. It didn't ..." more
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