• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sabrinas Organizing
  • Home Organization
  • Healthy Recipes
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Browse Gift Ideas
  • Donate Stuff
  • Recycling Events 2023
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home Organization
  • Healthy Recipes
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Browse Gift Ideas
  • Donate Stuff
  • Recycling Events 2023
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home Organization
  • Healthy Recipes
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Browse Gift Ideas
  • Donate Stuff
  • Recycling Events 2023
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing
×

Home » Home Organization » Kids » 12-16 Yrs Old Kids » Student Backpack Organization Made Easy

Student Backpack Organization Made Easy

Last Modified: January 24, 2022 Sabrina Quairoli This blog uses cookies. It also has affiliate links. We earn sponsored content income.

****Visit our "Disclosure Policy and Cookies" for details.****

backpack organization

I have two great kids, and both of them are in high school.  At their high school, the kids carry around their backpacks. Last year, they needed a 1-inch binder for each subject, and my poor son carried around five binders and two folders that were never used except to hold a spiral notebook and the pockets (filled to the brim of handouts and tests all jammed into one).  By the end of the year, when he had to gather his papers to review for finals, he was so overwhelmed that he never decided again. We needed a better way for him to manage all the papers so he can refer to them at the end of the school year.

So, to help him organize his backpack, we decided to do something different this year.  Here is how we created his bag organization.

backpack organization supplies

First, we determined how many sections (tabs) would be needed for each subject. This is what we came up with.

***AD*** The best academic planner for students! Order Out of Chaos Academic planner helps track time and tasks! Buy 1 or more today!

For English and German
Notebook
Vocabulary
Handouts/Worksheets
Quizzes/Tests

For European History and Algebra II
Notebook
Handouts/Worksheets
Quizzes/Tests

For Biology
Notebook
Lab
Handouts/Worksheets
Quizzes/Tests

For Chorus and Health
A Folder with pockets and loose leaf paper attached in the center.

We washed his backpack from last year.  This bag lasts two years, and we keep buying them because they are durable and can handle a boy.

The key to successful paper management is to have an easy system to maintain & retrieve.

Then, I found these backpack accordion folders with six tabs and seven spaces from Target. I used a black marker to write the sections on the tabs inside the accordion folder for each subject. I used the label that came with the accordion folder and folded two of the labels together so it wouldn't slide out when the accordion folder turns on its side. It's so annoying when a tab slides out of an accordion folder.

I labeled each accordion folder in the front and on top with 1-inch label maker labels.  As a Professional Organizer, I have a professional label maker, but if you do not have this, you can write the subjects on tape and make your labels.

We then placed the accordion folders in the backpack in order of his schedule so my son would first use the front section in the morning and the second section in the afternoon. Here is how it looks from the top.

inside the backpack

If you are looking for an academic planner, check out the most recent post for purchase options and details on how we used this academic planner.

The front smaller pocket became his pencil case.  This section holds his calculator, pens, pencils, erasers, dry erase markers, index cards, and stick notes.  By the way, the index cards are in a small index card spiral notebook so he can tear them out and they don't get lost in the pocket.

pencil case area of backpack

This entire setup took one(1) hour.  It didn't take long and hopefully; this secure system will help him throughout the year.

At the end of each semester, we store the older semester paper into a large accordion folder.  This accordion folder stays home in his study area.  And, at the end of each marking period, he will take those papers and organize them by the subject and by handouts/worksheets and quizzes/tests. So, hopefully, this will help him find the appropriate documents he needs to review for the finals at the end of the year.

Student Backpack Organization Made Easy

I hope this gives you some inspiration on how to organize your child's backpack.  I will update this post from time to time with the process of how he is maintaining his backpack.  Come back and often visit to see if he can keep it organized.  Let's continue the conversation.  If you have any questions about paper management, please leave it below.  I will do my best and reply as soon as possible.


(Visited 3,016 times, 2 visits today)
Do you live in South Eastern Pennsylvania? Don't know where to start organizing in your home? Need a plan? Check out our Sabrina's Organizing Solutions ConsultationsAre a DIYer and just need accountability to get through the mess in your home and life? Check out our Sabrina's Organizing Virtual Organizing Services

Connect with Me on Social Media!

Facebook - Instagram - Twitter - Linkedin - Pinterest

Need a fresh look at your home? Learn more and download our free ebook, 'How to Awaken From Clutter Blindness,’ to access the tools, tips, and strategies to help you find clarity and organization.

More 12-16 Yrs Old Kids Organization Tips

  • 15 Children's Books About Organizing Their Lives - featured image #childrenbooks #sabrinasorganizing
    15 Children's Books About Organizing Their Lives
  • Massive Organizing Gift Ideas Guide for Teenagers - Featured image
    Massive Organizing Gift Ideas Guide for Teenagers
  • How to Improve Time Management With an Academic Planner - featured image
    How To Improve Time Management with An Academic Planner
  • Effective Ways to Overcome Your Child's Studying Problems - Featured image
    Effective Ways to Overcome Your Child's Studying Problems

About Sabrina Quairoli

I love sharing my passion for organizing life and home. I hope you get inspired when visiting my home organizing tips, quick weeknight recipes, party planning ideas, and DIY organizing projects. Visit the About Me page to read my story.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janet Barclay

    August 02, 2017 at 3:45 pm

    Wow, students have to carry a lot more stuff than when we were kids! I'm impressed with the system you came up with.

  2. Pamela Chollet

    August 29, 2015 at 2:17 pm

    These are fantastic ideas! I think your post should be included in every schools', "Supply" list. Kids academic performance increases with organization. Knowing exactly what items are and where items are located reduces a lot of a child's school stress and anxiety.

  3. krystle cook

    August 27, 2015 at 10:07 am

    I love the idea of organizing a backpack. I can totally see the use of this when you have so many binders and folders. Luckily for now my kids just have one folder and an agenda to keep up with. It's amazing how trashy the agenda looks by the end of the year...like it's been through war. Boys!

  4. William Rusho

    August 26, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    A great post, bring me back to my high school days. I remember getting my backpack for high school, was a cloth one.
    I also remember it being ripped and shredded when the rulers, book corners cut through it. Of course by that time, duct tape on back packs were in, and we all taped the wholes with it.

  5. Jeri

    August 26, 2015 at 11:27 am

    How awesome to see a parent go to such lengths to help their child develop an organization system. When I was in the classroom, I tried to promote a binder system, but it's really difficult to stay on top of that many binder checks, but hopefully it helped a few students gain better control over their files. It's important too to make the time for occasional organization days. I would do it once a quarter. The students loved throwing stuff away!

  6. Marquita Herald

    August 24, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    This looks terrific Sabrina and I can imagine it's so much better for your son! I don't have children myself but I see a lot of the high school kids walking on their way home in the afternoon and some of those backpacks are so big and heavy looking I think they would qualify for army boot camp!

  7. Ken Dowell

    August 24, 2015 at 8:30 am

    A timely post. My son is in middle school and his backpack usually weighs more than a suitcase packed for two weeks of travel.

  8. SafariOnTheBlog

    August 24, 2015 at 5:03 am

    Oh my God! This is a brillant idea Sabrina.
    Sharing this post with my sister.
    Thanks for sharing.

  9. Phoenicia

    August 23, 2015 at 7:40 pm

    What an amazing idea!

    You take "organisation" to another level!

    My children are years away from high school but this system will certainly come in handy when the time arrives.

    Thank you for sharing.

  10. Leora

    August 23, 2015 at 7:28 pm

    I am impressed that your son is taking German.

    I am thinking I will show your post to my daughter. Maybe she will get inspired. Maybe not. I know her style is that she prefers to think of how to do the organizing on her own. But it is always difficult.

    • Sabrina

      August 23, 2015 at 8:55 pm

      Thanks Leora. It's his third and last year. He is so over it. He has learned a lot but just wants to get his requirements overwith so he can focus on classes he wants to take.

  11. Lenie

    August 23, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    Sabrina, this is terrific. I had no idea that kids had to carry that much around with them. It has only been about 20 years since mine were in school and they never had that much stuff to worry about. I can certainly understand how kids can get overwhelmed. Having everything organized this way will make life much easier for them - it will also be much easier on the back and shoulders.

  12. Jacqueline Gum

    August 23, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    This is so cool! Kids have a hard enough time keeping their work straight and this is so organized...something he doesn't have to really give much thought to. Kudos! And by the way, I use those tear out index cards myself:) Love them!

Primary Sidebar

Sabrina Quairoli Owner of Sabrinasorganizing

Hi, I'm Sabrina! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog, where you can find Home Organizing, Quick Weeknight Recipes, and DIY Craft Home Organizing Projects. Feel free and browse around to get motivated to improve your home life!

Read more about me →

Get your free copy of our 12 months of easy decluttering challenges ebook

Popular Home Life Posts

  • Places to Donate Jewelry You Do Not Want
    Places To Donate Jewelry You Do Not Want
  • Amazing Games to Help Kids Understand How to Organize-featured image
    7 Games to Help Kids Understand How to Organize
  • This Year's Recycling Locations and Shredder Events 2020
    This Year's Recycling Locations and Shredder Events
  • what to keep in your shed checklist
    What to Keep in Your Shed
  • What to Keep in your linen closet
    The Most Important Things to Keep in Your Linen Closet
  • Air fried pepperoni chips recipe - Featured image
    Air Fried Pepperoni Chips Recipe
Need a fresh look at your home? Learn more and download our free ebook, 'How to Awaken From Clutter Blindness,’ to access the tools, tips, and strategies to help you find clarity and organization.
Get your free copy of our Home Management binder ebook
Grammarly Writing Support







MasonJars.com - Shop Original Products For The Home and Garden

Surlatable home products and cooking classes

Mom Agenda Planners

Taos Shoes

Dollar Tree Shop Now



Shop Mabels Labels Online

Blue Water Bento - Ocean-friendly bento lunch boxes by ECOlunchbox

Order out of Chaos 2023-2024 academic planner

WYZArt tutoring for K-12

The Netflix of Children's Books

Order out of Chaos 2023-2024 academic planner

Mom Agenda Shop Now
Get our Holiday Season Planner to help you save money and time with free checklists and Printables to make this season amazing
Have a small business? NEED SMALL BUSINESS ADMIN SERVICES? Visit our blog and services by clicking below.
Sabrina's Admin Services

Amazon Disclosure


Sabrina's Organizing blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Sabrina’s Organizing Web Stories

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy and Cookies
  • Google Analytics Privacy Statement and Opt-Out Option

Newsletter and Associations

  • Sign Up for emails and updates
  • 2023 NAPO Business Stamp of Approval

Contact

  • Contact
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing Consults
  • Write for Us
Creative Commons License

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2011-2023 Sabrina's Organizing Blog content by Sabrina Morresi-Quairoli is licensed. Based on work at Sabrina’s Organizing blog, social media content, and newsletters shared, permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available when contacting me.