Get a soft-sided pencil case, not a box

For a middle school backpack side pocket, the right pencil case is soft-sided and flat, not a hard shell. Hard metal or plastic boxes waste space, don’t fit deep pockets, and break when dropped. A soft pouch hugs the pocket and can squeeze into tight spots.

The trick is to find a soft case with compartments. A single open pouch becomes a black hole of loose pens. Look for one with two zippered sides or a mesh divider — you get about twice the capacity without adding bulk. Also check the dimensions. Most backpack side pockets are around 8–9 inches tall and 2–3 inches deep. Any soft case under 9 inches long and around 3 inches thick when full will