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Heading back to school can be a hectic, stressful time. The first day in particular has its own set of unique challenges. You've finished all of your back-to-school shopping, and now you're faced with getting all those supplies to school. At Pottery Barn Teen, we have bookbag packing down to a science. By following these simple steps, you'll fit everything you need into your backpack so you can focus on heading off to school confidently.
If you have any textbooks before the first day of classes, be sure to pack those first. Place notebooks, binders and other large books inside your backpack before adding any smaller items to avoid crushing them. These should go in the largest, main compartment of your backpack. If your backpack has two large compartments, place textbooks in one and notebooks in the other. Heavier books should go closer to your back so the weight is easier to carry.
A fun, durable pencil bag or pencil case is ideal for keeping pens, pencils and other small school supplies corralled in one place. If your bookbag has an organizer with pencil holders and small pockets, add a few writing implements there to make them easier to reach. Put your case or bag in the front pocket or in a side pocket so your pens and pencils don't get crushed by heavy books. Add your name to the case so that it can be returned to you in case you drop it or lose it.
Packing a laptop, tablet or smartphone in the same backpack as your textbooks requires a few precautions to keep your electronics protected. A sturdy, stylish laptop bag in a cool print is ideal because it has a special padded pocket designed to keep your electronics safe during transport.
Slide the laptop or tablet into the pocket and make sure it is secure; it should fit tightly in the pocket to limit movement. If you prefer using your backpack, be sure to place your electronics in protective sleeves before placing them in the largest compartment of your bag.
Avoid carrying multiple bags by making some space for personal items in your backpack, such as makeup, a hairbrush, car keys, tissues, hand sanitizer or body spray. If your backpack has a medium-sized pocket, then tuck these items there. If not, place them in a small toiletry or cosmetic bag and slide them into the front of the largest compartment of the bag.
There's no telling what they're serving in the cafeteria on the first day of school, but you can pack your lunch and a few snacks to get you through the day. Choose food storage that will keep your lunch fresh. Soup containers that are BPA-free and designed to keep contents hot for up to six hours or cold for up to 24 hours are a great choice.
Stainless steel lunch containers are food safe, durable and lightweight so your backpack isn't weighed down.
Put your food storage in an insulated lunch box and add an ice pack to keep it cool. If you have clips or elastic on the front of your backpack, use those to hold your lunch bag in place.
Once you have everything in your bag, try it on and see how it fits. Adjust the lengths of the straps as needed to make sure that the weight rests comfortably on your shoulders. If it feels too heavy, take inventory of what's in the bag. Remove the items that you won't need at the beginning of the day and carry them by hand. You can tuck these in your locker and come back for them later in the day. Once you have everything in place, you're ready to start your first day of school in style.
