Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Getting a kid ready for university or just back to elementary, middle, or high school? Cat & Nat sit down with Susanne, Canadian Tire's Back-to-School expert, to build the ultimate back-to-school and dorm room checklist for 2026.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- What to pack for a university dorm room (storage solutions, mattress toppers, power bars, shower caddies, air purifiers)
- Elementary & middle school back-to-school essentials (school supplies, lunch packing, backpacks, AirTags for tracking)
- Budget-friendly back-to-school shopping tips and how to use a back-to-school list
- Morning routine hacks: digital calendars, meal prep with the Ninja appliances, and lunch-packing zones
- Setting up a dorm desk and study space (office chairs, lighting, Chromebooks)
Featuring Cat & Nat, Canada's favourite parenting duo, and Susanne, Canadian Tire's Back-to-School product expert.
BEYOND THE AISLE is a podcast from Canadian Tire that explores the topics, stories, and everyday moments shaping life in Canada, from family and home to sport, outdoor living, and culture. Each episode brings real conversations and practical advice for Canadians, coast to coast to coast.
Shop the full Back-to-School and Dorm checklist: canadiantire.ca/en/events/back-to-school.html
Chapters:
00:00 Intro — Cat & Nat on back-to-school and move-in emotions
06:00 Dorm room must-haves: mattress toppers, storage, air purifiers
18:00 Meal prep & kitchen gadgets for busy school mornings
24:00 Backpacks, water bottles & AirTags for younger kids
34:00 Susanne's rapid-fire Back-to-School expert tips
FAQ
Q: What are the top 3 back-to-school products parents buy every year?
A: School supplies, lunch containers, and lunch bags are some of the most common back-to-school purchases.
Q: What product makes busy school mornings easier?
A: A lunch-packing station with organized containers, water bottles, and lunch bags can help simplify mornings.
Q: What back-to-school product do most parents not know about?
A: A digital family calendar can help organize activities, schedules, and family routines.
Q: What dorm room organization products are worth the investment?
A: Rolling carts, hooks, cubbies, and under-bed storage are useful for maximizing small dorm spaces.
Q: What dorm room item do students often forget to pack?
A: Power bars and extension bars are commonly forgotten but essential for charging multiple devices.
Q: What should students bring to residence?
A: Mattress protectors, mattress toppers, storage solutions, shower caddies, power bars, reusable water bottles, and study space essentials.
Q: What kitchen products help during the school year?
A: Meal prep containers, lunch-packing supplies, air fryers, blenders, and multi-function cookers can help save time.
Q: How do you shop for back-to-school on a budget?
A: Start with a checklist, prioritize essentials, and purchase additional items as needed throughout the school year.
Q: What study space products are helpful for students?
A: Comfortable seating, desk organization tools, lighting solutions, and laptops can help create a productive study environment.
Q: Why are AirTags useful for students?
A: AirTags can help track backpacks and other important items if they're misplaced.
Getting a kid ready for university or just back to elementary, middle, or high school? Cat & Nat sit down with Susanne, Canadian Tire's Back-to-School expert, to build the ultimate back-to-school and dorm room checklist for 2026.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- What to pack for a university dorm room (storage solutions, mattress toppers, power bars, shower caddies, air purifiers)
- Elementary & middle school back-to-school essentials (school supplies, lunch packing, backpacks, AirTags for tracking)
- Budget-friendly back-to-school shopping tips and how to use a back-to-school list
- Morning routine hacks: digital calendars, meal prep with the Ninja appliances, and lunch-packing zones
- Setting up a dorm desk and study space (office chairs, lighting, Chromebooks)
Featuring Cat & Nat, Canada's favourite parenting duo, and Susanne, Canadian Tire's Back-to-School product expert.
BEYOND THE AISLE is a podcast from Canadian Tire that explores the topics, stories, and everyday moments shaping life in Canada, from family and home to sport, outdoor living, and culture. Each episode brings real conversations and practical advice for Canadians, coast to coast to coast.
Shop the full Back-to-School and Dorm checklist: canadiantire.ca/en/events/back-to-school.html
Chapters:
00:00 Intro — Cat & Nat on back-to-school and move-in emotions
06:00 Dorm room must-haves: mattress toppers, storage, air purifiers
18:00 Meal prep & kitchen gadgets for busy school mornings
24:00 Backpacks, water bottles & AirTags for younger kids
34:00 Susanne's rapid-fire Back-to-School expert tips
FAQ
Q: What are the top 3 back-to-school products parents buy every year?
A: School supplies, lunch containers, and lunch bags are some of the most common back-to-school purchases.
Q: What product makes busy school mornings easier?
A: A lunch-packing station with organized containers, water bottles, and lunch bags can help simplify mornings.
Q: What back-to-school product do most parents not know about?
A: A digital family calendar can help organize activities, schedules, and family routines.
Q: What dorm room organization products are worth the investment?
A: Rolling carts, hooks, cubbies, and under-bed storage are useful for maximizing small dorm spaces.
Q: What dorm room item do students often forget to pack?
A: Power bars and extension bars are commonly forgotten but essential for charging multiple devices.
Q: What should students bring to residence?
A: Mattress protectors, mattress toppers, storage solutions, shower caddies, power bars, reusable water bottles, and study space essentials.
Q: What kitchen products help during the school year?
A: Meal prep containers, lunch-packing supplies, air fryers, blenders, and multi-function cookers can help save time.
Q: How do you shop for back-to-school on a budget?
A: Start with a checklist, prioritize essentials, and purchase additional items as needed throughout the school year.
Q: What study space products are helpful for students?
A: Comfortable seating, desk organization tools, lighting solutions, and laptops can help create a productive study environment.
Q: Why are AirTags useful for students?
A: AirTags can help track backpacks and other important items if they're misplaced.
