If this is your first time packing your backpack and you have always been messy, in this article you will find some useful tips to make the process easier. A well-made backpack helps you not to forget anything at home, to find everything you need and to carry everything you need with you. Just remember that it's not enough to prepare it once: a backpack must be cleaned and rearranged regularly, so as not to find it full of spoiled snacks and pencil shavings.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Backpack
Step 1. Get the right backpack
The size should fit your needs, also it is good to try it on before you buy it. If it has classic suspenders, wear it to evaluate its comfort. If it's a trolley, drag the trolley for a while, try to figure out if the handle, weight and general balance are okay. Ask the clerk if you can fill it up to get a better idea (do it using only items from the department that sells things for school or stuffing other backpacks). Take a few steps and evaluate if the product guarantees a good performance for your needs.
Check the seams or seals. Do you think it can last you at least a year or do you think it will fall apart in a few days?
Step 2. If you already have a backpack, empty it completely, then clean the surface (inside and outside) with a cloth
If you can put it in the washing machine, wash it this way and let it air dry. If not, you should just wipe it with a cloth and vacuum it. The backpack must be emptied and cleaned before being fixed.
- Take everything out of your backpack, even the things you will definitely need. Also empty your pockets.
- Throw away used tissues, litter, and so on.
Part 2 of 3: Splitting Articles
Step 1. Divide the items you already have into two piles:
one with the things you need and one with the things that are not essential, but that you still want to have with you. This will help you understand what the essentials for school are and what are the items you carry with you simply because you like them. Some things may not be essential, but they can make your day more enjoyable, so give them a space. Put aside objects that are no longer able to perform their function, such as pens that do not write or finished notebooks.
Step 2. Sort out the items you should take with you
Here is what cannot be missing in the backpack:
- Books (exercise books and manuals for various subjects) and notebooks.
- Diary.
- Folders.
- Case with two pockets for storing pencils, pens, ruler, eraser, highlighter, colored pencils, markers, post-its, adhesive tape, scissors, glue, pencil sharpener, compass, protractor etc. A case with two pockets allows you to keep everything in order, without ever having space problems.
- Calculator (preferably with case).
- USB pendrive.
- Container for snack or lunch (with any cutlery and bottle of water).
- Money for the bus / ticket / season ticket.
- Identity card.
- Mobile phone (if necessary).
- House keys.
- Handkerchiefs, plasters, medicines.
- Money for emergencies.
- Products you need for personal hygiene and body care (hand sanitizer, health care products, lip balm, etc.).
Step 3. If necessary, add sports equipment
It would be best to keep them in a separate duffel bag so you can take it with you whenever you need it, but remember to empty it regularly to wash the contents and put it back in its place. If you play an instrument, are dedicated to artistic or other projects, you will need to prepare an additional bag to store everything you need.
Part 3 of 3: Organizing the Backpack
Step 1. Check the school timetable and organize the books in the order in which you will need them, so you don't have to waste time looking for them while your classmates are already doing exercises or reading
If you arrange the volumes in a predetermined order, you will be much more organized.
Step 2. Sort all the sheets into folders, which are essential for better organization
You can put homework, teacher assessments, homework, important communications, and any other paperwork you need in it.
Try to have three separate folders for each subject: one for notes, one for teacher-correct homework, and one for homework
Step 3. Use the backpack's pockets and compartments to keep items separate
For example, put the books in one compartment, the case and related items in another section, the snack in another. Place items such as cell phone, money, ID card, house keys, etc. in backpack pockets. Assign a section to each individual category, so you know where to find what you need right away, without even looking.
Step 4. Fill the backpack and check it again
You may want to arrange your snack, bottle of water, and chewing gum or mints (if you use them) at the end.
Advice
- Try not to fill the bottom of the backpack with random papers, otherwise it will be impossible to find them. They will soon turn into a pile of crumpled and useless paper that will only take up space.
- Clean your backpack regularly.
- Keep your work organized. Buy multiple folders, packs of papers and notebooks.
- Pack your backpack the night before, this will make it easier for you to remember what you'll need the next day and take out the things you don't need. In the morning you will simply have to pick it up and leave the house.
- Always empty your backpack when you get home, so you can get rid of anything you don't need before getting ready for the next day.
- Always make sure you prepare everything the night before. If you have a spare time in the morning, check it again quickly.
- If you do after-school activities, pack everything you need in a separate bag and take it with you whenever you need it.
