Back-to-school is almost here, and to make life a little easier for you and me, I’ve made a back-to-school checklist printable. This way, we can keep track of all the things our kids need for back to school. Instead of trying to keep a mental list of everything you need—from clothes to all the school supplies that will most likely be forgotten—I’ve created a simple checklist to keep us all organized.
The free checklist is a great way to keep track of everything we need for school and can be used for kids going to their first day of school, middle school, or even their last year of high school. This is an easy way to get organized for the upcoming school year. Stick around to get your hands on these free printables.
Why You Need a Back-to-School Checklist
If you’re anything like me, you’ll forget about your school supply list in a matter of minutes—and then, by the time you actually get to the store, you’re wandering around trying to remember what your kid actually needs for the first day of school. And if you have another kid in a different grade? Forget about it you’re doomed. Trying to remember your kid’s school essentials, and even in some instances forms and paperwork, is just a lot.
That’s where a back-to-school checklist comes in. Instead of trying to remember everything in your head, you write it all down in one place. Then, as you get stuff done—like buying new pencil cases, water bottles, or a new lunch bag—you check it off the list.
No more stressing out about school shopping, because now you’ve got a game plan. It helps you stay organized, avoid last-minute stress, and make sure you’re ready when that first school bell rings. It turns a big, messy to-do list into something simple and doable. Now is the perfect time to start prepping for the new school year. Before we know it, the first day of school will be here and you’ll be glad you started sooner rather than later.
Things to Include in the Printable Checklist
Not sure what to add to your checklist? Don’t worry—I’ve got you. This is just a couple of ideas you may need to add to your checklist. A good back to school checklist covers more than just pencils and notebooks (though those are important too!). Here are some helpful things to think about:
- School Supplies – Think pens, folders, notebooks, highlighters, glue sticks, scissors, and anything else your child’s teacher recommends.
- Clothing & Shoes – Check what still fits, what needs to be replaced, and don’t forget things like socks, underwear, and maybe a fresh hoodie or jacket. After all kids outgrow clothes quickly so I am sure you’ll need to add a few new clothes.
- Backpack & Lunchbox – Make sure they’re clean, not ripped, and still the right size. Add an ice pack and reusable water bottle too.
- Lunch & Snack Prep – Stock up on lunch supplies, snacks, containers, and anything you’ll need to make mornings smoother.
- Paperwork – Double-check if any school teacher forms, permission slips, or emergency contacts need to be updated and turned in especially if your child is about start school for the first time.
- Health Stuff – Now is a great time to schedule any last-minute physicals, grab needed prescriptions, and make sure immunizations are current.
- School Routine & Schedule Planning – Start adjusting bedtime routines, set a morning routine, and figure out pick-up/drop-off plans.
Supplies Needed for the Back-to-School Checklist
You don’t need much to use the back-to-school checklist, but here are a few optional supplies that might be helpful.
Supplies you’ll need
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Looking for more back to school printables? Take a look at these:
- Printable Back to School Coloring Page to Kick Off the Year Looking for a fun way to ease into the school year? This free back to school coloring page is the perfect little activity to get kids excited! Whether it’s for the night before school starts or a quiet morning before heading out, it’s a cute and creative way to kick off the new year.
- Printable Contact Cards for Kids: A Fun Way to Stay in Touch A new school year means new friends—and these printable contact cards make it easy for kids to stay in touch. They can fill them out and hand them to classmates, teammates, or anyone they click with. It’s the perfect way to keep in touch for playdates, if you want to send texts, or just keeping the friendship going after school.
Download the Printable
For this back-to-school printable I’ve included two different checklists the only difference is one has a notes section. So if you need to jot down important dates, contact information, or when the start of school is you can.
Click the PDF file at the bottom of the post to download the printable. Print as many as you like. The printable is meant to be printed on 8.5 x 11 paper.
This printable is for classroom and personal use only. Feel free to print as many copies as you’d like, but please don’t share or sell the files. If someone else wants a copy, send them to this post to download it. Thanks for your support!
Get your copy of the back-to-school checklist printable here.
Let me know what you think of this printable. If you enjoyed it, drop a comment below—I always love hearing your thoughts!
