Find It Fast—Organize Your Pantry

Whether your pantry is on the small side, gigantic or somewhere in between, you know how important it is to organize it so you can make the most of the space and easily find whatever you might be looking for. Pantry space may be some of the most valuable real estate in your home but if it’s chaotic it may cause you more frustration than bliss. 

Here are a few helpful tips to transform your pantry into a serene space that’s carefully organized rather than a jumbled mess.

In addition, if you have a large pantry, consider using plastic bins to keep food items separated and easier to locate. And if you have a deep pantry, think about using hooks to store things like bags, aprons and towels.

1. Declutter and categorize.

Start by getting rid of any items that are past their expiration dates or no longer fresh, as well as anything you won’t use. Then arrange what’s left into groupings based on their use, e.g., for baking, for breakfast, etc.

2. Invest in clear containers.

Staples like grains, cereal and nuts are best stored in food-grade containers that often take up less space than the original packaging, make your pantry neater and make it easier to find what you need.

3. Arrange strategically.

Place the items you use the most where they’re easiest to get to and consider putting heftier things like soda bottles toward the bottom and “extras” like paper towels toward the top.

Diane’s Take: I love my large pantry and constantly keep it organized. Many shelves have been reserved for small appliances and heavy Le Creuset cookware. We arrange food and drinks by category, which allows us to keep track of what we have on hand and when we need to purchase more. The key to good organization is to be able to see what’s available and store only what’s necessary.

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