One of my goals this year is to become more organized especially in my house and office. Today we are tacking the kitchen pantry. While my kitchen is gorgeous, I wasn’t pleased with the current state of the pantry. It was a mess! Things were everywhere. Empty boxes sitting on the shelves. FOUR opened boxes of lasagna noodles. Complete chaos and no organization whatsoever.
In today’s Baby Gizmo video, I take you along as I give my pantry a complete overhaul with new bins, baskets and jars that I purchased at The Container Store, Home Goods and Lowes.
Do you dread opening your kitchen pantry because you know you’ll be greeted by a pile of clutter, chaos and confusion? Do you have trouble finding what you need or remembering what you have in your pantry? Do you wish you could have a neat and tidy pantry that makes cooking and shopping easier and more enjoyable?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this article is for you. In this article, we’ll show you how to organize a messy kitchen pantry in five easy steps. You’ll learn how to clear out the old and unwanted items, sort and store the remaining items, label and categorize everything, and maintain your pantry organization over time. By following these steps, you’ll be able to transform your pantry from a disaster zone to a dream space.
Step 1: Clear Out the Old and Unwanted Items
The first step to organizing your pantry is to empty the entire thing out. This will help you see what you have, what you need, and what you can get rid of. Check the expiration dates of all your food items, and toss anything that’s past its prime or no longer in use. You can also donate any unopened or non-perishable items that you don’t want or need to a local food bank or charity. This will free up space in your pantry and help reduce food waste.
Step 2: Sort and Store the Remaining Items
The next step is to sort and store the remaining items in your pantry. Place like items together, such as grains, canned goods, snacks, baking supplies, etc. You can also create different zones in your pantry for different purposes, such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, etc. This will make it easier for you to find what you need and plan your meals.
To store your items, use clear jars and bins that fit your pantry space and your food quantities. Clear containers will allow you to see what’s inside and how much you have left. You can also use stackable containers with flat lids to save space and create vertical storage. For smaller items, such as spices, packets or tea bags, use baskets, trays or drawers to keep them organized and accessible.
Step 3: Label and Categorize Everything
The third step is to label and categorize everything in your pantry. Labeling your containers will help you identify what’s inside them without having to open them or guess. You can use stickers, tags, markers or chalk to write the names of the items and their expiration dates if applicable. You can also use color-coded labels or symbols to indicate different categories or zones in your pantry.
Categorizing your items will help you group them by type, purpose or frequency of use. For example, you can categorize your items by meal type (breakfast, lunch, dinner), by cuisine (Italian, Mexican, Asian), by dietary preference (gluten-free, vegan, keto), or by usage (daily, weekly, monthly). Categorizing your items will help you plan your menus, shopping lists and inventory more efficiently.
Step 4: Use the “First In, First Out” System
The fourth step is to use the “first in, first out” system to rotate your food items and prevent spoilage. This means that you should use up the oldest items first before opening new ones. To do this, place the newest items at the back of your pantry and move the older ones to the front. This way, you’ll always see what needs to be used up first and avoid wasting food or money.
Step 5: Create a Kid-Friendly Spot
The fifth step is to create a kid-friendly spot in your pantry if you have children at home. This is a section of your pantry that’s dedicated to kid-friendly snacks and foods that they can easily reach and grab without making a mess or needing your help. You can use lower shelves or baskets for this purpose and fill them with healthy and tasty options that your kids love. This will encourage them to snack smartly and independently while keeping your pantry organized.
By following these five easy steps, you can organize your messy kitchen pantry in no time. You’ll be amazed by how much space you have.