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Back-to-School Organizing Tips

Back-to-School Supplies Checklist

Backpack? Check. Lunch box? Check. Safety scissors? Er… The basics to buy your young scholar, from preschool to high school.

Save this checklist ›Progress SavedYour progress has been saved**You've changed this checklist.**
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Preschool

done!
1 art smock
done!
Change of clothes for spills or accidents
done!
2 freezer packs for lunch boxes
done!
1 lunch bag or lunch box
done!
Packaged hand wipes (slip them into lunch boxes for wiping dirty hands before snack time)
done!
Packaged snacks (healthy choices include pretzels, nuts—if allowed—and dried fruit)
done!
Plastic crayon keeper or box to store craft projects
done!
Plastic drink container with flip top to stop spills before they happen
done!
Pocket tissue packs
done!
Resealable gallon-sized plastic bags for taking home craft projects
done!
Shoes with slip-proof soles to prevent hallway spills
done!
Small umbrella

Elementary School

done!
1 art smock
done!
1 backpack large enough to fit a lunch box, folders, and supplies
done!
1 box of crayons (16-count)
done!
1 pack of washable markers (8-count)
done!
1 bottle of glue (8 ounces)
done!
4 glue sticks
done!
2 freezer packs for lunch boxes
done!
Packaged hand wipes (slip them into lunch boxes for wiping dirty hands before snack time)
done!
Hooded waterproof jacket for drizzly days on the playground
done!
1 large pink eraser
done!
1 lunch bag or lunch box
done!
4 No. 2 pencils
done!
Packaged snacks (healthy choices include pretzels, nuts—if allowed—and dried fruit)
done!
Plastic crayon keeper or box to store craft projects
done!
Plastic drink container with flip top to stop spills before they happen
done!
Plastic toolbox to store scissors, glue, and other supplies
done!
4 folders with pockets
done!
Pocket tissue packs
done!
1 pair of safety scissors
done!
Shoes with slip-proof soles to prevent playground accidents
done!
1 small pencil sharpener
done!
Small umbrella
done!
Resealable gallon-sized plastic bags for taking home craft projects

Middle School

done!
Agenda or planner to keep track of homework assignments
done!
Backpack
done!
Binder dividers
done!
1 binder per subject
done!
Compass (one without a sharp metal point will be the safest)
done!
1 folder per subject for handouts
done!
2 highlighters in different colors
done!
1 pack of No. 2 pencils (12-count)
done!
Loose-leaf paper (wide-ruled)
done!
Pens
done!
Protractor
done!
Ruler
done!
Mini stapler
done!
1 three-subject spiral notebook
done!
Zip drive or USB drive to save work done on home and school computers

High School

done!
Agenda or planner to keep track of homework assignments
done!
Backpack
done!
Binder dividers
done!
1 binder per subject
done!
1 folder per subject for handouts
done!
Calculator, if allowed
done!
2 highlighters in different colors
done!
1 pack of No. 2 pencils (12-count)
done!
Loose-leaf paper (college-ruled or wide- ruled)
done!
2 packages of 1/4-inch graph paper
done!
Pens
done!
Ruler
done!
Mini stapler
done!
1 three- or five-subject spiral notebook
done!
Zip drive or USB drive to save work done on home and school computers

Save this checklist ›Progress SavedYour progress has been saved**You've changed this checklist.**
Remember to save your progress.

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Holidays & Entertaining
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Family & Work
Checklists
Blog
Magazine

Back-to-School Organizing Tips

Back-to-School Supplies Checklist

Backpack? Check. Lunch box? Check. Safety scissors? Er… The basics to buy your young scholar, from preschool to high school.

Preschool

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

Did we forget anything on this checklist? What would you add?

You should send out invitations three weeks before your dinner party. Mail, phone, and e-mail invites are all acceptable.

from our sponsors

popular Family content

Browse RealSimple.com:

Customer Service:

On the Go:

Get our Apps:

FREE Newsletters:

Time Inc. Lifestyle Brands

Connect With Real Simple