Organization Tips for Your Pantry, this can be easier then you think it will be with just a little bit of planning. Does your pantry look as though it might explode? Do you have trouble finding what you need? Then it’s time to clean it out. With these simple tips, you’ll have your pantry clean and organized in no time at all. (I have included affiliate links to products I love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
This is one project I try to tackle about 4 times a year! This helps to cut back on waste and to keep my pantry freshest to! If I go longer then about three months I start to lose track of what is in my pantry and tend to stock up on the wrong thing too. No sense in having too much of the same stuff.
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1. Remove Everything From the Pantry
Yes, it may take work and will probably result in every flat surface in your kitchen being covered, but you need to do this so that you can get rid of old items and organize everything perfectly. It helps to have a trash can nearby so that you can toss items as you go.
2. Discard Expired or Questionable Items
As you remove items from the pantry, you want to check the date on each item. Any expired items should be tossed. If you have items that have been opened, but you’re not sure for how long, toss those as well. When you’re finished with your pantry, you want to be able to grab something without worrying if it’s expired or not.
3. Place Opened Items Into Storage Containers
If you want your pantry to look clean and organized, you need to use storage containers. Storage containers allow you to quickly see what you have on hand. You don’t worry about having to bunch stuff together to keep it from falling off the shelf. Invest in a good set of containers that are airtight so that your food also lasts longer. Use dry-erase stickers to write the expiration date of the product on containers so that you’re not only organized but safe.
4. Group Items Together
Everything should be grouped together as much as possible. For example, group all the beans together by type and keep all the beans together. Do this with every item, such as soups and pasta. The purpose is to be able to find everything you need without digging for it. This will allow you to quickly cook meals each and every night.
5. Rotate the Pantry by Expiration Date
Last, but not least, as you put your newly grouped foods back in the pantry, do so by expiration date. This helps ensure that you use food before it expires. For canned foods, it helps to purchase a storage system that allows you to stack cans so that one rolls forward when you remove one. You then put new cans in the top of the system so that you’re always using the older can first.
Your pantry doesn’t have to be a mess. With a few hours of work, you can turn your cluttered pantry into a cook’s dream. Best of all, you don’t have to invest a lot of money. With a couple of simple storage items, you’ll get big results. What are you waiting for? Get started today.
Kristie says
Now I’m motivated. Our pantry is awful.