What to check before the start of the school year? We bring you a handy list of school supplies, equipment and accessories that are often forgotten. Get ready for a stress-free new school year.

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Back to school stress-free: What to check in a schoolboy's school bag and gear

Summer vacation will fly by faster than we would like, and before we know it, the new school year is here. In addition to the lists of notebooks, pens, and art supplies that you usually don't get from school until early September, there are plenty of things you can check now.

It is precisely these basic school needs that often decide whether the beginning of the school year will be relaxed or full of last-minute shopping and last-minute searches. We have prepared a practical checklist, thanks to which you will not forget anything.

What deserves to be checked first? School backpack and pencil case

The school backpack has a full year of daily service behind it. Before the child takes it on their back again, it pays to take care of it for a few minutes.

Schoolgirl packing a school bag for the new school year

Check:

  • functionality of zippers and buckles,
  • condition of shoulder straps and seams,
  • Potential penetration of the bottom or corners,
  • reflective elements,
  • enough space for the needs of the new school year.

How to prepare a backpack for the new school year?

If the backpack is otherwise in good condition, there is often no need to buy a new one.

  • Vacuum crumbs and dirt from pockets
  • Wipe the inside with a damp cloth
  • Remove old papers, receipts and forgotten treasures from your pockets
  • Wash it according to the manufacturer's instructions or clean it thoroughly by hand
  • Test all zippers and, if necessary, lubricate them with a special zipper preparation
School supplies, notebooks and crayons spilled out of a backpack

The penalty box deserves the same attention.

What should not be missing in it:

  • crayons,
  • ordinary pencils,
  • gum,
  • sharpener,
  • highlighters,
  • ruler.

Many parents are surprised at how many crayons or pencils are lost during the year. That's why the beginning of the school year is an ideal opportunity to take inventory and add missing equipment.

What is often forgotten? Slippers, sports equipment and everyday helpers

Next to school supplies, things that children use every day are most often forgotten.

Sneakers

A child ties the laces of new shoes

During the holidays, children usually grow one or two sizes. That's why it's worth trying the slippers again.

Check:

  • whether they are small,
  • if they have a firm and non-slip sole,
  • whether they are not too worn,
  • whether it holds the child's leg well.

Many schools prefer or even require a light or white sole that does not leave marks on the floor.

Gym sneakers

Sports shoes, towel and drinking bottle ready for exercise

Even sports shoes deserve inspection.

Check out:

  • if the size still fits the child,
  • whether the sole is trampled,
  • whether it holds the shape and support of the foot,
  • if the laces or fastening works without problems.

As with slippers, a white or non-staining sole is often required to prevent damage to gym floors.

How to "save" last year's shoes?

If the shoes are still the right size, they can still serve well.

  • Remove and wash the liners
  • Clean the soles with a brush
  • Disinfect the inside with shoe spray
  • Wash the laces or replace them with new ones

Sometimes a few minutes of care will do more service than buying a new pair.

Little things that make every school day easier

Sometimes the biggest things aren't the most important. On the contrary. It's the little things that can make every day at school more enjoyable for children.

Practical equipment:

  • water bottle,
  • snack box or packaging,
  • desk pad,
  • organizer for school supplies,
  • plates for documents and drawings,
  • umbrella for school bag,
  • name tags for equipment for younger schoolchildren.

What is worth checking at home?

Tidy work corner of a schoolboy with a table lamp

Before the start of the school year, take a look at the child's work corner.

  • Does the table lamp work?
  • Does the child have a comfortable chair?
  • Is the workspace large enough?
  • Do school supplies have their place?

A clean and well-organized workspace helps children to concentrate better and facilitates preparation for lessons.

Don't forget the snacks either

Father and daughter preparing a snack before the first day of school

A new bottle or snack box can motivate the child to a regular drinking regime and healthier habits. It is therefore good before the start of school:

  • check bottle seals,
  • clean out the snack boxes,
  • or replace the damaged pieces with new ones.
Children with backpacks are returning to school

A final tip

Before you start shopping, try to go through last year's gear first. You may find that many things just need to be cleaned, repaired or added. And what needs to be replaced, you can conveniently buy in one place in Shopland.