Back to School Hacks to shop at East Village, Zetland
Make weekday mornings simpler from day one
The back to school season has a way of creeping up fast. One minute it’s school holidays, the next you’re back to packing lunches, filling drink bottles and trying to get everyone out the door on the right foot. A few smart systems — and the right in-store finds — can make all the difference.
These practical back to school hacks, with plenty of lunch box hacks woven through, are designed to help families feel more organised for the new school year. With fresh food, everyday essentials and quick meal options all in one place, East Village in Zetland makes it easy to get sorted locally.
1) Create a simple “ready-to-go” spot at home
Instead of searching for school bags and lunch boxes every morning, set up one dedicated spot where everything lives overnight — bags, hats, drink bottles and library books included. It’s a small habit that saves time and reduces stress before the day even starts.
Shop it at East Village:
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Coles for storage containers, lunch boxes and everyday household essentials
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W cosmetics for grooming essentials and quick grab-and-go items
Why it works: fewer lost items, calmer mornings, and kids learning responsibility early.
2) Lunch box hacks that make weekdays easier
If school lunches are your biggest daily challenge, aim for consistency over perfection. A short list of go-to foods your kids actually eat makes packing lunches faster and reduces food waste.
Shop lunch box essentials at East Village:
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Coles for fruit, yoghurt, cheese, wraps, snacks and juice boxes
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Taste Growers Market for fresh produce, organic options and deli favourites
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Zetciti Asian Supermarket for fun lunch box additions like noodles, snacks and drinks kids love
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Bowan Island Bakery or Taste Baguette for fresh bread and sandwich bases
Lunch box hacks to try:
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Prep fruit and veggies once, then store them in clear containers
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Keep bread in the freezer so lunches can be built the night before
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Rotate snacks weekly to keep things interesting for picky eaters
3) Set up school bags for smoother mornings
A well-organised school bag can save minutes every morning. Look for backpacks with easy-access compartments and enough room for lunch boxes, drink bottles and homework folders.
Shop it at East Village:
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Coles for lunch bags, drink bottles and ice packs
Quick win: Pack bags the night before and place them by the door — no last-minute scrambling required.
4) Plan ahead for school shoes and uniforms
School shoes and uniforms are often left until the last minute. Shopping early gives kids time to try things on properly and avoids rushed decisions just before term starts.
Parent tip: Bring the socks they’ll actually wear to school so sizing is spot-on the first time — and less drama later.
5) Tackle school supplies in one go
From stationery to lunch containers, knocking over your school supply list in one shop saves time — and sanity.
Shop school supplies at East Village:
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Coles for stationery basics, pens, containers, and pantry staples
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Village News for stationery and notebooks
Homework hack: Set up a mini homework station so pencils, scissors and glue are always within reach.
6) Keep a “just in case” backup kit
Spills, forgotten hats and missing lunch box lids happen. A small spare kit at home (or in the car) can rescue an otherwise stressful day.
Shop backup essentials at East Village:
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Coles for snack refills, spare containers and cleaning wipes
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W cosmetics for hand sanitiser and personal care items
What to include: spare snacks, socks, bandaids, a backup drink bottle and a spare lunch container.
7) Ease kids back into school routines
The final week of holidays is the perfect time to gently reset routines. Try introducing earlier bedtimes, practising lunch packing together, or letting kids choose one fun new item to get excited about school again.
Treat ideas from East Village:
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Taste Baguette for a relaxed lunch outing before term starts
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Oliver Brown for a delicious treat
Get organised for the school year at East Village
With a little planning and a few practical back to school hacks, weekday mornings don’t have to feel rushed. From fresh produce and bakery staples to lunch-friendly snacks and everyday essentials, East Village Zetland makes it easy to prepare for the school year in one convenient visit.
Whether you’re focused on lunch box hacks, smarter routines or simply saving time during the week, getting organised early helps set the whole family up for a smoother, more confident start to the year.