This post is sponsored by adidas.
As a parent, I’ve learned that mornings go much smoother when everything has a place, especially when it comes to my kids’ backpacks. Between school, sports, and weekend adventures, their bags tend to collect just about everything: papers, snacks, pencils, and sometimes a mystery item or two.
Over the years, I’ve found a few simple ways to keep things organized that help them start the day feeling ready instead of rushed. It’s not about perfection, it’s about teaching them a system that’s easy enough for them to maintain on their own. Today I’ve partnered with adidas to share my tips for keeping their backpack in check.
Tips for keeping backpacks tidy:
- Start with the right backpack
Before you can organize anything, you need a good foundation. I like to choose backpacks that are sturdy, simple, and easy to clean with just enough pockets to be useful, but not so many that things get lost.
My kids are 21 and 13 now so over the years we have been through our fair share of backpacks. Look for one that holds up well and comes in classic, neutral styles that don’t feel overly trendy. Padded straps are comfortable for long days, but not so necessary for younger children. I love to look for a main compartment that is roomy enough for everything they need without being bulky.
If your child is older, look for a backpack with a laptop sleeve or interior divider. The padding will help keep tech safe. For younger kids, a water bottle holder and front pocket for smaller items is usually all that’s needed. - Empty and reset weekly
At the end of each week, have your kids completely empty their backpacks. It sounds simple, but it’s the easiest way to stay ahead of clutter.
You can turn it into a small ritual. On Friday afternoon, everything comes out: papers, snack wrappers, loose pencils, and the occasional forgotten toy. Then, together, sort items into three quick piles: keep, toss, and move elsewhere.
This not only keeps things tidy but teaches responsibility and awareness about what they actually use. Once the bag is empty, take a minute to wipe down the inside and let it air out before packing it again. - Create sections for essentials
Even if a backpack doesn’t have a lot of built-in organization, you can easily create it. I like to use small pouches or zip bags to group similar items together: one for pencils and supplies, one for small personal items, and one for tech accessories if needed.
If your child carries lunch or snacks, choose containers that fit flat inside the main compartment. Avoid anything bulky or awkwardly shaped. Keeping the interior balanced helps it sit comfortably on their back and prevents crushed lunches or bent folders.
For older kids, a laptop or tablet should always go in the padded section of the backpack to avoid damage.
A few of my favorite adidas backpacks already have great compartments built in. This year my son is using the adidas creator backpack. - Pack the night before
One of the best habits we’ve created is packing the night before. It saves time in the morning and helps everyone feel calmer.
Make it part of their bedtime routine: check homework, add lunch money, refill water bottles, and put everything back in its place. The goal isn’t to make mornings perfect, just to make them peaceful.
For sports days or after-school activities, use an extra duffle bag to separate gear and keep the backpack focused on school items. That way, there’s no scramble for missing shoes or uniforms at 7 a.m. - Keep it minimal
The less that goes in, the easier it is to stay organized. Encourage your kids to carry only what they truly need each day. I remind mine that their backpack isn’t a storage space, it’s a tool to carry what supports them through the day.
At the end of each season, we do a quick reset together. Anything that hasn’t been used in months gets removed. This simple practice keeps their bags light, functional, and clutter-free. - Lead by example
Kids naturally copy what they see. When they notice you keeping your own bag or workspace tidy, it becomes second nature for them, too.
You can even make it a family reset routine. On Sundays, everyone empties and repacks their bags for the week ahead. It’s a small habit that sets a calm tone for Monday morning.
Helping your kids stay organized isn’t about creating a perfect system, it’s about giving them the tools and habits to take ownership of their space. A good backpack makes that process easier.
When everything has a place, they move through their day with more confidence (and you get to skip the morning scramble, win!).
This post is sponsored by adidas, all images and opinions are my own. Thank you so much for helping to support the sponsors that make life here at Hej Doll a little easier.
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