A well-organised kitchen pantry can transform your cooking experience, making meal preparation quicker, reducing food waste, and saving you money.
Here’s a guide to organising your pantry for maximum efficiency.
1. Declutter and Clean
Before you start organising, take everything out of your pantry. This gives you a blank slate and allows you to see what you have. Check expiration dates and dispose of anything that’s expired or stale. If you have items you don’t plan to use, consider donating them to a local food bank. Once the pantry is empty, give it a thorough cleaning. Wipe down shelves and walls to remove any dust, crumbs, or spills.
2. Categorise Your Items
Sort your pantry items into categories. Common categories include:
- Grains and Pasta: Rice, quinoa, pasta, etc.
- Baking Supplies: Flour, sugar, baking powder, etc.
- Canned Goods: Soups, vegetables, beans, etc.
- Snacks: Crisps, crackers, nuts, etc.
- Spices and Condiments: Salt, pepper, vinegar, oils, etc.
- Breakfast Items: Cereals, porridge, pancake mix, etc.
Categorising your items helps you understand how much space each category needs and makes it easier to find what you’re looking for.
3. Use Clear, Uniform Containers
Transfer dry goods like grains, pasta, and baking supplies into clear, airtight containers. Clear containers let you see what you have at a glance, and airtight seals keep food fresh longer. Uniform containers also stack neatly, maximising shelf space and creating a streamlined look. Label each container with its contents and expiration date.
4. Optimise Shelf Space
Maximise your shelf space with organisers. Consider adding:
- Shelf Risers: These create additional levels, allowing you to stack items without having to dig through layers.
- Lazy Susans: Ideal for corners or deep shelves, these spinning trays make it easy to access items without knocking things over.
- Baskets and Bins: Group small or irregularly shaped items together. Bins with handles can easily be pulled out to access their contents.
Of course, if your current kitchen style doesn’t translate to an ergonomic or easily accessible format, there are plenty of options – especially in smaller kitchens, where space can be created in innovative ways to suit your purpose.
5. Organise by Frequency of Use
Place frequently used items at eye level or in the most accessible spots. This makes it easy to grab them without rummaging through the pantry. Lesser-used items can be placed on higher or lower shelves. For example, everyday snacks and cereals should be within easy reach, while baking supplies can be stored on the top shelf.
6. Utilise Door Space
The inside of your pantry door can become an important and often underlooked asset. Install racks or hooks to hold spices, wraps, or cleaning supplies. Over-the-door organisers can be especially handy for holding small items that would otherwise clutter your shelves.
7. Maintain an Inventory
Keep a running inventory of your pantry. This can be a simple list on a clipboard inside the pantry door or a digital inventory on your phone. Update it as you use items and when you restock. Knowing what you have on hand prevents overbuying and helps plan meals more efficiently.
8. Implement a Rotation System
Adopt a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system to ensure older items are used before newer ones. Place new groceries behind older ones to naturally rotate your stock. This practice reduces food waste and keeps your pantry fresh.
9. Label Everything
Label shelves, bins, and containers clearly. Labels provide a quick visual cue, helping everyone in the household know where items belong and ensuring your system stays organised.
10. Regular Maintenance
Set aside time periodically to tidy up your pantry. A quick check every couple of weeks can help maintain order. Reorganise as needed to accommodate changes in your pantry stock and to address any clutter that accumulates.
Conclusion
A well-organised pantry saves time, reduces stress, and makes cooking more enjoyable. By decluttering, categorising, using clear containers, optimising shelf space, and maintaining an inventory, you can create a functional and efficient pantry. Regular maintenance ensures your pantry stays organised, making meal preparation a breeze and reducing food waste.
Parents with young children often need to run a tight ship when it comes to organising and maintaining food supplies for the household. This can be even more important during seasonal months, e.g. summer stay-at-home months for the kids or during cold winter snaps when poor weather conditions could curtail trips to the supermarket or shops.
At Surreal Designs, we tailor kitchens to your current and future needs. Learn more about our various design styles and contact us to discover what’s possible.
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