Considering recent events, we've all had quite a bit of time on our hands to evaluate all the projects we've been meaning to get to lately. Maybe it's the closet, perhaps the bathroom undersink, but as we all stock up on reserves to feed ourselves and our families in the coming weeks while staying home, the question arises—where am I supposed to put all this food?
Here are a few handy tips for organizing your suddenly burgeoning pantry.
1. Sort by Type
This may be obvious, but it's important to cover the basics. Take a moment to evaluate the major categories in your pantry and dedicate a section in your pantry for each one.
Dry Pasta & Grains, Cereal, Snacks, Baking Ingredients, Canned Goods, etc.—general categories like these will help compartmentalize your pantry, but won't be so limiting that you just don't know where something belongs. Just like organizing any space, keeping similar items together is key.
2. Physically Divide Your Items
Using baskets like these or shelf dividers can be a great way to reinforce your system once you've determined how to categorize your items.
Baskets or bins can be especially helpful in maintaining peaceful order. Rather than digging through your pantry to find that last can of chicken stock hiding behind the Cheerios, remove the whole basket to find what you need in a snap without disrupting the order of your pantry.
Using turntables to consolidate items like canned goods and soups can also be helpful for easy access in tight corners and hard-to-reach areas.
3. Accept the Expiration
We know. It can be hard to say goodbye. But one of the best things you can do for yourself is to just let go. Of old food, that is.
As the saying goes, if you haven't used it in a year, it's probably time to get rid of it. With a few exceptions such as canned goods and certain spices, most food (yes, even dry goods) will go bad within a year or two. Take a whiff of the rice that's been shoved in the back corner of the cupboard since 2018, and you'll see what we mean.
Aim for a quarterly clean-out if you're single or living with a partner, and for those with larger families, try taking stock once a month to get rid of what you no longer need. If you find yourself feeling a little guilty about how much you're throwing away, use it as an opportunity to reevaluate what is being used and what isn't, and create a goal to reduce monthly food waste.
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As we wait out this difficult time, it's helpful to recognize that there is always a silver lining. Spending time with our families, finding the time to call a friend, or finally having the chance to get some early spring cleaning done—take a moment to think of one or two positive things that have come out of this situation.
In the meantime, show us your #SilverLiningOrganizing on Instagram to enter our giveaway for an 8-Piece Classic Drawer Organization Kit. Stay safe, and stay home!
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