Many people do not know how to organize their school supplies well, so they end up losing things, including assignments, pens, and pencils. This instructable will show you several ways to keep all of your supplies for school organized so that you do not lose any assignments or materials
Step 1: The Value of Quality Supplies
When you are out buying supplies for school, buy quality supplies. Don't get cheap products that you know will not last you the entire year. For example, get glossy plastic folders instead of the paper ones. Even though it may cost a bit more to get quality supplies, it will be worth it.
Step 2: Binders
Binders are a very important part of staying organized.
Tip 1: Keep one 1" binder for each subject you have.
Tip 2: Divide each binder into sections using dividers; i.e. make 1 divider for classwork, 1 for completed homework, and 1 for completed tests. You can add more depending on the subject.
Tip 3: Buy a different colored binder for each subject and make sure they have plastic pockets on the front cover. You can slide a piece of paper with the class name and your name on it.
Step 3: Notebooks
Taking notes is a very important part of school. There several tips and tricks you can use to keep your notes organized.
Tip 1: Use the outer margin of your page to put key words and terms from the lesson.
Tip 2: Title each section of notes and put a date next to it.
Tip 3: Buy 1 notebook for each subject that has the same color as each of your binders.
Step 4: Accordion File
Accordion files are an easy and simple way to keep papers organized.
Tip 1: Use accordion files to keep all of your homework assignments that you have not yet turned in organized.
Tip 2: Buy an accordion file that is covered in cloth. Do not buy one that is all thin plastic, as these fall apart very easily.
Tip 3: Some accordion files come with pencil cases attached. These are very useful for keeping your pens, pencils and papers in one place.
Step 5: Planner
Use a planner so you can keep track of your homework assignments so you don't forget anything.
Tip 1: Get a large planner. My school gives out small planners (4" X 6") and they are very difficult to use because you have to write with very, very small letters. Many large planners also include useful information in the back (formulas, useful websites, etc.)
Tip 2: Actually use your planner. I know this may sound weird, but I know students that buy fancy planners and just let them sit in their lockers all year.
Step 6: Locker
Keep your locker organized! If you just throw stuff into your locker, you will have a hard time finding things for your next class and you may forget something.
Tip 1: Use a shelf to organize your supplies. Keep your binders and notebooks on the top of the shelf and keep your textbooks below. If you put your textbooks on top of your shelf it may weaken and / or break the shelf.
Tip 2: Use Magnets to hang things in your locker such as notes about upcoming tests.
Tip 3: You can make a whiteboard for your locker at minimal cost by putting a piece of blank white paper inside of a clear plastic sleeve. If you write on this with a dry-erase marker, it will erase with ease.
Step 7: Backup Supplies
Just in case someone steals some of your supplies or you lose some, keep some extra pens, pencils, and maybe a notebook in your locker.
Step 8: Personalize
Have Fun! Decorate your school supplies. You can use stickers, paper, markers, or anything else to decorate your items. Have fun and be creative!
An example shown below is how I personalize my accordion file.