If your family likes to eat, (…and who doesn’t?) your kitchen pantry is likely one of the higher traffic zones in your household. So, it makes sense that taking time to organize your pantry can have a positive impact on your daily life – beyond just the aesthetic. However, organizing a pantry is no small task! Just remember, the hardest part usually is just getting started. Once beginning the process, you’ll find that putting in the extra work to reorganize can help cut time meal prepping, reduce food waste, and minimize kitchen clutter.
Tools of the Trade
Having the right tools is key to getting any job done. The same applies in your kitchen. Some helpful items to have on hand before you get started will likely include:
- Storage Containers: Think of all the items in your pantry that are in bags or boxes. It may even help to write them out. Looking at your list, determine the best storage containers for your needs and budget. This may include large jars for items like dried pasta and rice and clear bins or baskets for bagged snacks. Just make sure that the containers you purchase fit the shelf space in your pantry.
- Label Maker: It may sound like overkill but trust us! Being able to label items in your pantry makes all the difference when it comes to staying organized.
Time to Organize
Now that you’ve got all the right tools, let’s get started! Here are our top tips to keep in mind:
- Carve out time: You’re going to have to invest some time to get started. Instead of trying to rush through the project, it can be helpful to block out a whole morning or afternoon that you can dedicate to reorganizing.
- Take everything out: Time for a clean slate! Pull everything out of your pantry. Throw out anything that’s old or never been used. While your pantry is empty, take the opportunity to clean off your shelves and vacuum or sweep.
- List and Categorize: Make a list of all the items that are left and try to categorize them together by use.
- Decant and store: Transfer relevant items into storage containers. Label as necessary!
- Thoughtfully put everything away: Instead of just throwing everything back into the pantry, try to think through how you can keep specific categories together in similar zones. Additionally, try to keep high-use items in more convenient areas.
- Maintain: Schedule 15 or so minutes each week, we like to do it when making a grocery list, to go through your pantry, make sure everything’s in the right spot, and take note of what needs to be re-stocked