How to Organize Your Pantry

I often hear that the pantry is the most disorganized spaces in your home. Am I right? Well, you can tackle it one shelf at a time!

Since we simplified, I can empty and reset my pantry in 2 hours or less, including cleaning the shelves and updating labels.  My pantry is a cabinet, not a walk-in space. I think that is a blessing.

It might take you longer and you may need to tackle one shelf at a time.

My Step-by-Step Approach for how to organize the pantry can be used over and over again until you’ve taken care of all the pantry food and contents.

Give it a try this week!

• Remove everything from the cabinet or shelf
• Clean canisters, shelves, and containers
• Declutter expired items and poor quality ingredients
• Group items by category
  • Vinegar/Oil
  • Flour/Sugar
  • Canned goods
  • Snacks
  • Pasta and Rice
• Repurpose extra food storage containers for organization
• Remove items from multi-pack plastic or trim boxes for easy access
  • Granola bars
  • Ramen noodles
  • Bulk purchases
• Empty a box before opening a new one. 
• Store unopened boxes behind open ones to rotate inventory
• Use the top shelf sparingly
  • It is difficult to see and reach
  • Store extra bulk buys
  • Or leave this shelf empty
• Make note of food inventory as you clean
• Write a meal plan
• Create dinner from inventory. You will find something!
• Note Needs and Excess – Shop accordingly

Pantry Labels

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Wide-mouth containers are best for flour and sugar.

Do Not Buy List

With a list of needs and excess, you can create a meal plan and buy items to compliment your meal plan. And excess items should be added to a “Do Not Buy” list which I have my clients write when they organize the pantry.

While my pantry isn’t picture-perfect, I know pretty containers aren’t always functional. Through a lot of trial and error, I figured out that wide-mouth containers are best for flour and sugar, but rice, brown sugar, and tea could be stored in smaller glass canisters. 

However, no amount of organization is a substitute for using up your inventory of food. When you reduce the volume, these spaces have a way of organizing themselves.

It works every time.

What excess items are cluttering up your pantry?