When I started my journey into bento lunches, I quickly learned that I needed room to store all my bento lunch supplies. In addition to room, I needed organization. I spent hours scouring store shelves trying to figure out how to organize bento supplies.
And finally it was my husband who came to the rescue. After multiple trips to multiple stores, we (mostly he) figured out a system for how to organize bento supplies.
That man was made just for me, y’all. He totally gets me and my crazy addictions and just goes with it and supports me.
Since your setup is unlikely to be just like mine, I’m going to walk you through the products I used and how I used them to organize bento supplies. My hope is that it will give you ideas for how to organize your own bento supplies in the space you have.
In the photo above you can see that I use several different types of plastic organizers to organize bento supplies. I used these particular organizers because they worked perfectly with the dimensions of my cabinet. Make sure you measure your space to ensure these will work for you.
How to Organize Bento Supplies
Sterilite Flip Top Storage Box: These little flip top boxes have been a huge help in learning how to organize bento supplies. My husband happened to see them during a brainstorming session at Walmart and I picked up all they had on the shelf. I like these because they’re stackable, modular, and see-through. I can see exactly what’s in them without pulling them out and hoping I’ve grabbed the right box. Not only do these little boxes help me stay organized, they save me time while preparing lunches.
At this rate it looks like I should have bought more. From cutters, to silicone molds, to sauce containers, these little organizers have really come in handy in keeping the bento cabinet organized.
Flat Adjustable Organizer with Sections: This adjustable organizer offers you the capability of customizing the sections inside. I use these organizers to hold all my food picks. But since all food picks are not the same size, I needed an option that would let me customize the sections inside to fit my needs. These are also stackable and good for filling the empty space about your other containers.
In addition to food picks, you could use this kind of organizer to hold your small cutters, punches, and any other small tools you might use.
Plastic Stacking Bins: I love these plastic stacking bins because they make it easy to see what I need while looking in the cabinet. I use these stacking bins to store kabobs, egg molds, smoothie pops, decrusters and large sandwich cutters. I can easily grab what I need without removing the bins from the cabinet.
With the help of these plastic storage containers, I was able to totally transform the way I make lunches. Instead of spending time searching for the right cutter or the right food pick, I can easily see where everything is.
The way I organize bento supplies might not be the best option for you, but I hope I’ve at least given you some ideas for making it work in your home. Even if you don’t have a whole cabinet you can dedicate to bento supplies, think about utilizing your pantry space and using plastic containers to keep everything organized.
Happy organizing, y’all!
For more Bento information:
Bento Lunch Supplies and Accessories
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I bow down to you…..
You are so amazing and I am incredibly jealous of your awesome organization skills.
BellaVidaLetty says
These are great suggestions. I like using the clear bins too so I can see what’s inside.
Alicia says
I need to buy some Bento products. I am far from organized by any means.
Catherine S says
These are great ways to store Bento products. I think my husband and son would both love a Bento Box lunch.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I can’t even begin to tell you how awesome that is. My pantry looks NOTHING like that. LOL.
melisasource says
Wow what great organization ideas here! I’m printing this out for future reference!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
Wow! What a huge collection of supplies! You have more than I have tupperware, and that’s saying something. I’m sure you can create almost anything with these.
Dawn says
That is the most organized space I’ve ever seen. My tupperware area looks like a war zone. And I don’t even make bentos! Sheesh…
Pam says
You have everything so well organized! I wish I could keep all my stuff so well put together.
Ashley Sears says
Ok, you are like the queen of Bento lunch supplies! I have just a little corner of a drawer for all my supplies!
Liz Mays says
I really like the organizational capabilities of all of these. I need a storage area that’s more like this.
Laura Gregory says
I just started my own collection – so thank you for some more ideas.
Marina says
Thanks for the tips. I want to stock up on more bento supplies. It will be good to organize them well from the get-go.
Ellen ThatChicMom says
Your kids must have the most amazing lunches! Those are great organization tips I can use for other things too not just Bento supplies.
Ashley says
What a great way to get organized. I know where you got the sterilite but where did you get the Bento supplies?! We just got started 🙂
Crystal says
Hi Ashley,
I’ve picked up bento supplies from a variety of places but AllThingsForSale.com is where I go most. They pretty much have everything. And Amazon is another great resource, especially if you’re a Prime member. I’ve shared a little more about our bento supplies here: https://simplybeingmommy.com/2015/08/27/bento-lunch-supplies/. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.
Debra says
I love this! I need to get my Bento supplies organized!
Michelle F. says
Wow what great organization. I have all my supplies in ziplock backs. I have to really reorganize.
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I think my son would have so much fun with the Bento lunches. I need to step up my lunch game.
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
I love all your supplies and you make the cutest lunches I’ve seen in other posts. I wish I had the dedicated space for the bento supplies you do!
Felicia says
These are all wonderful tips. I would love to have that many bento supplies!
LydiaF says
I love all the clear bins. We have a cabinet overtop of the fridge where they’d be really handy.
Julie says
I love how easy it is to see everything. And I like the stacking bins where you can grab what you need without taking any boxes out of the pantry!
Liz Mays says
It’s really an awesome system. It seems like you get the most out of your pantry space when you organize like this.
Jeanine says
Wow so much! That’s an amazing collection. I’m so sad most of mine had to be tossed out, I need to start re-buidling.. Hopefully I can find some tonight while I’m out shopping!
Ora Lee Gurr says
This is a fantastic display of how to be organized. It’s definitely given me some great ideas for changing things around.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I am going to try a few of these ideas. We do not have a ton of storage in our house.
Jasmine says
Impressive! I’m pretty good about organizing BUT it only last for a couple days before its a disaster. Clear bins would be a lot of help though.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
Look how many supplies you have! I wish my kids would eat more so I could make some fun lunches!
Trisha Haas says
I have really been wanting to get some of those sandwich cutters. I dont know if it would make P eat more of his lunch but it couldnt HURT right??
Trisha
Christie says
See through is definitely the way to go! I love how you organized your stash
Tracey says
What a great organization idea! I love how neat and easy to find everything is.
Shannon Gurnee says
I’ve never made a Bento Box before, but it sounds like a lot of fun. I love the ideas for how to organize your bento supplies.