HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR PANTRY TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE AND MAKE FOOD PREPARATION EASIER
How to organize your pantry to reduce food waste and make food preparation easier
A well-organized kitchen is not only beautiful. This makes meal and meal prep time easier because you don’t have to search for ingredients or try to figure out if you still have ingredients on hand. It can also save you from throwing away forgotten and damaged items over and over again, helping you save money and avoid food waste. The task of planning a kitchen can seem daunting, but with the right precautions and these tips, you can complete the task in a matter of hours.
Before you start
Before you unpack everything in the pantry and get to work, take a look at your small storage space and think about how your family uses it. Are your pantry shelves deep or narrow? Is there an area or shelf you always complain about? Is there room to add more storage on the door shelf or other shelves?
Examining the space will help you determine the size and type of storage containers or appliances you need to have on hand before you begin the planning process.
Going out and buying what you’re used to and filling in any blanks before you start planning. This will make you free up space for things you normally save.
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Empty and clean the pantry
Now that you have your equipment in hand, it’s time to pull everything out of the pantry. If you don’t have a counter close by, use a laundry basket or rolling cart to hold all the items. As you’re putting things out at the grocery store, check the expiration date as you go. The goal is to create a new system where you don’t forget things and let them expire.
Once the pantry is empty, take the time to clean up spills, dust, holes and check the space for any critters that may have invaded. If you see signs of insects or mice, fix the problem and check all the packaging carefully.
Sort the items
Before putting anything back in the pantry, take some time to prepare what you took out. If there are items that don’t belong in the pantry, such as cleaning supplies, put them back where they belong
Develop a broad model first, then develop divisions as needed. If you’re not sure how to organize your items, you can buy pre-packaged labels.
Organize and replace pantry items
Use functional containers
We’re fans of products that work and work together in one space, Murphy said. Options for translucent containers, such as metal wire baskets and glass jars are suitable, for the type you want to explore. Commonly used items, such as reusable bags and packaging, can be stored in unusual containers.
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Choose a place for everything.
Maintaining equipment is essential for a well organized restaurant. Remember the categories you put together when you were organizing: baked goods, cereals and pasta, canned goods, snacks or breakfast? Storing these items together cuts down on meal prep time because you’ll be able to grab everything you need quickly. Replace each type in the space, making sure to prioritize the most frequently used items on shelves and top drawers. Anything that is not accessed frequently should be kept on the highest and lowest shelves. Also consider whether snacks and treats will be placed where the children will reach or if you wish they were not there.
Add labels so everyone can find things
Naming the pantry is the last and most important step. Even if the categories are clear to you, keep in mind that they will probably not be seen by everyone in your family. Also, the signs are a reminder of what needs to be returned in an empty box or basket. If possible, include the date of purchase or expiration on the food guide and label of items shipped in their original packaging.
How to keep an organized pantry
Keep a shopping list on your phone and add items when you clear out the grocery store.
Dispose of empty packaging or consolidated open products.
Do a quick cleaning every month to put things back where they belong.