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What's in your Pantry?
Getting your pantry organized is going to make your life easier, so why not attack it now. Knowing what is in your pantry will simplify your work in the kitchen. You may find that you actually enjoy cooking with items easily visible and assessable.
Start by removing all items and grouping them together on your table or counter. Be sure to toss out all items that have expired dates. I'll bet you found a few surprises in there! Once you have everything sorted by type, you will see your buying pattern. Do you have multiple boxes of cereal, crackers or cans of tuna? Knowing how much of what you have will adjust your shopping list and save you money.
Now it is time to put things away. Here are a few tips.
- Place like or similar items together on shelves - boxed foods like pasta, rice, crackers.
- Use clear plastic containers to store staples like cornstarch, sugar, flour - it will last longer and be easier to handle. Be sure to label the container.
- Consider clear plastic bins to place loose packages that are floating in the corners - seasoning, mixes, oatmeal packages, etc. If possible, use one bin for each group.
- Place all snack items together in an area that is reachable by all family members (if you want them to get to it).
- Use wire shelves to help expand your space. It is better than stacking cans on top of each other - and safer.
- Paper items like napkins, paper towels, paper plates can be grouped together along with foils, plastic wraps, baggies.
- Keep things as visible as possible. Meal planning and shopping will be a lot easier, and you will avoid buying something you already have.
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