How to organize your pantry
Organizing your pantry is a great way to save time, money, and reduce food waste. When your pantry is organized, you can easily see what you have on hand, which makes meal planning and grocery shopping more efficient. The Tidy Magpie can help you organize your pantry. Here are some of our best tips and tricks.
Start by clearing out your pantry
The first step to organizing your pantry is to clear it out completely. Remove everything from your pantry shelves and place it on a table or counter. This will give you a chance to sort through your items, check expiration dates, and throw away any expired or spoiled food. While your at it, wipe down all of the surfaces and clean up any spills or stains.
2. Categorize your items
Once you have cleared out your pantry, categorize your items. This will make it easier to find what you need when you need it. Group similar items together, such as baking supplies, canned goods, pasta, snacks, and so on. There is no “wrong” way to categorize - do what makes sense for your household.
3. Contain
Using wire mesh and natural woven containers can help you see what you have on hand and make it easier to grab what you need. They are great for storing snacks and baking supplies. We like glass containers for storing baking supplies and dry goods. You can find many of these at the thrift store! Especially glass containers - they wash up great in the dishwasher.
4 . Label everything
Labeling your containers will help you keep track of what you have on hand and make it easier to find what you need. Use a label maker or even masking tape and a permanent marker to label your containers.
5. Consider adding shelves or baskets
If your pantry is small or lacks shelving, consider adding shelves or baskets. This will make it easier to store items and maximize the space you have
6. Keep frequently used items at eye level
Keep frequently used items at eye level so they are easy to grab. This might include items like cereal, snacks, or canned goods.
7. Use the FIFO method
When stocking your pantry, use the “first in, first out” (FIFO) method. This means that you should use the oldest items first and move newer items to the back of the shelf. This will help you avoid wasting food and keep your pantry organized.
In conclusion, organizing your pantry can seem like a daunting task, but it is well worth the effort. With a little bit of time and effort, you can create a well-organized pantry that will save you time and money in the long run. Start by clearing out your pantry, categorizing your items, and using clear containers and labels. Consider adding shelves or baskets to maximize your space, and keep frequently used items at eye level. Finally, use the FIFO method to keep your pantry organized and avoid wasting food. Happy organizing!
