How to Organize School Supplies: Back-To-School Tips

Start with a School Supplies Checklist

Before you stock up on supplies, start with a simple back-to-school checklist to ensure nothing gets missed. Essentials like notebooks, pencils, and folders are obvious— but don’t forget about tech items, personal care products, and organization tools.

Explore essentials like the Kids Pencil Case to keep writing tools visible and in place, or the Tech Organizer for managing cords and devices.

Essentials for Preschoolers

For preschoolers, keep it simple: a lunch box, crayons, washable markers, a small backpack, and a change of clothes are usually enough. Look for durable, easy-to-clean options and label everything clearly.

Essentials for Elementary Schoolers

As your child enters elementary school, add notebooks, folders, scissors, glue sticks, and a pencil case to the list. It’s also a great time to introduce organization tools like travel pouches to keep items sorted by subject or activity.

Essentials for Middle Schoolers

Middle schoolers need a bit more: binders, planners, graphing notebooks, and tech accessories become more important. A tech organizer is key here for storing headphones, chargers, and USBs.

Choose the Right School Supplies Organizers

The right organizers can help students keep track of everything from colored pencils to power cords. From pouches to pencil cases, here are CALPAK favorites that make staying organized easier (and more stylish).

Utilize Pouches for Smaller Items

Small essentials like erasers, flashcards, or highlighters tend to get lost. CALPAK’s Travel Pouches are perfect for grouping items by use or subject. Use one for writing utensils, another for personal items, and a third for emergency supplies.

Keep Tech Tidy with a Dedicated Organizer

Loose cords are a recipe for chaos. Keep everything in order with CALPAK’s Tech Organizer, designed with zippered pockets and elastic loops to hold chargers, earbuds, and devices securely.

Organize Your Backpack the Right Way

A well-packed backpack not only saves time, it can also prevent back strain and frustration. Here's how to structure it effectively:

Use Pouches to Separate Supplies by Category

Grouping items by category can streamline transitions between classes or activities. Use color-coded pouches to organize by subject—math tools in one, art supplies in another—or by use case, like school versus after-school programs. CALPAK’s Clear Cosmetics Case makes it easy to stay sorted and stress-free all day long.

Place the Heaviest Items Closest to the Back

To prevent strain and maintain balance, always place heavier items—like textbooks, binders, or a laptop—closest to your child’s back. This improves posture and makes the backpack more comfortable to carry. Lighter supplies should go in the front compartments. Use a dedicated laptop sleeve or padded section to protect heavier tech from damage.

H3: Pack by Priority & Accessibility

Put items your student uses most—like notebooks, pens, or a planner—at the top of the bag or in easy-access outer pockets. Rarely used items can go deeper into the bag. This makes it quicker to grab what they need without unloading everything, especially during fast-paced class changes or early-morning routines.

Maximize Every Pocket & Compartment

Make full use of your backpack’s design. Use side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas, front compartments for snacks or hand sanitizer, and interior sleeves for laptops or folders. CALPAK’s Kids Collection features backpacks with built-in organization so kids can pack smarter and find things faster.

Set Up an Organized Homework Station at Home

An organized homework station can help your child focus and complete assignments efficiently. Whether it's a corner of the dining room or a dedicated desk, the key is to keep it clutter-free. Use organizers like trays, bins, or even CALPAK’s Organizers Collection to contain materials and create a consistent after-school routine.

Storage Bins, Trays & a Routine

Set up an area where kids can drop their backpacks and sort out the day’s work. Use labeled trays or bins for homework, permission slips, and art projects. Establish a routine—unpack, complete homework, repack—that reinforces responsibility. The more predictable and organized the system, the more likely kids are to stick with it.

Use a Portable Organizer for After-School Activities

Between soccer practice, music lessons, and tutoring sessions, portable organization is key. The Car Organizer can help keep gear, snacks, and extra supplies neat and accessible on the go. Keep one in the trunk or backseat to manage after-school chaos and cut down on forgotten items

Tips for Keeping School Supplies Clean & Maintained

Supplies that are well cared for last longer and stay more pleasant to use. Build simple habits into your child’s weekly routine to keep items clean, labeled, and in good shape. Whether it’s wiping down surfaces or checking for broken pencils, a few minutes can go a long way in staying organized.

Quick Wipes, Labels, and Weekly Check-ins

Pack a small set of cleaning wipes in your child’s backpack for quick cleanup at school. Label everything with name tags to avoid mix-ups. Set aside five minutes at the end of each week to review what's in the bag—clean, restock, and toss out anything that's broken, dirty, or no longer needed.

Make It Fun: Let Kids Personalize Their Setup

Organization doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Encourage kids to express themselves by personalizing their setup. Choose favorite colors, decorate pouches, and add fun labels. CALPAK’s colorful Organizers Collection makes it easy to mix function with creativity, helping kids take ownership of their space and supplies.

Use Stickers or Name Tags

Let your child pick out stickers or custom name tags to label pouches, folders, or their backpack. These not only help prevent lost items but also make the organization more exciting. You can even use themed tags for different subjects or activities, turning daily routines into something your child looks forward to.

Assign Colors to Different Subjects

Color-coding is a simple yet powerful way to stay organized. Assign specific colors to each subject—blue for math, yellow for language arts, green for science—and match folders, notebooks, or pouches accordingly. This helps kids identify the right materials quickly and build habits that encourage independence and time management.

School Organization Matters

When kids are organized, they’re more confident, less stressed, and better prepared to succeed. From the right backpack to a thoughtfully designed homework station, each step contributes to a smoother school year. Explore CALPAK’s Kids Collection for gear designed with both parents and students in mind. For more tips, check out our blog on Back-to-School Prep.

Shop CALPAK’s Kids Collection.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the best way to organize school supplies? 

Start by sorting items into categories—writing tools, notebooks, tech, and art supplies—then use a school supplies organizer like CALPAK’s Clear Pouch Set to keep everything in its place. Labeling and regular check-ins help keep things tidy all year long.

How do I keep my child’s backpack organized?

Choose a structured backpack like the Kids Backpack with built-in compartments. Use pouches for smaller items and pack heavier things closer to the back panel for better weight distribution and easier access.

What should I include in a school supplies organizer?

A well-stocked school supplies organizer should include pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers, a ruler, and sticky notes—plus tech accessories like chargers and earbuds. CALPAK’s Tech Organizer and Clear Pouch Set are great options for keeping essentials neat and accessible.