The Best Way to Organize a Pantry

A pantry is typically used for storing non-perishable food, paper products and other items routinely used in the kitchen. A well-stocked kitchen pantry makes meal planning easier and means fewer trips to the grocery store which in turn saves money. When your pantry becomes cluttered and jumbled, it no longer serves its purpose and you may end up buying more of something you already have but can't find. Organizing your pantry will make it beneficial and save your time and money.

Clean and Group

First, remove all items from the pantry. Just set everything out on the counter; do not take time to look through everything just yet. Clear out the entire pantry.

With a damp sponge or cloth, clean off the shelves. If necessary use a vacuum or dust broom to sweep out crumbs. Change the shelf paper if your shelves were lined with it or put in shelf paper if so desired.

Now i group the items you removed from the pantry. Group like items together such as cereals, snacks, canned vegetables, canned fruits, canned meats, etc.
As you group items together also check expiration dates and toss outdated food.

Organize and Restock

Organize the items by using clear plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to store loose items such as flour, cereal and pasta. Store small snack items such as granola bars, dried fruit snacks, and applesauce cups in a clear plastic bin. Use containers that can be stacked to save room. Containers keep things fresh and neat looking.

Restock the pantry. Place items you use most at eye level, items used less often on the top shelves, and paper products or overstock food items on the bottom shelves. Move things around as much as you need to until you have everything where it is accessible.

Labeling and Final Touches

Label the containers so you know what is in each one. Also place a label on the end of the shelves so you know where things go. For example, attach a label to the end of the shelf where you will keep the canned fruit.

Attach wire shelves to the inside of the pantry door to hold spices and seasoning packets.

Finally, type up a list of all the pantry items and tape to the inside of the pantry door. This could be a check-off list--as you use things up you can mark what you need to buy to replace those items.

References

• Country mom, Organize Pantry
• How to Organize Your Pantry