Getting Your Kitchen Organized Before You Head Back to School

Before the craziness of back to school hits, I’m getting my kitchen organized so that we can save money, eat healthy meals at home, and feel less stressed.

This post is written by contributing writer, Jami from Young Wife’s Guide.

The lazy summer days are quickly approaching an end and with that comes the busyness of the new school year. School schedules are being created, back to school shopping needs to be done, Bible studies and youth groups are picking up again and new resolutions are being made.

I know for me and my family when the busy times hit, my bank account also takes a hit. The busy days turn into busy nights and meals get left uncooked or the shopping left undone. We end up eating out far more than we intend and quickly get sick of Costco pizza.

But this year I am getting organized before the craziness hits and getting my kitchen organized so that we can save money, eat healthy meals at home, and feel less stressed during busy times.

How to Get Your Kitchen Organized Before You Head Back to School

Go Through and Declutter Your Kitchen

Plan some time this week to go through your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Take out ALL the items from your pantry (throw out any out dated items) and decide what you can use.

Pull out all those bags of rice and beans and make a list of what you already have on hand. Go through your freezer and do the same thing. Dig out the bags of frozen vegetables and meats and compile a list of what you have.

Plan to do a Freezer Cooking Day

Freezer cooking can be an excellent way to save money on grocery shopping, save time in the kitchen, and feed your family nutritious and delicious meals.

When I worked full time I would do a freezer cooking day once a month. It saved me so much time throughout the month and always had hot yummy meals on the table every night. Now that we are preparing to welcome twins into our home, I know I will be doing this every month again.

Start planning lunches

Will your kids head off back to school in the next few weeks? Start planning now what you will do for lunches. During your freezer cooking day, make some soups and dishes that your kids can have for lunches.

Pull out the lunch boxes and thermoses, clean them, and make sure everything is ready to go for the start of school.

Update: I (Leigh Ann) love doing seasonal meal planning now. Check out all my tips in how to do this in the Ultimate Guide to Seasonal Meal Planning.

Free Kitchen Printables

Thanks to Pinterest, I have found so many great kitchen printables out there that can help you get motivated and organized in your kitchen. Here are a few of my favorite I have come across that can help you get your school year off to a great start!

• Easy Dinner Ideas Mega List
• Kitchen Conversion Chart 
• Simple Meal Planning Method and Printables
• Freezer Storage Labels
• Menu Planners
• Pretty Pantry Labels

Do you have a great way to organize your kitchen or get motivated again for the new school year? Please share your tips with us in the comments!

Shared at Tackle it Tuesday, Frugal Tip Tuesday, Titus 2sdays

Need some more help preparing your heart, home and mind seasonally?

Here’s some resources for planning and prepping each season:

-Leigh Ann talks about this in her Made to Give Life podcast Episode 13: The Art of Seasonal Living

-With the help of the Made to Give Life Seasonal Goal Planner, you will make plans and set goals based on God’s priorities for you right now in this season, right where you are. No more wondering if what you’re doing now is the best thing for this season of your life.

-Are you a homeschool family? Plan for your homeschool year with Your Intentional Family Homeschool Planning Guide.