What should be in a school bag? Back-to-school packing list
Short answer: At the start of school, the schoolbag should typically contain a pencil case, writing supplies, a lunch box, a water bottle and the books or folders the school has requested. Gym clothes, extra clothes and other items depend on the grade level and the school's own information.
Use this guide as a complete packing list for the start of school. Once everyday life is underway, you can use our separate guide to what your child should bring in their schoolbag every day.
Packing List for the Schoolbag at the Start of School
- Pencil case
- Pencils and colored pencils
- Eraser and pencil sharpener
- Ruler, if the school wants one
- Lunch box
- Water bottle
- School books or folders, if the school has requested them
- Gym bag on physical education days
- Extra clothes for the youngest children, if relevant
- Name labels on the most important items
Schools may have different requirements, so the school's own materials list should always be the most important starting point.
1. Start with the Right Schoolbag
The bag should fit the child's size, sit securely and have room for the things the child actually needs. A larger bag is not necessarily better if it becomes heavy or difficult to organize.
If you still need to choose a model, read Which schoolbag should you choose for children? or our schoolbag checklist before buying.
2. Pencil Case and Writing Supplies
A simple pencil case is usually enough. Check the school's information before buying extra supplies, as some schools provide materials.
- pencils
- colored pencils
- eraser
- pencil sharpener
- ruler, if necessary
- possibly a ballpoint pen for older children or if the school recommends it
3. Lunch Box and Water Bottle
Choose models that the child can open and close themselves. The lunch box should fit in the bag, and the water bottle should be leakproof and easy to access.
If the schoolbag has a side pocket for a bottle, it can be practical to use it so the water bottle does not lie among the books and papers.
4. Books, Folders and Papers
Pack only the materials the school has informed you about. For the first day of school, it is not necessarily necessary to fill the bag with all the books from home.
Once the school year is underway, it is better to pack according to the day's schedule. This keeps the bag lighter and more organized.
5. Gym Clothes and Activity Bag
If your child has physical education, a separate gym bag can be practical for sports clothes, shoes and possibly a towel. On days without physical education, the bag does not need to be in the schoolbag.
6. Spare clothes for younger children
In the first years of school, a small set of spare clothes can be useful if the school recommends it. This could include socks, a T-shirt or a light extra layer.
Pack only what is necessary so the bag does not become filled with things the child rarely uses.
7. Name labels
Label the items that are easily lost or mixed up:
- school bag
- pencil case
- lunch box
- water bottle
- gym bag
- a change of clothes, if brought along
What should the child bring on the first day of school?
Follow the school's message first. If the school has not sent a detailed list, a simple starter pack is often enough: school bag, pencil case, lunch box, water bottle and any papers or materials the school has requested.
It is better to start simply and add items according to the school's instructions than to fill the bag with unnecessary things.
How to avoid a school bag that is too heavy
- Pack only what is needed.
- Remove old papers and items from previous days.
- Leave the gym bag and extra equipment at home when they are not needed.
- Choose a bag of a suitable size rather than the most possible space.
- Check regularly that the bag still fits the child well.
See also How big should a school bag be? and How should a school bag fit?.
A simple routine after school starts
Once school has started, the child does not need to use the full school-start checklist every day. A short evening routine is often more practical: check the next day's schedule, pack the relevant books, check the pencil case and prepare the lunch box, water bottle and, if needed, gym kit.
Read the more targeted guide to packing a school bag each day.
Frequently asked questions
What should be in a school bag for the first year of school?
It depends on the school, but typically a pencil case, lunch box, water bottle and the materials the school has specifically asked for. Younger children may also need a change of clothes.
Does the child need to bring all their books from the first day?
Normally only if the school has asked for it. Follow the school's own list and avoid packing more than necessary.
Does gym kit need to be in the school bag every day?
No. It is only necessary on PE days or other days when the school has asked for it.
How do you keep a school bag organised?
Use designated compartments for designated items, remove old papers regularly and pack according to the next day's schedule instead of leaving all school equipment in the bag.
See school bags and more guides
See school bags, backpacks and accessories at Lilla Villa or go to our practical guides to school bags.