The first thing to do when organizing a backpack for any purpose is to empty it. If you are preparing it for outdoor hikes, you will probably need to minimize the weight; put heavy and light things in the appropriate spaces based on the type of container you have. When preparing the one for school, get rid of all unnecessary books and papers; separate accessories, books and notebooks, as well as dividing things you don't always use into separate spaces.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: for the School
Step 1. Empty your backpack
If you have to make an empty, brand new one, you already have an advantage; if it is full of notebooks, books and other material from the previous semester, you must empty it completely.
- Don't forget to free up small compartments and accessory pockets, in addition to the main sector.
- Once all the material is out, turn the backpack over a basket to get rid of the last residue, crumbs, scraps and dirt.
Step 2. Divide the things you removed into three different piles
In one stack all the school accessories (mini stapler, pencils, erasers and so on); in the second place all the essential things for the school (the computer and the charger, sheets, folders, binders, textbooks and notebooks); in the third place the accessories you need regularly or almost (gloves, lunch box and so on).
- Throw away or find a new location for those things that don't fit into any of these categories.
- For example, if there is a charger for a cell phone that you don't use, you should throw it away or store it indoors with the phone.
Step 3. Arrange the school accessories
Choose a compartment for pens, pencils and erasers, use it exclusively for those materials and nothing else.
- If possible, define a designated backpack compartment for pens and pencils; if present, this subdivision is equipped with rings or slots that keep the accessories locked so that they do not move inside the backpack.
- If your backpack does not have this section, consider taking a pencil case and storing it in the section where you plan to put your school supplies.
Step 4. Divide notebooks, binders, papers and books
These must be placed in the central and largest space of the backpack. If possible, organize them by colors; for example, if you have a book with a blue (or mostly blue) cover, place it next to other binders or notebooks of the same color. Arrange all this material in an orderly manner; for example, put the books behind the corresponding binders and place the notepad on top of the corresponding binder. Respect this criterion for each subject.
Put all the sheets in an appropriate folder; if you find that you don't need or don't want them, you can recycle them
Step 5. Pack only the school supplies you really need in your backpack
To improve the overall level of organization, check the container every night and every morning to make sure you have only the items strictly necessary for that day and leave everything else in the locker or at home; in this way, you are sure to have the backpack well organized and avoid unnecessarily carrying too much weight.
Step 6. Add an additional binder for parent-teacher communications
If you need to ask for an early exit permit or you have some school communication that needs to be signed by the parents, you can put it in this folder; add another binder for such communications to the pile of folders, books and notepads.
This binder should be placed behind or in front of other books and folders
Step 7. Organize items you don't use regularly
These can vary as needed. During the cold season, for example, you will probably need gloves, lip balm and some hand cream; in other circumstances you may need sunglasses, an umbrella or a bottle of water. Allocate a specific space for these accessories by putting them in a pocket or backpack compartment of your choice; the beverage compartment is generally suitable for comfortably accommodating these elements.
Method 2 of 2: for Hiking
Step 1. Remove everything from the backpack
Only when it is empty can you understand well what to insert; Plus, if you've been organizing it the same way for a long time, clearing it out can help you find new, more efficient techniques.
Step 2. Organize it by weight
Insert elements that have similar volume and weight; identify the heavier ones and determine if they are really worth taking with you.
- For example, if you have a saucepan that you really like, but carrying it would mean overcoming the weight you are willing to bear, you should leave it at home; if you determine that the backpack is too heavy, find similar but lighter items.
- There is no defined weight that you should respect in your organizational efforts; each person can bring a different amount of material with them according to their hiker's abilities and their build. Define a weight limit that works for you.
Step 3. Organize the interior of the backpack
When preparing for such preparation, remember that the lower space should be reserved for light material, while medium heavy things should be stored in the upper zone. Heavier items should be placed in the central or mainly front area of the backpack (in other words, in the area that comes into contact with the back).
Step 4. Prepare the outer parts
If you have outdoor backpack spaces, put lighter items on the bottom and medium heavy items on top.
For both organization methods, the goal is to put weight on your hips so you can maintain better balance
Step 5. Put the most useful items in the most accessible spaces
Items you need to use or need most often - such as insect repellents, snacks, rain ponchos, and so on - should be stowed in the outer pockets. If you organize your backpack in such a way that these items are hidden under a lot of other things, you will not be able to access them regularly and will have to rummage extensively to find them.
Step 6. Optimize the interior space
If you have any saucepans, put a t-shirt in them; if you want to bring adhesive tape with you, insert the trekking poles inside the roll, as well as if you have some airtight (bear-proof) container, fill it with snacks or other scented items.
Step 7. Use the backpack compartments according to the purpose for which they are made
Many hiking and camping backpacks have different departments designed specifically for specific purposes. For example, many have a separate section in which to insert the water bottle (usually located in the upper and just rear area of the pack); others instead have spaces made for the sleeping bag. Consult the user manual to find out how the construction of the backpack was designed.
Advice
- Choose the appropriate backpack for your needs. For example, some schools do not allow carrying containers with wheels (trolley type); a quality backpack made for many purposes has several compartments and pockets with zipper closure.
- Always close the zippers of the backpack so that nothing falls.
- Check it regularly to keep it organized.
- Get a pencil case to store school supplies.
- Use bags or boxes to store pencils, pens, spare erasers, or other similar items.
- Always put the water bottle in one of the external pockets, to avoid the risk that leaks can ruin all notebooks or books.
