12 parents share their genius back-to-school hacks that won’t break the bank.

Thanks to our brand partner, OnePass

I was that mum when my eldest daughter started school. You know the one.

I dressed up for pick-ups. Compressed my whole day to make sure I always arrived ten minutes early. I volunteered for every event. I chaperoned the school trip.

I collected donations for the raffle and hassled people to buy tickets. I coordinated our class's fete stall.

I was so keen, I actually begged to be Class Rep, not realising it was like taking on a part-time job on top of full-time parenting, a renovation and paid employment.

Keen beans in our first year at big school. Image: Supplied. 

But it's been two years, and a lot has changed. My second daughter is about to start big school, and I feel like a completely different mum.

It's not that I care less, it's that I've figured out how to DO less. Now I spend less time and money for the same result. Parenting smarter, not harder — just take back-to-school shopping. I feel like I've cracked the code.

Last week, I knocked over the entire school list from the comfort of my couch: a new lunchbox and water bottle from Target, a stationery haul from Officeworks, and new socks from Kmart (they go through so many socks).

I signed up for a OnePass subscription, which meant it all turned up on my doorstep with free delivery on eligible items or orders, no minimum spend. No dragging kids through busy shops, no exceeding our parking (or patience) limits, no forgetting half the list, no tears (from them or me).

For just $20 a year as part of their limited-time offer, it's already saved me time, money and my sanity. Plus, you get 5x Flybuys points on in-store or click-and-collect orders at Officeworks, Kmart and more. So it's a hack I can use all year round.

The thing about parenting is, the longer you do it, the better you get. You learn when to cut corners (store-bought cupcakes, Canva templates for party invites) and when to stick to the rules (Centrelink, no nuts in lunchboxes). You learn from experience and you learn a lot from other parents.

I asked some experienced parents to share their best back-to-school hacks that won't break the bank. Here's what they said.

1. Befriend your freezer. 

"Prep and freeze in bulk," said Cailie, a Clinical Nutritionist and mum of three boys.

"I make lunchbox muffins, brownies, pancakes and freeze them on sheets of baking paper in snap lock bags so they are ready to grab and go. You can also freeze things like sandwiches and yoghurt pouches so they are cool and fresh at lunchtime."

If you need lunchbox inspo, follow Cailie's instagram for more freezer-friendly ideas. Image: Supplied. 

2. Join a carpool.

"From about Year 5, carpools are crucial," said Fran, mum of two.

"Get in them for every activity. Four kids is the ideal number so you are not doing too many drop-offs/pick-ups. There's a tactical advantage to having a five-seater instead of a seven-seater car; otherwise you will be the parent dropping the whole netball team home!"

3. Create a 'school hub' at home.

"We have a tub near the front door where we keep essential school items like hats, homework folders and hair stuff," explained Sam, a mum of three.

"It saves the morning panic of running around the house yelling, 'WHERE IS YOUR HAT?!'"

4. Swap uniforms with other parents.

Still getting good use out of the second-hand uniforms. Image: Supplied. 

"Kids outgrow uniforms faster than you think," said Emily, mum of two. "Our school has a swap group where we trade uniforms, hats and even bags. It's saved us hundreds of dollars over the years."

Top tip: Some schools have a second-hand uniform shop where you can pick up a uniform for as little as a gold coin donation, so make sure to ask your school admin.

5. Label everything. 

"I got sucked into buying those fabric name stamps on Instagram and I don't regret it one bit," said Tom, dad to primary school-aged twins.

"I label everything, from hats to shoes to lunchboxes. I hacked the order form, so it has their full name and then my phone number. It saves so much time and money when things don't end up lost."

Pro tip: You can create your own labeller at Officeworks and use OnePass to get it delivered.

6. Buy off-brand

"If you are at a public school, odds are you can get away with just getting the official shirt or dress from the school uniform shop or secondhand store," said Raja, mum of three and a teacher (bonus points).

"When it comes to all the other things like skirts, shorts and socks definitely go to one of the big shops like Kmart or Target and stock up on generic items there."

7. Avoid mini backpacks.

Just get a big bag. You'll be carrying it for a while anyway. Image: Supplied. 

"Don't buy a mini backpack for preschool or the first year of school," warned Nick, dad of one and one-to-be.

"Your child is never going to wear it and you will. For preschool, use a backpack you already have as it just moves dirty clothes from school to home. Even in Kindergarten they need a surprising amount of stuff. Those mini backpacks look cute but they barely fit a thing."

8. Shop off-season. 

"I tell anyone who will listen to buy uniforms, backpacks and lunchboxes during the end-of-season sales," said Laura, mum of two.

"I just buy clothes a bit big and then they fit next year. I got our really good b.box lunchboxes and water bottles at Coles for half price."

9. DIY lunchbox snacks. 

"Those pre-packaged snacks add up," said Sarah, a mum of four high schoolers.

"The kids bake muffins, quiches and fritters on Sundays. It's good for the kids to take ownership and it's way cheaper in the long run."

So much tastier (and cheaper) than store bought. Image: Supplied. 

10. Bulk buy birthday presents.

"The first term is full of birthday parties as all those summer birthday babies want to celebrate with their mates. Save your weekends from endless one-off trips to the shops and bulk buy toys like LEGO, big packs of coloured pens and board games that will work for anyone," said Ash.

11. Make sock soup.

"Before you go and throw out all those grey and stained socks, give them a 24-hour soak in Napisan," said Lisa, mum of two. "You'll be surprised at how many you can save, and every $ makes a difference."

And there you have it, 12 tried-and-tested hacks from parents who've mastered the back-to-school hustle. You don't have to spend a fortune to start the school year on the right foot.

So here's to smarter parenting, lighter wallets and fewer missing hats.

Check out OnePass for more value from your favourite brands this back-to-school season. 

T&Cs, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply. Free delivery with no minimum spend on eligible items and orders. Not all participating brands offer all member benefits. 

OnePass membership offer ends 11.59pm AEDT 05 February 2025, $40 per year thereafter unless cancelled, offer not available to current OnePass members. See onepass.com.au

Feature Image: Supplied. 

OnePass is the ultimate Back to School Hack! Stress-less this year and join OnePass for just $20!