Back to school means there is some serious organization that has to occur. Alarm clocks need to be set, morning routines established, a time to complete homework carved into the day, and lunches prepared. Whether your kiddo eats lunch at school one day a week or five days a week it will help your time management if you have an organized lunch system.

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Back to School: Keeping School Lunches Organized

1. Start by purchasing a set of lunch containers that nest together to maximize space. We use Easy Lunchboxes (and have 8 in our cupboard), but you may find that you like Bento Box, Rubbermaid Lunch Blox,Little Big Box, LunchBots, Sistema, Steeltainer, Aladdin, Fit & Fresh, or something else. When you find lunch containers that you like, stock up on them. One set is great, but when you make 4 or 5 lunches a week it is nice to be able to rotate lunch boxes into the rotation. Be sure to purchase a lunch box that is designed for your container. There is a reason why these things are sold in pairs!

2. Clear a spot for your lunch box containers and lunch boxes. Keeping the lids and containers together is important.

3. Keep your lunch box accessories in the same cupboard as your lunch box kits. Seems easy enough, right? If you bought reusable sandwich bags, silicone baking cups, bento lunch picks (my girls LOVE these things. We have a whole collection), thermos containers, sporks, or sandwich cutters save your sanity by keeping them with your lunch boxes.

4. Plan your lunches in advance. Making and eating peanut butter and jelly every day gets boring very quickly. Save time by making sandwiches ahead of time and freezing them. Freezing PBJ or meat sandwiches (sans condiments) one day a week will free up a few minutes every night.

5. Wash and cut your produce on Sunday. Keep snack baskets in the fridge that are full of veggies, fruits, and dairy products. Then you will be able to grab and go when you are packing lunch.

Making lunches at home is a great way to save money each week! Do you have any tips that were not included above? We would love to know what you think!