5 Tips for On-the-Go Lunchbox Organization
Packing a lunch, whether for yourself or your kiddos, can be a real task to tackle! Especially on our busiest days, packing a lunch is an afterthought, on that ever-growing to-do list. Not anymore! Prevent the frantic search for food, a hungry tummy, and ditch those pesky delivery service fees with these few tips and tricks to keep your lunchbox organized and easy to maintain everyday., Here are a few ideas to get you inspired for your lunch-packing journey:
1 The Lunchbox
A Staple: the lunchbox itself! There are so many to choose from, and it’s all about your preference! Ask yourself what you are looking for in terms of spaciousness, functionality, and looks. We have selected a variety of lunchboxes to inspire you with ideas that can suit a fashionable, wellness-oriented, foodie lifestyle, all while keeping it chic and trendy! These lunch boxes are personal favorites, with insulated interiors, freezable features, and sustainable materials.
2 Utensils
Put a fork in single-use plastics! Another key element of your lunch-packing endeavors is having on-the-go flatware. We’ve all experienced the struggle of missing silverware that we send off in lunches, or constantly having to purchase plastic disposable options. A great alternative solution to this is investing in a reusable set of silverware to pack in your lunches each day! A set is not only useful in lunches, but can even be helpful to simply have on hand, or in the car, to prevent consuming single-use plastics. One reusable set replaces over 250 disposable sets a year, on average! These eco-friendly alternatives are made from wheat straw, 100% recyclable and sustainable thermoplastic, or stainless steel. Reduce your carbon footprint in your lunch-packing with a simple switch to reusable flatware.
3 Separate and Contain
Now for the big stuff - the inside of the lunchbox! Your lunches can be more than functional; they can also be satisfying and cute, too! One amazing lunchtime hack is a bento lunchbox—they feature dividers for all of your lunch categories and make it so easy to categorize and keep items separate!. These bento containers can be easily tucked into your lunchbox, as a space-saving, simplified alternative to holding multiple containers. If you’re not so into the bento box, there are also other chic and sustainable sets for all of your lunch necessities! Keep things simple with a nesting trio, and keep all of your containers in one place, with these air-tight space-savers. Finally, a fun way to reduce consumption of single-use plastics is with reusable bags like Stasher! These pastel colored bags are eco-friendly, air tight, and dishwasher safe. Take a peek at these recommendations for a simplified, sustainable, and organized method for all things lunch packing.
4 Implement a System
Once you have your essentials —the lunchbox, containers, and reusable utensils—streamline your lunch-packing sessions by storing everything in one place in your kitchen, keeping your unique lifestyle in mind. Here are some LIJ tips for streamlining your lunchtime packing routine:
Utilize your medium-sized containers for the main aspects of your lunch, like a sandwich, salad, or pasta
Small containers can be used for sides, sauces, or dressings
Leave space for your drink of choice
Add in your flatware, and don’t forget a napkin
5 Plan Ahead
One last thing you might try to streamline your lunchtime organization: Plan out a lunch menu for the week, and create daily cheat sheets for yourself! Find simple recipes online and gather your ingredients ahead of time to ease your mind each morning. On top of this, making a note the night before of what you need in your lunch will help ensure that nothing is forgotten, and will prevent frazzled thoughts from creeping in, while also saving you time!
Lunchtime is a great recharge in the middle of the day, and it deserves to have a routine, too! Get creative with it, and find joy in the process. Happy packing, friends!