Ok, maybe a Pinterest pantry isn’t super realistic, but today I’m sharing 5 tips to help you create a pantry that makes life a little easier. How many times have you ordered take-out because we feel overwhelmed, uninspired and lost when we open our pantry? Yep, I’m with ya. What about buying the same things multiple times because you don’t know what’s already shoved in the back shelving? Heck yes. When I can see everything clearly and each item has a designated home (hello label maker, my old friend), meal time, grocery shopping and restocking becomes so much easier.
So where to start? I know pulling everything out can feel like a daunting task, but you’ve got this. Put on some fun tunes and make an afternoon of it. Remove every box, can and bag from your shelving so you can see it in one place. Check the expiry date (I’ve been guilty of having a few too many expired pancake mixes), toss or donate whatever you won’t eat and wipe those shelves, baby. We both know how long it’s been since they’ve seen the light of day.
Ok here we go:
1. Create designated areas and choose your product. With everything out in sight, it’s time to categorize it all into areas. In my case, I had a snack section, supplement zone, spice area, puppy shelf, etc. Measure out your shelves and determine how you want to store those categories – what makes the most sense based on how often they’re used? A basket to corral everything, or maybe a turntable? For example, my supplements needed their own drawers that I could access easily, while the baking supplies worked better in their own containers. I knew that I wouldn’t be that person that decants chips or gummies out of the bag, so those snacks are corralled in a basket.
2. Decant packaged or bulk food into clear containers. Speaking of decanting, once you’ve decided which items get their own designated containers, pour ‘em out. Grains, shelf-stable flours, chocolate chips, tea, coffee pods, spices, powders, etc. This allows you to see what you have, plus looks hella cute. Decanting into clear containers also means labeling, which might be my favourite thing in the world. If you don’t have a label maker, Etsy has a ton of super cute customizable sticker label options.
3. Know what belongs in the pantry vs the fridge. While at this point you may be going container happy, it’s important to note that some of those bulk items stored at the back of the pantry actually belong in the fridge. Things like raw nuts, seeds, nut butters, almond flour, coconut flour, bee pollen, delicate oils like hemp or chia and other superfood powders. If you know you won’t be consuming them for months, the freezer is your best bet. The delicate fats and oils in there can go rancid, which means they become inflammatory and just won’t taste great.
4. Write the expiry date or purchase date on the bottom of the container. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
5. Use more than just your pantry. If you’re limited on kitchen space, don’t be afraid to keep the items or products that are not used as often in another room. I actually keep my food processor and other small appliances in our TV cabinet, plus empty jars in my dining room cabinet. Also consider sourcing cute ceramic containers or amber jars that live on the counter for soaps, oils, pods, tea bags and other things you grab for regularly. Here are some kitchen accessories that I’m loving lately:
