4 Steps to an Organized Backpack

Using the simple PACK acronym, your child can learn to keep her backpack neat and tidy, and her school life more in order.

By Jennifer L. Nelson

Ages

5-13

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After the end of a long school week, is your child spending far too long fishing for items out of a messy backpack? With the help of the PACK system, turn that unorganized pack into a thing of the past.

P
URGE: At the end of each week, re-evaluate the homework papers, books, projects, and other loose ends your child has accumulated. Toss, recycle, or store whatever’s no longer needed in the bag.

ACCESSORIZE: Keep necessities from floating about by attaching them to the backpack. Try a snap-on hand sanitizer, for instance, or a lip balm that comes with a keychain-style container.

CATEGORIZE: Designate certain pockets for particular items: larger pockets for books, a smaller one for homework folders, a small side pocket for pens and pencils. You can even label them if you need to help your kids keep track of what goes where.

KEEP IT UP: Motivate your child to stick to those good habits by making the weekly purge a family ritual. While he’s sorting his backpack, clean out your own workbag or purse.

MORE: Get a FREE printable backpack label

Photo Credit: Siede Preis/Getty Images

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