Pantry Bliss: 5 Steps to Organizing Your Own Instagram Worthy Pantry
Ahhh… yes I see you over there scrolling through Pinterest and saving all those beautiful photos of picture perfect pantries and cupboards. The idea of our crowded, disheveled kitchen cupboards becoming an orderly haven for alphabetically ordered spices and gloriously clean glass decanters filled with coffee and coconut flour seems overwhelming to most of us. But hear me out. Pantry organization is the gift that keeps on giving. When it comes to your pantry, you will find that because you have taken inventory of everything that you have during this process, you will buy less. You will waste less. The task seems quite daunting, but trust me, all you have to do is grab a trash bag and begin. I’ve really tried to make this post a one stop shop so you can literally leave this post pulled up and click to order everything you will need to get the job done. Let’s do this!
Step 1: Purge
There’s no easy way to put this. YOU HAVE TOO MUCH SH** in there. Yes. Yes, you do. I know you think you need those cute Halloween cupcake liners, but you bought those in 2018 and you haven’t used them yet, so in the bin they go. Let’s look at expiration dates on every single box, bag and can, and throw out anything that is past its prime. I know. SHOCKING right? Same. I didn’t even know that I knew what quinoa was in 2016, but here we are. After you have filled 2 garbage bags with enough pantry staples to feed a small village and you get past the fact that you wasted so much darn food, you are ready to clean your pantry and change your wasteful ways. Clean that entire thing out and slap a fresh coat of paint on the walls and shelves before you start filling it againLook at me swallowing my pride and posting how awful my pantry looked before.
Step 2: Select Suitable Containers
Invest in a set of high-quality containers that suit your pantry's style and dimensions. Opt for clear containers made of glass or plastic to easily identify the contents. Consider the size and shape of the containers to maximize shelf space and create a cohesive look. Ensure they have airtight lids to maintain the freshness of food items. I personally love glass containers with wooden lids, but I also used plastic containers that I had on hand . You can find great glass and plastic containers at Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, Marshall’s and of course on Amazon. Even large Mason jars work well! You’ll also need baskets or bins for dry goods and snacks. I found a few matching water hyacinth baskets at Home Goods that worked well for me and I used these metal clip on labels for the baskets. I also used these glass oil and vinegar bottles and labeled them with these super cute script labels running sideways down the bottles and loaded those on this clear acrylic lazy susan….game changer!
Step 3: Create a Labeling System
Developing a labeling system is crucial for maintaining a well-organized pantry. Choose labels that complement your pantry's aesthetic, whether it's sleek and modern or rustic and charming. You can use pre-made labels or create your own using adhesive paper or a label maker. Make sure the labels are legible and include the name of the item or category. I absolutely love these labels from Quart+Pint. They come in both black and white versions. By incorporating the cohesive labels, even if your containers are all different, if keeps them all ‘going to the same party’. For the oil and vinegar bottles I used these. Now for the spices… I love an alphabetized spice rack with matching glass bottles and labels so here’s the combo of 24 glass spice jars with labels including this expandable bamboo spice rack that works perfectly on a pantry shelf or even within a cabinet. For some of my smaller 8oz glass containers of nuts, chocolate chips, coconut flakes etc I placed those on this 10 inch wooden lazy susan that fits nicely on the shelf and makes it easy to see what I’ve got.
Step 4: Arrange Your Containers
Ahhhhh….there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a clean pantry with a fresh coat of paint to set the stage for your new organized system! Clean that entire thing out and slap a fresh coat of paint on the walls and shelves before you start filling it again. Transfer the sorted items into the labeled containers. Use a funnel or scoop for pouring items into containers, ensuring minimal mess. Stackable containers work well to maximize vertical space. Arrange the containers based on frequency of use, with frequently accessed items at eye level and less frequently used items on higher or lower shelves. Group similar items together …keep all the pastas together and group baking items together for ease! Don’t forget the things that you usually end up at the bottom of the pantry like pet food. Here’s a great rolling pet food container that I used with a scoop that works beautifully with your now perfect aesthetic!
Step 5: Maintain & Refresh
To keep your pantry organized, it's important to maintain the system regularly. You did all that work , so don’t let it get away from you. Perform periodic checks for expired or stale items and replace them as needed. Reminder…as you add more of an item be sure to transfer the older product to a bowl , add new product to bottom of container, then dump the older product from the bowl back on top. That way you are always using your older product first.
Now pour yourself a glass of wine, stand back and pat yourself on the back! You did it.
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