How to Organize Food from Warehouse Stores

You've smugly patted yourself on the back for how much cash your recent shopping spree saved you. But unless you have a restaurantsize walk-in refrigerator, those flats of yogurt and vats of hummus could quickly end up in your loss margin. Divide and conquer the goods for money well spent.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Shop discerningly and be willing to just say no. Perishable items, such as gallons of milk or huge packets of lunch meat, aren't a good idea if your family won't consume them within a few days.
2. Divvy up the receipt as well and the contents of individually packaged items with a friend. It's difficult to share a big squeeze bottle of mustard, but you can each take home one loaf of bread or box of cereal from a double pack. And if you'll never get through 10 pounds of strawberries in a few days, split the flat in two.
3. Unpack frozen goods. Break up portions and package them into family-size chunks so you don't need to defrost the whole package for one meal. Rotate the goods in your freezer so the older items get used first; put newer purchases in the bottom or back.
4. Tackle the bakery goods. Breads, muffins, English muffins and croissants all freeze well. Divide the contents into meal-size portions, seal in airtight plastic storage containers or zipper-lock plastic bags. They can go straight from the freezer to the oven.
5. Divide the dry goods into smaller containers. Flour, sugar, baking soda and rice will stay fresh in a cool, dry cupboard sealed in airtight containers. Use the bottom of a linen closet or out-of-thekitchen space to store that mammoth bag of pancake mix or sugar (sealed in plastic containers or bags) and just refill containers when necessary.
6. Take unopened soda, water bottles, olive oil or vinegar bottles, and other food items that can remain at room temperature and store them out of the kitchen until you need to replenish supplies or refill containers.

Tips & Warnings

• Set up one storage area or shelf for extra dry goods, food and supplies so you don't waste time hunting for replacements.
• Use low plastic storage containers designed to fit under beds to tuck away extra dry food and supplies.
• If you buy large canned goods and only need half, don't store the remainder in the aluminum can. The metal can leech into the food. Move the contents to an airtight container or zipper-locked plastic bag.
• See 129 Store Bulk Purchases.
• If possible, avoid warehouse stores on the weekends and the days leading up to major holidays. Shop right when the store opens or an hour or two before closing during the week to skip the crowds.

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