How to Make a Period Kit for School

Making a Binder Kit

Grab a small, pencil bag with grommets to latch into your binder. It should have a zipper or some other way to seal it. This kit, which fits inside your school binder, is ideal if you're looking to have supplies on hand during every class. You can find a pencil bag at most office supply or big box stores. If you don't want anyone to know what's inside, opt for something opaque.

Choose your desired supplies. Decide if you want pads, tampons or something else, and how many you’ll need throughout the day. Figure out how many will fit without bulging. You want enough to get you through a whole day. You can always restock when you are getting low, since you should be taking your binder home, or you could restock periodically from your locker. If you choose a menstrual cup, you will only need one, as it can get washed throughout the day. If you use reusable pads, or period underwear, you should need about two or three.

Add something to freshen you up. Look for individual wipe packets. Add baby wipes to the bag. Have body mist or a spray fragrance of some type if you are worried about smells. Keep in mind that scented wipes can irritate your vagina.

Place the bag in your binder. When you need it, you can grab the whole thing and take it with you to the bathroom to look more natural. That being said, if you don't want to carry a whole binder, you can leave this step out.

Keeping Supplies in your Backpack

Find a zippered bag. Use an opaque one if you dont want anyone to see what's inside. Look for one that is medium-sized and will fit in one of the front areas of your backpack. You won’t be able to pack lots of supplies, but should have enough for a few days before you will need to restock.

Bring underwear and pants (if they can fit). Put in an extra pair or two. If you’ve had an accident, it’s important to be able to change and get comfortable. Choose some pairs that you don’t mind getting dirty. Even if you are using another product, like a pad or menstrual cup, it is still a good idea to take period underwear to give you an extra peace of mind.

Add a plastic bag or wet bag. If you need to change, you’ll need a place to put your used underwear and/or pants, as well as any used reusable period products. Using a watertight bag can keep it separate from the rest of the contents of your kit and backpack.

Get some small plastic bags that can be thrown away. Sometimes you have to throw away your disposable products outside of the stall, and it can be messy. Pack some bags to make it cleaner and easier to get rid of your used period products.

Pack hand wipes or hand sanitizer. Sometimes you’ll be in a place where it’s difficult to clean up, and having a way to sanitize your hands is essential. If you’re having to change your underwear or pants, it can be really useful to have in the stall with you. Use travel size packs that fit easily into your kit.

Creating a Locker Kit

Choose a large zippered bag, small backpack, or even a box. If you have the room, a box might be the best choice. If you’re really embarrassed, you could put the kit into a box advertising something else — granola bars, cereal — so that people think you’re keeping a snack in your locker. If you choose a bag, it should be one you’re willing to keep in your locker at all times and only take home to restock in between your periods.

Add your supplies. Put in an excess of products, just in case. Include some extra containers of wipes or other cleaning supplies. Keep track when you’re getting low so you can restock. EXPERT TIP Alicia Oglesby Alicia Oglesby Professional School Counselor Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events. Alicia Oglesby Alicia Oglesby Professional School Counselor Be prepared for your period. Assemble a discreet “period bag” to keep in your locker with pads, tampons, fresh underwear, and any other supplies you may need. This way, you'll be prepared when the time comes to deal with it.

Stash some clothing. Because a locker is larger than a binder or backpack, you will have some more room. Use this to cover the big possible emergencies: Add a few pairs of underwear. Find some other clothing to leave in your locker in case your pants or skirt get dirty. Black leggings are a good choice, since they roll up small and can be stored easily. Hopefully you won't need them, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Exploring Other Options

Try a menstrual cup. Made of rubber, it can stay in your body for 12 – 14 hours at a time (so you won’t have to take it out at school) and can provide you with the ultimate in privacy. With a menstrual cup, you are less likely to be affected by your period throughout the day. Keep in mind that they are uncomfortable for some people — the only way you know if it will work for you is to try it out.

Keep a pad or tampon in a zippered pocket. Look for a sweatshirt or jacket with an inner zippered pocket. Place your smallest pad or tampon inside so you don’t have to take anything different with you into the bathroom. This can help you keep your privacy.

Stash a pad or tampon in a tissue container. This could work in either your backpack or your locker. Keep tissues in the container as well, but hide your supplies inside. You can wrap a tissue around the pad or tampon and take it with you from class to the bathroom.

Keep some tampons in a pill bottle (like Aspirin). If you can’t see through the bottle, people won’t know that it contains your supplies, and you can easily take it with you to the bathroom. Make sure that you’re allowed to have pain relievers at your school and that your bottle wouldn’t be confiscated. If your school doesn't allow you to take medication without a medical note, you can also use a bottle of gum.