When it comes to such an important part of your kitchen as the pantry, it’s important to keep it clean and organized. Just a few minutes can make a big difference in keeping the pantry looking great and easy to use. Here are five simple steps for cleaning up.
Clear and clean shelves
One basic step that can make a world of difference is simply cleaning off the shelves. You’re your food out of the pantry and wipe down the shelves. Spills and sprinkles of food can build up after a while, so cleaning them out regularly is a good idea.
Review food
Before putting food back in the pantry, look through it to make sure you still ought to keep it all. Get rid of any expired food. Look through the rest of the food, too – perhaps there’s something you bought but never used, or ingredients for a recipe you’ll never use again. Getting rid of excess will make it easier for you to find what you really need – plus, donating it to a good cause makes sure that people who really need it will use it.
Reevaluate layout
Once you begin putting things back into the pantry, reconsider where you put them. Was the previous layout really the best one? Group similar items together, put frequently used objects at eye level, and otherwise make sure everything is easy to find. Make sure labels are facing outwards for quick identification.
Inventory
Consider keeping track of what you have stored in your pantry. Although this may not be an option for larger families, it’s definitely a good idea for smaller pantries. Keeping track of what you have will make future shopping trips easier, as you identify both what you have and what you need.
Identify problems
Some problems go deeper than jumbled-up labels. As you rearrange your pantry, see if your storage space really fits your needs. If not, it may be time to call Closet and Storage Concepts – we’re dedicated to helping you find a storage solution for your home!