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Packing a bag for school is fairly straightforward - the key thing is to not leave behind anything you really need. Though you’ll want to be prepared, you don’t want to pack excess items that only weigh down your bag. If you follow a few simple steps, you’ll have everything you need organized and ready to go every day of the school seek.
Steps
School Bag Packing List
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Pack any books and binders you need to take to school first. Packing these heavy items first will keep them from squashing any lighter items. Arrange any books and binders vertically in your backpack against the part that touches your back, or horizontally if you have any other type of bag. [1] X Research source
- If you don't need a certain book or binder you can leave it at home or take it to school and store it in your locker.
- You may want to pack the book or binders in the order that you will need them for the day. Make sure you don’t forget any.
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Add your planner, notebooks, folders, and homework next. If you have loose papers, like homework or notes, it’s best to store them in a binder or folder so they don’t get wrinkled or ripped. Include your planner as well so that you can make notes or adjustments to it throughout the day. Stack these items next to your books, making sure to distribute the weight evenly throughout the backpack or bag. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Include writing implements and other supplies you may need. It’s a good idea to pack pencils, erasers, pens, highlighters and sticky notes for school. You may also want a calculator, protractor, ruler, pencil sharpener, and a mini stapler. Depending on your age and classes, you could also include tape, glue, crayons, coloured pencils, and marker pens. To keep these kinds of supplies organized, consider arranging them in a pencil case or another container. [3] X Research source
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Add items for electives or extracurricular activities. Depending on your schedule, you may need gym clothes in addition to a sports uniform or equipment (like soccer cleats or football pads). If they fit, you can store these items in your backpack so you don’t have to carry two bags. [4] X Research source
- You may also need a helmet if you ride a bike, skateboard, or scooter to school.
- Though an instrument isn’t likely to fit in your school bag, set the case near your bag so you don’t forget it!
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Pack a lunch if you don't buy yours at school. Add some snacks, and a water bottle. If you take your lunch to school, you can store it in your bag as well. It’s a good idea to put food items in a separate lunch box or bag to keep them from being spoiled. You may also want to add a few small snacks, like a granola bar or bag of cut veggies, in case you get hungry. It’s also a great idea to include a reusable water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout the day. [5] X Research source
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Include your wallet, phone, and keys. Items like your wallet, phone, and keys should go in the small pockets of your bag to help keep things organized. Pack your glasses and their case, if applicable. You may also want to include an mp3 player and headphones if your school allows these items. Pack any relevant charging cables as well.
- Follow all rules regarding electronics for your school; keep them off or on silent and in your bag or locker during classes.
- Remember that it’s not a good idea to take large amounts of cash to school. You may, however, need a small amount of money for lunch as well as your ID, particularly if you have a driver’s license or permit.
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Fill a small bag with health and beauty items you might need. It’s a great idea to include small zipper bag with these items so you have whatever you may need throughout the day. You may want to pack period supplies, like tampons or pads, personal wipes, or even a spare pair of underwear. Always have tampons and pads on hand, even if you haven't started your period. [6] X Research source Make sure to have enough for you and a friend who may need some. You never want to be caught off guard. Include grooming supplies, such as deodorant, floss, breath mints, tissues, and hand sanitiser. If you want, you can add makeup, lip balm, a hairbrush, hairpins and elastics, perfume, lotion, and contact lens solution, if applicable. [7] X Research sourceEXPERT TIPSchool CounselorAshley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine.
Our Expert Agrees: Pack essential toiletry items you might need throughout your day. You can include things like Chapstick and feminine hygiene products. You might also throw in less crucial items like a portable backup charger for your phone.
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Add emergency supplies if desired. It’s a good idea to have some emergency supplies so you’re prepared no matter what happens. Add an extra pair of glasses or contacts and a small amount of money just in case you need them. Depending on the season, you may also want to include sunscreen, sunglasses, an umbrella, a jacket, and/or a hat and gloves. [8] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat if not all the stuff fits in my bag?RubyTop AnswererOnly take what you need each day. If you have a locker in school, leave in there what you don't need to take home. You can carry some stuff separately, such as a lunch box, a book bag and your PE kit. If you still cannot fit everything in, you can hold some things in your hands and invest in a bigger bag when you have the chance.
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QuestionHow big should my bag be?RubyTop AnswererYou should base it on how much needs to fit inside it at its fullest. Try putting everything out that you will need to take with you to see if it will fit in your bag. A small bag is impractical, but if a bag is too big, it may be hard to carry around. If you have a locker, you may need to carry less. If you plan on taking an extra bag for some of your stuff (e.g. a book bag, a PE kit), your bag can be slightly smaller. In most cases, a regular sized rucksack should be fine.
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QuestionShould I put tampons and pads?RubyTop AnswererYes, even if you haven't started your period yet, it is good to be prepared. There are a variety of period products, so take the ones you feel most comfortable using.
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Tips
- Clean out your bag regularly, like once a week, to remove extra or unnecessary items as well as trash.Thanks
- Have extra pens, pencils etc. Just in case you lose them or you're that person who everyone asks for a pen.Thanks
- Be sure to get a backpack with multiple pockets to help with organization.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.
- Try making a list before you go to school and tick the items of as you put them in your bag. This way, you're less likely to forget something important!
- If your backpack is too heavy with all of your books in it, try carrying some of the heavier books in your arms to avoid back and neck pain.
- If you're allowed, keep some medicine handy in case you get sick.
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Warnings
- Ensure the bag weighs no more than 10% of your own body weight. Bags that are too heavy can cause issues with your back, neck, and shoulders. [9] X Research sourceThanks
- If a sanitary product has been in your bag for more than 4 years then throw it away! They can get mouldy and if used can cause infections.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/primary-school/what-to-pack-in-your-childs-school-bag-each-day/news-story/2d35fc5efec0695279e70c8c2dd42b5f
- ↑ https://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/primary-school/what-to-pack-in-your-childs-school-bag-each-day/news-story/2d35fc5efec0695279e70c8c2dd42b5f
- ↑ https://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/primary-school/what-to-pack-in-your-childs-school-bag-each-day/news-story/2d35fc5efec0695279e70c8c2dd42b5f
- ↑ https://www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/cyp/pifs/schoolbag/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/school-lunches.html
- ↑ https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/development/periods-hygiene/periods
- ↑ https://powertodecide.org/teen-talk/7-must-have-items-carry-your-school-emergency-kit
- ↑ https://www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/cyp/pifs/schoolbag/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/backpack.html
About This Article
Article Summary
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When packing your school bag, make sure to put the essentials in first, like your books, planner, and homework. It’s also a good idea to pack some pencils, pens, erasers, and highlighters as well as some other key items, like tape, a ruler, a pencil sharpener, and sticky notes. Once your school supplies are packed, add your personal items, like your wallet, phone, and keys. You can also fill a small bag with health and beauty items, like deodorant, floss, tissues, period supplies, and even a spare pair of underwear. To learn how to pack items for extracurriculars, keep reading!
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Reader Success Stories
- "Thank you for posting this article! I'm a sophomore in high school and things get very stressful. So this definitely gives an idea of how to be less cluttered. The quarantine has made me very messy, so thanks for this article." ..." more
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"Thank you for posting this article! I'm a sophomore in high school and things get very stressful. So this definitely gives an idea of how to be less cluttered. The quarantine has made me very messy, so thanks for this article."
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"I love how you just made everything specific and gave out suggestions on what to put in your pencil pouch and backpack. I'm a freshman in high school, and showing me how to organize my backpack really helped."
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"The most helpful section in this article would be the emergency and the tip to place some of the non-essential items back into my locker if my hour in school is over and am currently going to my other hours!"
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"You pretty much covered everything I would use at school. It was really helpful. The only thing I would add is hand gel, aspirins, bandages, a small mirror and an extra pair of socks. <3"
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"This really helped. I had no idea how in the world I would pack my back to possibly make it lighter, and organizing it in this way actually did make it lighter! Very satisfied."
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