There are so many rules or effective approaches for organizing your pantry/kitchen that it can be hard to know where to start. Pantries are the lifeblood of a home where the kitchen and meal prep are a focal point. You approach your pantry to discover what you’ll make for the next meal. Check out these rules if you struggle with organizing your pantry or overall kitchen!
Let’s be real: Who wants to clean out a pantry? I’ve always been a good organizer. There are family members who’ll tell you I’m OCD! I’m lucky to have friends who will let me organize their houses and cupboards since I actually enjoy the task! Keep in mind that I never think anyone’s house is unorganized. LOL!
A few friends know I love rearranging and organizing cupboards, closets, pantries, and even garages. Sometimes you just need a little help to get you started because it may seem overwhelming at first. It truly brings me joy to sort through stuff and have my friends decide what they can discard, sell, or donate.
So, let’s get started with a few of my ideas to help you organize your pantry/kitchen:
Table of Contents
- Do a Big Clean-Out
- Donate Unused Items
- Create a System
- Group Like Items Together
- Use Containers
- Label Everything
- Keep It Clean
- Shop For the Pantry You Have
- Keep Your Stockpile Elsewhere
- Keep a List
1. Do a Big Clean-Out (check these before and after pictures)
I’m so lucky to have friends who will let me organize their pantry as source material for a post! The first step to organizing your pantry is to do a big clean-out. This means getting rid of anything that’s expired, obsolete, or that you know you won’t use. You’ll need to evaluate what you consider essentials, and then remove the less needed items if they’re taking up too much space.
It can be tough to let go of things, but remember that clutter-free kitchen pantries will make your life much easier in the long run as you take full advantage of your available storage space. 10 Things You Can Do With Expired Food
2. Donate Unused Items
If you have any non-expired items that you know you won’t use, consider donating them to a local food bank or soup kitchen. This is a great way to declutter the inventory in your pantry and help those in need. The Pantry Needs These Simple Items
3. Create a System
Once you’ve done your big clean-out, it’s time to create a system to track how everything should be organized. There are many different options when it comes to organizing your pantry, so pick a system that works best for you and then stick with it. Some good options include grouping similar items or using a label maker for labeling shelves according to category.
I also love these OXO Containers, any size is great. I just measure where I’m going to put the containers and order the ones I need that will fit the space the best. Remember, my motto is to buy right the first time for any purchase. I have a bunch of food items I put in OXO canisters once I’ve opened a can or box. It helps keep food items fresh, you can see what’s inside the clear bin, and they’re easy to open.
4. Group Like Items Together
The best way to organize your pantry is by grouping like items together. For example, keep all of your baking supplies in one area, keep all of your spices together, and place the canned goods so they can be viewed and reached easily. This will help you know exactly where everything is when you need it, and it will also help you keep track of what you have. I keep Mark’s breakfast cereal in these containers in a cupboard. These are 8-quart Commercial Rubbermaid Containers with Lids.
I love my new kitchen! We have open shelving cupboards above the kitchen counter and roll-out kitchen drawers below with the “soft close” feature. The drawers are great since I don’t have to bend over to see what’s in them. I have a bunch of drawer organizers that keep like items together in one space.
5. Use Containers
Using containers is also a great way to organize your pantry. This will help keep everything neat and tidy, and it will also help you see exactly what you have. You can use baskets, storage bins, or mason glass jars to store your food, like dry goods. If the containers are also somewhat airtight then you’ll find the foods will last longer.
Putting your pantry items in containers means you can put them in the drawers or on cabinet shelves by type or zone, and leave space on your counter for things you use all the time like small appliances if space is limited.
6. Label Everything
Be sure to label everything in your pantry so that you know exactly what it is. This will help you find things quickly, and it will also help you keep track of your food. You can use labels, tags, or even chalkboard paint to label your shelves or the storage containers themselves. Food Storage Containers I Recommend
A good example are my labeled buckets with gamma lids I use to store flour, wheat, rice, and pasta. Besides using different colors for the buckets, having a label on the top or side makes identification much easier, especially for your kids who help out in the kitchen.
I use this label machine, I LOVE it! Label Machine
7. Keep It Clean
Be sure to keep your pantry clean and free of food debris. This will help keep bugs and rodents away, and it will also make it easier for you to find what you need. Be sure to sweep or vacuum your pantry regularly, and wipe down your shelves as needed. 58 Frugal Kitchen and Pantry Items You Need If you find there are piles of stuff on your countertop or in a drawer, it’s time to find a place that’s useful for those items to see and have access to.
Mark and I always put things in the dishwasher after every meal. We make sure the pots and pans are clean and dry before we store them in their designated drawer as shown below. The picture at the top of this post and below shows my utensils and how they’re put away after being washed. This big drawer has been great since it holds all the items and each type of utensil has its plastic tray or easy viewing and access.
8. Shop For the Pantry/Kitchen You Have
When you’re at the grocery store, be sure to shop based on the pantry size you have. This means that you should only buy items that you know you will use before the expiration date, and that will fit in your pantry storage space. Don’t buy more than you need, and be sure to use up what you have before buying more. What You Need In Your Food Pantry
9. Keep Your Stockpile Elsewhere
If you have a stockpile of non-perishable food, be sure to keep it in a separate area from your pantry. This will help you save space, and it will also help you stay organized. You can keep your stockpile in a basement if it is cool and dry. Items like Dutch ovens, solar ovens, and paper goods can be stored in the garage or enclosed shelving in the carport. 30 Survival Foods to Stockpile for Any Disaster
10. Keep a List
Having a list of everything in your pantry can be helpful. You can write down exactly what is in each container and decanter and how much you have, or you can keep track of expiration dates. This will help you keep on top of things and make sure nothing goes to waste. Make sure you have the staples that make for healthy foods and easier meal planning and prep, like flour, sugar, rice, pasta, canned goods, and other things your family enjoys regularly.
What can you do if you have a small pantry?
If you have a small pantry, there are still ways that you can keep it organized. Be sure to use the above tips, and also consider these additional suggestions:
- Use door racks or hanging baskets to store items. Hang your kitchen aprons on hooks or brackets attached to the pantry door.
- Use clear containers so that you can see what’s inside.
- Keep frequently used items at eye level to make them easy to access.
- Keep frequently used cooking items together, such as spices or oils.
- Consider installing more shelves or other storage solutions to maximize your space. It may also mean moving the shelves closer together or it could mean spreading them out if the containers require that step.
- Remove any unnecessary items from your pantry that are taking up space but not being used, such as old food containers or unused kitchen appliances.
Overall, there are many different ways that you can keep your pantry organized, no matter what size it is. Be sure to find a system that works for you, and stick with it. With a little bit of effort, you can have a clean and organized pantry that will make your life much easier.
How can you organize your pantry/kitchen on a budget?
Use what you have on hand to store items, such as empty food containers or mason jars. Look for affordable storage solutions, such as baskets or bins that you can find at dollar stores or thrift shops. How to Make the Best Pantry Ever
Why is a pantry/kitchen organization important?
Pantry organization is important because it can help you save time and money. When your pantry/kitchen is organized, you know exactly where everything is and you can easily find what you need. This can help you avoid buying duplicates of items that you already have, and it can also help you make sure that nothing goes to waste. A well-organized pantry can also help you plan your meals, as you will be able to see exactly what ingredients you have on hand.
What are some common mistakes people make when organizing their pantry/kitchen?
One common mistake people make when organizing their pantry is not taking into account the amount of space they have. This can lead to buying too many items or trying to fit things that are too large into a small space.
Final Word
If you are struggling to keep your pantry organized, there are many tips and tricks that you can use. Be sure to figure out what system works best for you, and stick with it. With a little bit of effort, you can have a clean and organized pantry that will make your life much easier. May God Bless this world, Linda
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