Over the years I have organized my kitchen pantry several times. I usually stick with the organization I set up for quite awhile and then I like to change it up a bit. I like to do this do to it getting too crammed or simply wanting a different look. As time goes by it can tend to get messy with four people utilizing it on a daily basis. Even in our efforts to keep it organized sometimes we are in a hurry and things do not always get put back as neatly as we found them.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the lack of organization in your pantry? Do you feel like every time you look in it there is nothing to eat because it's all mixed together and everything seems lost? No need to worry. With a little time and patience you can get it put back together in no time.
Organizing your pantry is a great way to reduce food waste and save money. If you’re looking for a way to organize your pantry simply and on the cheap, look no further. Here are ten tips that will help you get started!
- Set aside a few hours
- Gather storage items
- Empty your pantry
- Clean your pantry
- Throw away anything expired
- Gather donations
- Sort like items
- Organize storage items
- Take an inventory
- Place everything back into your pantry
Tip #1 Set aside a few hours
Organizing our pantry can feel like a daunting task. We look at it and see so many items and may feel overwhelmed. Find a time when you can dedicate a few hours to organizing your pantry. Depending on the size of your pantry and how much work needs to be done, you may need to set aside more time than that. Try to pick a time when you do not have to rush through it in case it takes longer than you were expecting.
Tip #2 Gather storage items
There is the option of using containers, baskets, or bins to store your pantry items in. Look and see if you have any of these items on hand that you may want to use. If you do not have any or would prefer to purchase some, you could find less expensive storage options at stores such as the Dollar Tree. Gather or purchase if you choose, storage containers for optimal use of space.
Tip #3 Empty your pantry
Empty all of the contents from your pantry. Even if you feel like your pantry is not in disarray, it is a good idea to take everything out to see what you have. You may find items you had forgotten about. It's amazing what gems can be found when cleaning things out.
Tip #4 Clean your pantry
Once you have everything taken out, it is time to clean it all. Use this time to really clean good and get any crumbs, stains or spills up. Here are some things you may want to do.
- Wipes down all shelves and racks.
- Sweep the floor.
- Wipe down the walls.
Tip #5 Throw away anything expired
Sort through each item you have taken out. Throw away expired products and any other items that are no longer good to use. Have any bags of food been left open and now its contents are stale? Is there anything half eaten and no one wants the rest of it? Now is the time to sort through these items.
Tip #6 Gather donations
As you look through all of your pantry items, set aside anything you may no longer want, that is not expired and is in good condition. If the cans are not dented and boxes are not torn or already opened, consider putting them aside to donate. Something you may no longer need, may be of need to someone else. It is a great idea to give to others and this is a great opportunity to do so.
Is there someone you know that may be in need of some food items right now? Another option is donating to a local food pantry.
Tip #7 Sort like items
Now that everything is cleared out of your pantry, the expired items have been discarded and donations are set aside, it is now time to group like-items together. Placing like-items together can help to maximize efficiency and minimize wasted time looking for something specific. Some categories to consider placing together in bins or baskets are listed below.
- Canned goods: vegetables and fruit. Soup and chili.
- Cereals, oatmeal and muffin mixes.
- Pasta and sauce.
- Desserts.
- Snacks such as chips and pretzels.
- Baking items.
- Condiments.
- Tin foil, plastic wrap and baggies.
- Napkins, paper plates and cups.
Tip #8 Organize storage items
You may not realize it, but the way that you organize your food has an effect on how quickly and easily you are able to find what you’re looking for when cooking. Here are a few of the ways you can organize your storage bins in your pantry.
- By food group.
- Meal type.
- Paper products
By organizing your pantry from top to bottom, you can keep your shelves stocked with items that you know that are there and nicely organized. It's easy enough to forget about things as they get pushed back on the shelf or forgotten deep in the pantry.
Tip #9 Take an inventory
Take some time now and take an inventory of what you have and make a list. Keep it handy by attaching it to the inside of your pantry door or you could put it on the outside of your refrigerator. Just be sure to label it as the pantry. If somethings would happen to get pushed to the back of a shelf and you are unable to see it, your list will come in handy.
Tip #10 Place everything back into your pantry
Now that you have completed the first nine steps to organizing your pantry, it is time to put everything back into it. Although you are almost done, don't rush through to the end. Take some time to put everything back nice and neat. After all of your time and effort, you don't want to make a mess when putting things back.
Remember to place items in how you would now like them to be. After all, you will be seeing this space often as you are preparing meals and perhaps looking for a snack.
Conclusion
Sometimes the simple solutions are best. With these ideas, you don't have to spend a lot of money. I hope that some of these 10 tips to help you get started organizing your pantry simply and on the cheap helps to encourage you to tackle your pantry if it is in need of some organization.
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