How to Pack a School Bag the Right Way (So It Feels Lighter)

Two bags with exactly the same books can feel very different on a child's back. The difference is in how they're packed. Here's a simple routine that takes five minutes the evening before school.

Step 1: Empty it completely

Take everything out. You'll almost always find old worksheets, a forgotten snack or a toy that doesn't need to go back in.

Step 2: Pack only today's timetable

Lay out tomorrow's timetable and pick only the textbooks and notebooks for those periods. Ask the class teacher if some books can stay in school.

Step 3: Heaviest items closest to the back

Put the biggest, heaviest textbooks in the main compartment, flat against the back panel. Weight close to the spine is easier to carry than weight hanging at the front.

Step 4: Medium items in the middle, light items in front

Notebooks go next, then the pencil box, diary and ID card in the front pocket where they're easy to reach.

Step 5: Tiffin and bottle outside

A separate lunch bag or lunch pouch keeps leaks away from books and takes weight out of the main bag. Not sure which? Read lunch bag or lunch pouch.

Step 6: Adjust the straps

Both straps on, tightened so the bag sits close to the back and ends above the waist. A bag hanging low pulls the shoulders backwards.

Make it your child's job

From around Class 3, children can pack their own bag with a checklist stuck on their study table. It builds responsibility — and they'll notice when they've packed too much.

Still too heavy?

Weigh it. A packed bag should be no more than 10% of your child's body weight — see how to check. If the bag itself is the problem, it may be the wrong size: use our size guide.