Organizing Back-to-School Supplies

Organize back-to-school supplies for an organized and smooth school year. Also a free back-to-school Tips for Success printable is available at the bottom of this post.

Organizing Back to School Supplies

It’s that time of year again. Although it’s never too early to shop for back-to-school supplies to prepare for the new school year. Get the shopping done early so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Some schools mail out a supply list or you can usually find it on line. If you haven’t received a list from your school you can still purchase basic school supplies you know your kids need every year. That way you can still take advantage of sales and avoid the (first day after school) rush.

Once you’ve purchased all the school supplies it’s time to get them organized. I enlist my kids in the process of checking supplies off the lists, dividing the supplies between themselves and then dividing them into classes. We usually have stacks of supplies all over the living room floor for about an hour, but then it’s quickly organized and we’re ready for the new school year to start.

I recommend purchasing extra basic supplies to have on hand throughout the school year. The kids tend to run out of glue sticks, crayons, paper, pencils, etc. so why not have a few extra items ready for when they run out.

Some teachers and schools like a single binder to hold folders for all the classes. I used duct tape to reinforce the edges and corners of the binder. You can also use the same tape to decorate the front.

I love these poly pocket folders. The paper ones don’t last long with kids, but the poly ones usually last the whole school year. We chose one of each color to represent the different classes. You can use page protectors to hold other supplies that are needed for class, such as composition books. It’s very easy to organize all the supplies in one binder.

We fit the pens, pencils, erasers, and scissors in the pencil pouch then placed it in the front of the binder. I used the colored markers to add the class names to the composition books, in colors that coordinate with each folder. We chose fabric pouches because they’re sturdy and last longer than other styles.

It’s also a good idea to have a portable homework box full of supplies to complete homework. Buy extra supplies to replenish the box at the start of the new school year. You can make your own box using anything that can hold all your supplies. I used an old map to cover our homework box. Click over to check it out and all the supplies it holds.

This “Tips for Success” blurb was in a school newsletter. I liked it so much that I made a printable for my kids to stick in their binders or on the cork board in their room. Just click here to print one for yourself. These are some great reminders on how to have a successful school year.

If your kids need separate binder, folders and notebooks I suggest color coordinating them by class. It makes it easier for kids to keep everything organized. You can also use colored stickers to label the books and other supplies for classes.

Have a wonderful and organized school year!

Pin it for later: Organizing Back to School Supplies

You might also like these posts:
Planning Kids Clothes for the Week
Money Jars and Teaching Kids about Finances