Maintaining an organized kitchen pantry can feel like a daunting task. With cans and boxes being pushed to the back and forgotten, it’s not uncommon to find items that have been stored away for years. However, an organized pantry can make your life easier. It helps to eliminate the stress of not being able to find items and ensures that your food stays fresh. Here are five tips to help you bring order to your food pantry and make grocery shopping and cooking a breeze.
- Use Clear Storage Containers – Consider using clear, stackable storage containers with simple labels. Doing so makes it easy to see the food and saves valuable space while keeping the food fresher for longer.
- Use the Door Space – Make use of the door space by adding a storage rack to the door itself. Use shelves and baskets to corral spices, favorite snacks, or smaller items that can get lost.
- Chalkboard Lists – Use chalkboard paint to create a place to keep lists inside the pantry door or an area near the pantry. Use this chalkboard to keep track of items you need as you use them, or to keep an inventory of what you have in the pantry so it gets used before it expires.
- Sort the Items – Sort items by use, such as keeping baking supplies together for easy access when making cookies. Organize all the kids’ snacks on a shelf that’s within their reach, or out of reach if it’s treats!
- Keep Things Well-Lit – Don’t forget about the lighting in your pantry. If there’s an area that has become a “black hole,” add lighting, either wired or battery, to help make sure you can see what’s back there.
Taking the time to organize your pantry may seem like a daunting task, but it is a satisfying project that can be completed over a weekend. An organized pantry will make cooking and grocery shopping much easier and less stressful.