Food and cooking is a big part of everyone’s life, and the pantry is where we keep all of our ingredients. If your pantry is unorganized or cluttered, then you’ll waste precious time constantly looking for that one item you swear you bought a week ago. Closet & Storage Concepts of Boston and Franklin is here to help! Here are six ways to keep your pantry organized.
- Do A Pantry Audit
Before you start, you need to know what you have, what you need, and what needs to be thrown away. Go through everything, and toss or donate what you do not use. Pay special attention to expiration dates and throw away anything that can no longer be consumed. While you’re at it, take a peek through your fridge and freezer.
- Use Clear Containers that Are Clearly Labeled
Pantry storage is not the easiest place to keep neat and organized, but the less looking and moving you do while searching for something, the more time you’ll save in the long run. It’s a good idea to keep dry, bulk items such as beans and pasta, or baking items like sugar and flower, in clear containers with large labels. That way you’ll see what you’re looking for immediately.
- Keep Your Pantry in Zones or Sections
It’ll be easier to find something if you know where it is! So instead of just picking up an item and putting it back wherever, carefully group items and decide where their home will be. For example, you could have different sections for baking supplies, cereals and breakfast foods, holiday items, canned foods etc. Use baskets and bins to keep zones separate.
- Make Your Pantry Kid-Friendly
We know kids will be kids, and that’s why it’s a good idea to keep their snacks on a low shelf in the same place. This way, they won’t undo all of the time you spent organizing and sectioning. Your kids will be happy that all of their snacks are easy to find and you’ll be happy that your pantry stays in good shape.
- Clean and Reorganize Once a Month
Even with new pantry organization, things are bound to get a bit cluttered or out of place. After all, no one is perfect. Take 10 to 15 minutes a month to reorganize your pantry and make sure expired items are tossed out. It’s better to do smaller, more frequent updates than one huge clear out – it will save both time and frustration! Also look for ways to reduce food waste at home and spend less time organizing.
- Be Smart About Your Kitchen Pantry Storage
Closet & Storage Concepts of Massachusetts offers custom kitchen pantry designs and solutions to bring your pantry storage space to its full potential! You don’t need a bigger pantry, you just need space-saving storage and smart design.
It’s possible to do this all on your own, but why would you want to? Call us today for a free, in-home consultation and you’ll be one step closer to your perfect home.