Life can be very stressful from time to time, especially with schoolwork and extracurriculars. While I am not a particularly organized person, my school bag is one aspect of my life that must stay organized at all times. Here are five tips for a more organized backpack to make your school day run smoother. 

1. Try to have your papers for each class in a separate folder

I used to use one cohesive binder for all of my subjects, and all of my papers would get mixed up. With separate folders or binders for each class, I am able to keep track of all of my papers for my subjects, which enables me to relax, knowing everything is organized. With other factors from school like homework and activities, the last thing I need is another stress inducer, so keeping my school bag organized is key.

2. Color code your folders to differentiate your subjects

Similar to tip number one, another thing that helps me stay organized is color-coding my folders. When I have a designated color for each subject, it is effortless for me to find the correct folder when looking in my backpack. If all my folders were the same color, it would take more time and frustration when trying to find the correct folder. 

3. Use colored or labeled dividers for your binders

If you prefer using a binder rather than folders, something that can help prevent your papers and schoolwork from getting messy is using labeled dividers to help separate your subjects from one another. Using dividers is a helpful tool to help stay organized and allows you to easily organize and separate any school subjects while keeping them in order.

4. Every once in a while, take time to organize your bag

Taking time once in a while to organize is paramount to keeping my backpack from getting too messy during the school week. While I try my best to keep my bag properly organized, when in a rush and throughout a busy week, it can get a little messy. One thing that can help is taking a second to get everything in order so that the amount of messy items strewn about in your school bag doesn’t build up over time. I typically try to do this at least once a week, but it can be helpful to do it more often if your school bag tends to become disorganized easily.

5. Use a pencil case 

The last thing I find helpful for me to stay organized for school is to have a pencil case for all of my pencils, pens, markers, and other items. Using a pencil case is helpful because it gives a designated spot for all of your pencils, pens, markers, and any other items. 

These are some of the most important tips I use to keep my backpack organized. Now that the first semester of a new school year is almost finished, using these tips can help make the rest of your school year run smoothly and prevent stress and frustration this school year.