A few basic rules about pantry organization: use baskets and bins, store dry foods in clear containers, measure your space and categorize. Now that you know the basics, here are 10 things you may not have thought about, but definitely should when planning and implementing a well-organized pantry:
Yes, it's true that you should group similar items together - e.g. cooking oils, baking ingredients near each other, spices in the same place, pasta and rice in the same place. But don't stop there. There are two other ways to divide foods as efficiently as possible. First, consider the frequency of use. For example, place the spices you use the most in an easily accessible place. Second, think about your routines and designate discreet storage spaces for them. A few examples: treats for the kids, coffee, flour, a box of snacks - so kids can quickly grab what they're in the mood for.
I don't know about you, but I personally don't like to buy large food supplies. However, some non-perishable foods are better to have in stock. If you have a clear system in your pantry and you're getting ready to shop, you know exactly what's missing and what needs to be replenished. And here's the rub: when restocking your pantry, it's very important to remember that older foods come first - "first come, first go". You should store your food in such a way that the older ones are used first. This will prevent unnecessary waste. For example, if you are going to store milk, always store the older cartons up front. This system ensures that the oldest milks are used up first.
Many people like to stock up on onions and potatoes in their pantry. If you do the same, make sure they don't mix. Onions and garlic can be stored together, but they should not be mixed with potatoes. This speeds up spoilage. Also remember to store flour separately from strongly flavoured foods such as some spices like cumin and curry so that it doesn't absorb any smells or flavours. The same applies to bread. In fact, it is best to store bread in a bread bin.
Everyone is sure to enjoy the sight of a beautifully organized and organized pantry, where everything is stored in tubs and labeled with nicely matched labels. Simply a satisfying sight! We totally get it, it looks aesthetically pleasing. However, the real reason for storing dry food in jars is much more compelling and may be hidden in a bag of flour or a lentil - and that reason is pest control.
Do you store rice or flour in glass containers with narrow necks? The problem is that you like to use a measuring spoon to scoop the rice, but the neck of the container is too narrow. Instead, you have to resort to scooping. Before you get your jars, think about your preferred method of removing the dry ingredient from the storage container. Do you want to soak the ingredient? Or do you want to scoop it out with a measuring spoon or spoon? If you choose the latter, ease of access needs to be a priority. (You can find some of our favourite pantry bowls in our online shop.)
Having things carefully labeled in the pantry is very helpful. It's easy to find our way around and keep track. However, we think more important than labeling the contents of the container (after all, do you need a label labeled Pasta when it's in a glass container and clearly visible?) is labeling the expiration date. It doesn't matter which method of marking you choose - whether you use a chalk marker or a label that you stick on the lid (OXO POP labels in our e-shop) or on the bottom of the jar.
Do you like to have a variety of breakfast cereals on hand or do you like to keep your pet's kibble in the pantry? You'll need to plan a place that can hold large items. If you're remodeling your pantry or building one from scratch, it's important to think about what you actually want to store in it. If you want to store boxes or containers with larger contents, make sure the new pantry will have one or two shelves that are tall enough to accommodate these oversized items.
A great way to store small appliances away from the kitchen cabinets and save space is to find a place for them in the pantry. Every household has blenders, toasters, beaters and the like, and you need to find a place for them too. Ideally, your pantry should be equipped with an electrical outlet so you can use them right there and not have to move them every time you use them.
If you have young children, store healthy snacks on a shelf they can easily access. Ideally in clear boxes or ones that suit your style and labelled for easy reference. When they ask you for a snack, you can simply tell them to help themselves. At the same time, this teaches them self-sufficiency, which is a better alternative than not having to do it for them.
Sure, after organizing your pantry, feel free to take a moment to admire the result. If you have a good system in place that suits your needs, you can marvel for a long time. But know that it won't last forever. The key to maintaining an organized pantry is to check it a few times a year and assess its contents. Old ingredients need to be thrown out. The pantry needs to be maintained and the shelves wiped down regularly. Systems need to be tweaked. However, these quarterly checks will ensure that you never have to completely redo your pantry.
Did you know that we regularly return to our clients? Premises refresh and refresh is a service we offer when systems need to be refreshed, modified and re-marked as required. We know that life can be chaotic and crazy sometimes. That's why we're here to keep things running smoothly in your home. We love our clients and thank you for allowing us to provide the support they need.
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