Do you have a hard time finding what's in your pantry?
Or keep buying duplicates?
Or start cooking only to find out you're missing something?
Or start cooking only to find out you're missing something?
Or can't EVEN REMEMBER WHY you bought some ingredient?
I think we've all experienced this. Even though I'm lucky to have a walk-in pantry, it just means more space to mess up. I was tired of wasting food and throwing away expired items so I knew I had to
downsize and organize.
downsize and organize.
Step 1 - Clean Slate
Pull out everything, get rid of anything expired, can't remember why you bought it, or don't like.
Step 2 - Inventory
Sort items into categories (Baking, Sweets, Pasta, etc.) This will help you decide what storage items
(if any) you need to buy. Decide what food items you use all the time and stock those items. (Don't buy storage first and then try to organize - actually see what you need and then shop.)
Step 3 - Decide on Storage
Plastic or Glass, Baskets or Boxes, Shelf Stackers, etc. What works best for you? Baskets, Bins, Boxes - so many options are easy and inexpensive. Don't feel it has to be perfect - allow yourself some flexibility so as you "live" with it, you can tweak it as needed. I chose three sizes of Plastic Jars with screw off lids (Rubbermaid & Dollar Store), White Plastic Baskets (Walmart), Clear Plastic Binz (Container Store & Amazon) and Shelf Stackers (Walmart & Thrift Stores).
Step 4 - Create Your Labels
Write down your list of categories and head over to Canva.com to make yourself some CUTE & FREE labels to match whatever look you want.
Design your label(s) - choose a size (you can create a custom one to fit your storage perfectly). Find a background you like, add a circle (or a square or whatever) and pick a font (I chose Amatic Small Caps for this project). When you're finished, download the labels to your computer and print them out. There are a couple ways to configure your labels: 1. Create individual labels for each item and download each one and add them to a Word/Publisher/Avery form. 2. Download a generic label (without the wording) and add the wording in a Word/Publisher/Avery document. I did the latter so I could easily change up the labels, size, etc.
I experimented with using Removable Labels (because who likes scraping off old labels) and they worked great. Printed up nicely, easy to cut, peal off, and position. Plus it's easy should I ever want to remove/change a label.
Step 5 - Label Label Label
Label all your containers, put everything back how you want it, and do a little happy dance.
Step 6 - Maintenance
Once you've got your pantry manageable and looking like you want it, maintenance becomes the most important thing. This mean shopping deliberately, not "I think we need that" and putting it in your cart. Sticking to purchasing what you specifically need and plan for can save you bunches. More Organization, Less Frustration & Less Waste.
Choose Your Menu/Recipes.
Write those Ingredients on your List (on your phone or paper).
Buy Only those Things.
Repeat.
More Tips & Ideas for you...
Have 5 Favorite Meals - Set up 5 baskets with all the non-perishable ingredients for each meal. Then pull out the basket when you want to cook it - everything in one place.
If you have a favorite grocery store, take a little time to type up a generic grocery list of your favorite basic items (along with lines for write in items) based on the store aisles so you don't have to go back and forth and miss items. Print out a copy when you're ready to put together your shopping list.
Have fun organizing & saving $$!
Love, Steph
