Some people think that the refrigerator is the most visited place in the kitchen, but in reality the pantry beats the refrigerator. Whether you're the head cook in your home restocking pantry supplies or your kids are constantly looking for their next snack, this is an area that sees a lot of foot traffic.
The items that most of us store in pantries tend to move around frequently (think pasta, cereal, condiments, and more), making it harder to keep organized. When a pantry is disorganized, it is more difficult to buy groceries because you cannot be one hundred percent sure what is really missing (what you may not find may be behind the cereal box).
There is no one-size-fits-all pantry organization solution because every home is different, but these guidelines will help you discover the system that works best for your home.
Throw away old or expired items
The first step is to remove everything and discard everything that has expired or that is rarely used. You will be surprised how much space unused or expired items can take up. Get in the habit of doing a spot inspection once a month or so to discard any product that no longer serves its original purpose, making it easier to avoid accumulating items.
Get rid of unnecessary wrappers
Once you know which items to keep, go through each one and remove any unnecessary packaging, such as the box that comes with individual popcorn bags and hard-to-reseal cookie bags. This can instantly save you a ton of pantry space (just think of all those half-empty cereal boxes).
Create Pantry Zones
Before putting items back in your pantry, divide the space into zones: baked goods, candy, dry and canned goods, and pasta. Having a dedicated place for things makes it easy to scan and notice when something is running low or completely missing. Items that you rarely use (and even small appliances) should be placed higher or to the rear, leaving your most frequently used items at eye level.
Avoid stacking items so you don't move a lot of things every time you search for something. If you have children, dedicate an area just for them. Pick a place they can easily reach, unless you're trying to keep the snacks out of their hands, of course.
Select the Right Storage Solutions
Clear containers make it easy to spot items you need to see to know what they are (especially once the wrapper has been removed). Some storage solutions are designed to keep food fresh longer, extending the life of everyday staples, plus they're much easier to see than an open bag of potato chips, for example.
The most organized pantry usually includes a combination of storage solutions , so shop around and decide what works for you.
Label Anything with an Expiration Date
While not everything in your pantry needs a label, if you transfer flour, cereal, or anything else with an expiration date to a new container, it's important to label it if you want to stay organized. The label need not be fancy; a quick note with a washable pen will do the trick.
Add Style and Personality
Who says a pantry can't have a little design? Instead of a functional lamp or a simple light bulb, hang a pendant lamp or a small chandelier. Paint or wallpaper the walls a fun color, or create a fresh look by painting each shelf a different shade for a rainbow effect. Easy-to-paste wallpaper and easily cleanable shelf liners are another great idea. And if you have space, hang up some art! Vintage advertisements for food and household items found at flea markets and vintage stores are perfect, as is anything cheesy or humorous.
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