How to Pack a Pencil Case for School

Co-authored by Katie Styzek

Last Updated: November 2, 2024 Approved

Packing and organizing your pencil case for school is the best way to make sure your year will be as stress free as possible. Finding the right pencil case can make packing your supplies even easier. Throughout the year, you will always know where to find anything you need at a moments notice. Bring your best to each class and succeed!

Best Items for Your Pencil Case

Check your school supply list to see what supplies you need for each class. Common supplies include regular pencils, red pencils, pens, protractors, erasers, highlighters, calculators, scissors, and glue. Then, put the supplies into the pencil case starting with the biggest items and ending with the smallest.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Packing Your Pencil Case

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1
Start with the necessities. Each school year, students are responsible to bring the same types of supplies with them to class everyday. Though certain classes can call for some variety in supplies, downsize what to pack in your pencil case initially to optimize organization. Here are some necessities you could start with:^{[1]
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- Two lead pencils
- One red pen, one blue pen, one black pen
- Sharpener
- Protractor
- Scissors (5”)
- Eraser
- Glue stick
- Highlighter
- Calculator
- Ruler (doesn't have to be full-sized!)
2
Pack supplies in order of largest to smallest. Put the items that will take up the most room first at the bottom of your case, such as calculators, scissors, or protractors. This will provide a base for your smaller items, such as pencils, pens, or sharpeners.<ef>https://listonic.com/school-supplies-list-pencil-case/</ref> Your case will be neater and easier to maneuver when looking for a certain item.
- If using a case with a zipper, put the pencil case on its side with the zipper facing left or right. It will be easier to pack your supplies, and will help you to utilize the space inside the case.
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Add or remove supplies when needed. Since you already started with the necessities, adding in supplies based by grade or course should not be too difficult.^{[2]
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Research source} If you are adding in any loose supplies, keep them contained before packing.
- Elementary school supply lists usually call for colored pencils, crayons, and magic markers. To save space, choose the colors you use most for each, remove them from their box, and wrap each group together with rubber bands.
- Middle or high school supply lists may call for post-it notes. Put the post-it notes in a small zip lock bag. This will make sure none of the notes rip off or get bent in the pencil case.
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Clean out and repack your pencil case periodically. Every month, clean out your pencil case to make it as accessible as possible throughout the year. As the school year progresses, it’s easy to let all of those pencil shavings and notes take over your case. Instead, throw out what you don’t need and replenish.
- Get rid of any broken pencils or crayons.
- Replace dulling highlighters.
- Replenish glue sticks and erasers

Part 2

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Choosing Your Pencil Case

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1
Get a case with compartments. A pencil case with multiple compartments of different size will help you effectively pack your supplies. Try to get a case with stackable layers, in order to fit in as many supplies as needed.^{[3]
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- Organize each compartment with supplies of the same category and/or size.
  - Put the compass, protractor, and calculator together.
2
Pick one with a durable fabric. Carrying a pencil case between classes as well as back and forth from home will definitely cause some wear and tear on the fabric. Choose a fabric that will be less likely to rip in between classes, so none of your supplies fall into your backpack or on the floor.
- Try to get a pencil case made with nylon fabric. Not only is it easier to clean, it is strong enough to stay intact if you fill your pencil case to maximum capacity.
- Hard plastic pencil cases are durable, but make sure to keep track of how much supplies you try to pack. If you pack too much, you will be less likely to close the case because it has a lid instead of a zipper.
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Decide on the size. A medium sized pencil case would be the best size for everyday classes. You may have a class where you may need more room for a ruler or a notepad, so a larger case would be suitable.^{[4]
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- If after a few months of your school routine, you notice that you are not utilizing many of your supplies, scale down to a smaller pencil case. This will fit in any backpack, and could even be left out on your desk since it wouldn’t take up much space.
- Some people find it best to only carry the necessities and keep a bigger pencil case in their locker for things that are specific to one class (geometry kit, watercolours, coloured pencils etc.)

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Is it okay if I have different pencil cases for different purposes and reasons?

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Of course. If different pencil cases and materials are what you need to stay organized, then go for it.

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Are compasses and protractors useful in school?

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Yes, both can be useful in school, so it would be a good idea to include both in your pencil case.

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Should I have some things that I don't need?

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You could. It's fine to have things like loose change or maybe your keys. But, remember to never over clutter.

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Tips

Buy a separate clear pencil case for exams. The see-through material will allow you to have it on the desk while you take your exams.

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Write your name on your pencil case, so it can be returned to you if lost.

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Keep your reinforcements in a zip lock bag, so that they won't peel off the sheets and end up sticking on your pencil case, calculator, etc.

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