Pre-packaged or canned foods will not spoil as quickly, but they can easily be misplaced or forgotten, causing chaos in the pantry. This also means that some fresh foods may go to waste. We have all had unpleasant foods lurking in the back of our pantry. Tidying up your pantry probably is not at the top of your to-do list right now, if you are like most people. However, there are numerous reasons to do so, including improving your health and bank account. Read to learn why you should definitely reorganize your pantry and how to get started.
BENEFITS OF AN ORGANIZED PANTRY
1. Encourages healthy eating: Chopping up fresh fruits and vegetables and placing them near the front of the fridge will make your family more likely to reach for them as a snack. Healthy snacks such as unsalted nuts, seeds, and unsweetened dried fruits can be easily accessible in the pantry.
2. Reduces stress: It can be frustrating to go through your pantry, move things around, and still can not find something you swear you bought the other day.
3. Reduces waste: You will not have to discard expired goods because you will use them before they go bad.
4. Saves money: Knowing which foods you already have will not make you buy more by accident.
5. Saves time: Making a grocery list allows you to easily see what you really need to buy at the store and find ingredients to cook with.
WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED -
1. BASKETS AND BINS
To help organize items on your shelves, add bins, baskets, racks, and Tupperware. There are plenty of inexpensive storage items you can find around your house or at your local box store, ranging from wire baskets to plastic bins. When everything has a place, you are less likely to "mess it up" when looking for something later. These are also useful in the refrigerator. Fresh, chopped fruit and vegetables can be prepared and stored in containers so that your family has quick, easy-to-find snacks. Tip: Measure your shelves first to ensure that your storage containers fit! If you have to return items, this can be an unwelcome surprise and a headache.
2. LABLER OR PREMADE LABELS
Buy labels or a label maker to efficiently identify items on shelves, bins, and containers so that anyone in the household can find what they’re looking for quickly.
3. MINI WHITEBOARD
This is an excellent tool for planning meals for the week. Plan and write down what meals you will make each day of the week. This makes grocery shopping more convenient. Alternatively, you can use the whiteboard to record when you have run out of food so that you can add it to your grocery list rather than guessing.
REORGANIZING YOUR PANTRY
1. COLLECT EVERYTHING
Before organizing, take everything out of your pantry and clean it thoroughly. Toss anything that has expired.
2. GROUP SIMILAR ITEMS
Once you have emptied your pantry, organize items by categories, such as baking, pasta, and snacks. The goal is to group items commonly used together, such as pasta and pasta sauce or sugar and flour.
3. CREATE A LIST
Make a list of everything you own and keep it in your pantry. As time goes on, you can add to it or subtract from it.
4. STORE BASED ON USAGE
Place newer items in the back and older items in the front to ensure that you use older items first and finish them before they spoil. The same is true for your refrigerator. Prepare and place your fresh fruits and vegetables near the front of the fridge for easy access.
5. ARRANGE EVERYDAY ITEMS AT EYE LEVEL
Foods you use every day should be at eye level, while items you use less frequently should be at the top or bottom of the shelves. Keep healthy snack options near the bottom for easy access and occasional snacks on the top shelf if you have children.
6. ADD A LABLE
Label and date your containers once they are in place. Dating is especially important for large packaged items in your pantry, such as flour and pasta, as well as items in your freezer and fridge. You always tell yourself that you will remember, but you might not remember a month later.
7. WEEKLY MAINTENANCE
We have all heard the expression “out of sight, out of mind.” Our pantries, refrigerators, and closets—really, anywhere with a door—are prime locations for things to slip and accumulate. Check every week to make sure everything is still where it should be and take stock of what items you have and what you might need more of. It will only take a few minutes, but it will be beneficial in the long run.
With our simple guide above, we are sure reorganizing your pantry will be a breeze to you. If you need professional pantry organizers, turn to Rescue My Space. We offer organization solutions to homes and corporate spaces. On top of decluttering your space, we also offer interior enhancements. Give us a call today!