How to Organize Your School Backpack

A simple, step-by-step guide to keeping your school bag tidy so you can find what you need quickly. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Empty everything out. Find a clean space on the floor or a table and dump everything from your backpack out. Yes, everything! This helps you see what you actually have.
2. Sort and clean. Throw away any trash, old snack wrappers, or broken bits of paper. Wipe the inside of your bag with a damp cloth to get rid of crumbs or dirt. Let it air dry for a moment.
3. Group your items. Put your items into three piles: 'Needs to be in my bag,' 'Belongs at home,' and 'Trash/Recycle.' Only keep what you need for school in the 'Needs' pile.
4. Load it back up. Put your heaviest books in first, closest to the back panel of the bag. Place your pencil case and folders in the front or middle compartments so they are easy to reach.