Several years ago I read about creating a Launch Pad to help us get out the door on hectic mornings. I set ours up in the front closet and it has made the process of getting going a whole lot easier. Since then, I’ve taken it one step further and applied the launch pad idea to the kitchen and created a lunch preparation launch pad.
I’m sure I’m the only one whose cabinets and drawers get out of control after awhile, right? 
But in case you know someone who’s like me, just pass this info. on to them. You know, the person who sometimes get in a rush and just throws things in the cabinets and drawer? Before you know it you have a real mess on your hands. It’s generally a good idea to go through everything at least annually to get reorganized. Be sure to evaluate and purge containers that are broken, you no longer use (like all those snack cups for toddlers we don’t need any more—at least not so many!) and other unused items…some may be recycled while others may head to the donation box.
Lunch Pad drawer before.
Lunch Pad drawer after.
Storage container cabinet before.
Storage containers organization during.
Storage container cabinet after (lunch containers are on bottom shelf).
I have two primary areas for my lunch preparation tools and containers. First, I’ve created a drawer that holds our reusable beverage containers, reusable snack/sandwich bags, our fabric napkins, bento box tools (the few that we have), sandwich cutters and a few other essentials to streamline lunch making. Secondly, I have designated a shelf in my storage container cabinet just for lunch making items…our reusable sandwich boxes and other containers that hold more “wet” foods like soup or pasta, dips or wet fruits like cut up watermelon, etc.
In between those areas are my refrigerator, a kitchen island and my pantry so grabbing what I need is all right there (yes, our kitchen is one thing that sold us on this house—the layout is great!) So when setting up your Lunchtime Launch Pad, try to locate it near the items that you will be pulling from to put into the lunch.
I try to make the kids’ lunches in the evenings and put things that need to stay fresh in the refrigerator to pull out in the morning. And when they’re able to help, it makes things a lot easier for them too to find what they’re looking for! Then, all we have to do is put it all into the lunch bag just before it’s time to go–that’s one more way for us to streamline our morning routine. And if you were inspired by last week’s guest post on bento-box lunch making, check out Michelle’s Journal Corner blog and her Muffin Tin Monday feature for how to organize all the tools that can come with that!
Lunches packed and ready to go!
(cold items like drink containers and fruit go
into refrigerator to be pulled out in the morning)
I hope this helps you get off to a great start of the school year (or any time) and making packing lunches a little less stressful!
[...] Create a Launch Pad For Lunch Prep by organizing a section of your kitchen just for that purpose! [...]