How to Make a School Supplies List

Last Updated: May 8, 2020

Making a school supplies list is fairly easy to do. In most cases, you need to assess what you already own, follow a school's recommended or required list and head off to the store to get the items you don't already own.

Steps

1
Know what you need. Check to see whether your school has a supply list. In many cases, you can't just make up what you want but the school will tell you. This will give you an idea of what to get, but you may know that you personally need extra items.
- Often you can print school lists out online, or some stores associated with your school might provide them. Beware that lists provided by stores are designed to get you to purchase lots of items from them, and so may contain extra items you don't need.
- Consider the basics. This could include pens, pencils, a pencil case, an eraser, a ruler, a protractor, a compass, colored pencils, markers, highlighters, sticky notes, a stapler, glue stick, scissors, and notebooks/pads/paper. Each subject will have particular requirements along with the general needs.
2
Write everything you need down on paper. Include the quantity needed.

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3
Look through your existing school supplies (and any supplies that may be around your house from siblings or other people). Put those items aside.
4
Check those items for condition. Clean each item to get a better look at it. If it is broken, see if it can be repaired. If it cannot, throw it away.
- Check to be sure binder rings still work properly and it isn't breaking at the spine.
- Partially-filled notebooks can be reused if you remove the written-on pages. You can use the rest as a new (albeit smaller) notebook, or use the remaining pages as loose paper (especially if a perforated edge means you can remove it cleanly).
- If old folders are tearing, bending, or breaking, repair or replace them. Duct tape will work better than less industrial tapes.
5
Make a shorter list of the things you still don't have. In some cases, even though you have a particular item, you may dislike it and wish to replace it. Consider whether that's wasteful or would make you happier throughout the school year.
6
Look up the stores you plan to buy from, either in person or online. Try to create a budget to minimize spending, stick to this budget and take advantage of discounts and offers.

Tip: If you know which store you will be going to, and you will not be shopping around, this step is not necessary.
7
Go shopping. When you go to the store, only buy what you need. Try not to pick up little extras that aren't on the list. Be kind to your or your parents' wallet.
8
Go home and put everything away neatly. Dispose of all packaging and other useless waste. Feel ready for school!