Here's how to clear the clutter from your Kitchen Pantry.
Difficulty Level: Easy Time Required: 30 to 90 minutes
Here's How:
- Empty pantry shelves of all items by moving everything into boxes or onto a nearby countertop.
- Clean the pantry shelves and wipe dry with a towel.
- Plan pantry use by categorizing into prime and non-prime storage. If possible, prime storage at eye level should be for the most often-used items.
- Further categorize storage by item, for example one shelf for baking items, another for tomato canned goods, another for pasta and rice.
- Mark these categorized shelves with post-it notes denoting the contents.
- Begin to fill the pantry by placing items on the appropriate shelves.
- Make two lists as you work. One will be a grocery shopping list for items you need. The other will be ideas for containers, trays, or extra shelves to make your pantry more useful.
- Place small items (such as mixes) into a small box or plastic container to keep them together.
- Designate a lower shelf for paper storage and place all napkins, paper towels, and plates together.
- Keep some heavy items such as soda bottles, on the floor or on a lower shelf.
- If you have extra wallspace in your pantry see about hanging up hooks, a broom, a bulletin board, or other helpful organizing items.
- If you cannot fit everything in neatly, consider removing some non-essential items for storage elsewhere. For instance, store paper goods in the garage, or extra soda in the basement.
- Don't hesitate to throw out old food that is outdated or products you may never use again.
- Step back and admire your newly organized pantry.
- Try to reorganize when you're alone so you can concentrate.
- Spend some time pre-planning your storage needs before beginning.
- Store all cleaning products away from food.
- Unless you have a gigantic pantry, you'll need to prioritize what goes in it. Seasonal or seldom used kitchen items can be boxed up and moved to less handy storage in the garage or basement.
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