-
Step 1
Empty all the contents of your pantry. Starting with an empty pantry will allow you to visualize the space that you have for storage as well as plan what should go on each shelf.
-
Step 2
Group your pantry contents using a system that makes sense to you. If height or size works for you, then use height or size, if type of food category works better then use that. Remember, the goal is to make food items as easy to find as possible.
-
Step 3
Restock your shelves one shelf at a time. Start from the bottom of the pantry and work your way up. Within each shelf, put the larger items toward the back and the smaller items toward the front so that you can see as much of what is on that shelf as possible. The more accessible the items are to you, the more likely it is that you will use them.
-
Step 4
Make yourself a list of the items that you DO NOT need to purchase anytime soon. Often times when you are planning out your pantry it comes to your attention that you have several of the same type of canned item because they weren't properly organized and you didn't realize how many you had. As each item starts to dwindle then cross it off the do not purchase list.
-
Step 5
Set aside time each week, maybe after you go to the grocery store, to maintain your system. Once all of the planning of the pantry is complete it will take far less time to keep the system up if you take a little time here and there to keep it in order.
