subject: How To Keep Your Kitchen Pantry Organized [print this page] Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and your pantry is at the heart of your kitchen. Keeping a tidy pantry is essential in order to prevent waste and create a functional space. Read below for home help tips designed to assist you in organizing your pantry.
Start from scratch. The key to organizing any closet space, including your kitchen pantry, is to remove everything from the space and start with a clean slate. When organizing a pantry, this will also help you identify old foodstuffs that need to be thrown out due to spoilage or expiration.
Invest in organizational tools. Your pantry is likely composed of some shelving units that allow you to store your food items. If you are struggling to find space, consider adding additional shelving space such as spice racks and food bins to alleviate some of the storage issues with your current space. Additional shelving space will also allow you to see what you have in your pantry without having to dig around.
Group frequently used items together. The mid-level shelf should be reserved for those food items that are most frequently used by your household, including spices, cereal, coffee or canned goods. These food items should also be grouped together so they are easy to access.
Put things back where they belong. This is a useful tip for anyone trying to maintain a sense of closet organization. After you use a food product, put it back where you got it-not in a different location. Keeping food products organized by type is an easy way to locate items when you need them and keep your pantry organized.
Monitor the bottom shelf. Heavy products or food items stored in glass containers should be stored on the bottom shelf to avoid hazardous falls. You should also avoid storing anything on the floor as that could attract vermin and is difficult to clean around. Ensure there is a shelf separating your food item and the floor.
Buy in bulk where it makes sense. Buying in bulk is a common practice for families who purchase the same food items on a weekly basis. However, storage of bulk items can be tricky. It doesn't make sense to buy bulk flour if you don't bake on a regular basis.
Schedule spot checks. Come back every week to spot check your pantry to determine if any food items have met their expiration date and to ensure your pantry is maintaining its organization.
