Getting ready for a new homeschool year is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. One of the easiest ways to reduce stress is to gather your supplies before your first day of school. Having everything organized and ready allows you to spend less time searching for materials and more time enjoying your homeschool journey.

The good news is that you don’t need to buy everything at once or purchase every new item on the market. Start with the basics, add what fits your family’s needs, and remember that homeschooling is about learning together—not having the perfect classroom.

Basic School Supplies

These are the items most homeschool families use regularly:

• Pencils – My kids love mechanical
• Erasers – Polymer erasers work much better
• Pens
• Highlighters
• Colored pencils – You can find erasable ones 🙂
• Crayons
• Markers
• Glue sticks
• Liquid glue
• Child-safe scissors
• Loose-leaf paper
• Spiral notebooks
• Composition notebooks
• Pocket folders
• Index cards

Organization Supplies

Keeping your homeschool organized can make each day run much more smoothly.

Consider having:

• Student supply bins
• Storage baskets
• Book bins
• Drawer organizers
• Magazine holders
• Plastic file folders
• Clipboards
• Labels
• A family command center or bulletin board

One thing that has worked especially well for our family is giving each child a personal school bin that contains everything they need for the day. It keeps supplies together and eliminates the daily hunt for pencils, scissors, and notebooks.

Teacher Supplies

As the homeschool teacher, having your own supplies within easy reach helps lessons flow more smoothly.

Some favorites include:

• Planner
• Lesson planner
• Grade book (if you keep one)
• Calendar
• Sticky notes
• Dry erase markers
• Stapler
• Paper clips
• Printer paper
• Ink cartridges

Bible and Devotional Materials

One of the blessings of homeschooling is the opportunity to keep God’s Word at the center of your day.

Consider including:

• Family Bible
• Individual Bibles
• Devotional books
• Scripture memory cards
• Prayer journal
• Hymnal or worship playlist

Art Supplies

Creative projects make learning memorable.

Keep a basic supply of:

• Construction paper
• Watercolor paints
• Acrylic paints
• Paint brushes
• Modeling clay
• Craft sticks
• Pipe cleaners
• Stickers
• Washable markers
• Glitter (if you’re brave!)

Technology

Technology isn’t required for homeschooling, but it can be a helpful tool.

Depending on your family’s needs, you may want:

• Laptop or desktop computer
• Tablet
• Printer
• Laminator
• Headphones
• External hard drive
• Educational software – Nicole the Math Lady is great for Math
• Charging station

Optional Supplies

These aren’t necessities, but they can make homeschooling easier.

Some ideas include:

• Whiteboard
• Timer – I used the Apple HomePod Mini
• Book stand
• Reading lamp
• Globe
• Wall maps
• Educational games
• Storage cart

Budget-Saving Tips

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive.

Here are a few ways to save money:

• Shop used curriculum sales.
• Borrow books from your local library.
• Watch for back-to-school sales.
• Buy quality items that will last several years.
• Share curriculum with friends when appropriate.
• Reuse supplies from previous years whenever possible.

My Favorite Organizational Tools

Over the years, I’ve found that a few simple organizational tools have made a huge difference in our homeschool.

Some of my favorites include:

• Individual student supply bins
• Book bins for current readers
• My digital planner
• Label maker
• Laminator
• Storage baskets

These aren’t required, but they help keep our homeschool running smoothly and reduce daily frustration.

Before heading to the store, take inventory of what you already have. Test markers, sharpen colored pencils, organize reusable supplies, and check last year’s notebooks for unused pages. A few minutes at home can save both money and unnecessary purchases.

🎁 Free Printable Homeschool Supply Checklist
Take this checklist with you while you shop! Download the beautifully designed printable and check items off as you go.

A Gentle Encouragement

Remember, supplies are simply tools. They can make homeschooling easier, but they don’t determine the success of your homeschool.

The most valuable things you’ll bring into your homeschool this year are your love, your patience, and your commitment to faithfully teach the children God has entrusted to you.

Continue Your Homeschool Journey

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:

• 5 Simple Ways to Start Your Homeschool Year Organized
• Our Homeschool Daily Routine (That Actually Works)
• How I Plan Our Homeschool Week (coming soon)

What homeschool supply has made the biggest difference for your family? I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments!

Hi, I’m Kelly!

I’m a Christian wife, homeschool mom, designer, and creator of A Mother’s Design. I love encouraging families through practical homeschool tips, organization ideas, faith, and creative resources that make everyday life a little easier

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