Having a deep pantry can be a blessing, but it can also be a curse if it’s disorganized. In this article, we’ll be discussing how to organize a deep pantry for maximum efficiency and ease of use.
Start by Taking Everything Out
The first step to organizing a deep pantry is to take everything out. This will give you a chance to see what you have and what you need to get rid of. As you take things out, group them into categories such as canned goods, baking supplies, and snacks.
Invest in Some Pantry Organizers
One of the best ways to organize a deep pantry is to invest in some pantry organizers. These can include things like stackable bins, lazy susans, and can dispensers. These organizers can help make the most of your space and keep things easily accessible.
Use Labels
Labels are a great way to keep your pantry organized. Use them to label each bin or container with its contents. This will make it easy to find what you need and put things back where they belong.
Store Like with Like
Another important step in organizing a deep pantry is to store like with like. This means putting all of your canned goods together, all of your baking supplies together, and so on. This will make it easy to find what you need and keep your pantry organized.
Keep Frequently Used Items at Eye Level
If there are certain items that you use frequently, make sure to keep them at eye level. This will make it easy to find what you need without having to dig through your pantry.
Use the Back of the Pantry for Storage
Don’t forget about the back of your pantry! This can be a great place to store things like bulk items or items that you don’t use very often. Just make sure to label everything so you can find it when you need it.
Get Rid of Expired Items
As you’re organizing your pantry, make sure to get rid of any expired items. These can take up valuable space and can be a health hazard. Check expiration dates regularly and toss anything that’s past its prime.
Consider Using a Pantry Inventory App
If you want to take your pantry organization to the next level, consider using a pantry inventory app. These apps can help you keep track of what you have, what you need, and when things expire. Some even allow you to scan barcodes to add items to your inventory.
Use the Door for Storage
The door of your pantry can be a great place to store things like spices or snacks. Use an over-the-door organizer to make the most of this space.
Keep Snacks in Their Own Section
If you have a lot of snacks in your pantry, consider keeping them in their own section. This will make it easy to find what you’re looking for and can help prevent overindulging.
Use Clear Containers
Clear containers can be a great way to keep your pantry organized. Use them to store things like pasta, rice, and cereal. This will make it easy to see what you have and when you need to restock.
Organize by Expiration Date
Another way to keep your pantry organized is to organize by expiration date. This means putting the items that expire first at the front of your pantry and the items that expire later at the back. This will help prevent food waste and keep your pantry fresh.
Don’t Overcrowd Your Pantry
It can be tempting to cram as much as you can into your pantry, but this can actually make it harder to find what you need. Keep your pantry organized by leaving some empty space on each shelf.
Use Vertical Space
If you’re short on shelf space, consider using vertical space. You can do this by hanging things like brooms or mops on the back of the door or by using a tension rod to hang lightweight items like chip bags.
Keep a Shopping List Handy
As you use up items in your pantry, make sure to keep a shopping list handy. This will help you remember what you need to buy and can prevent overbuying.
Consider Donating Unwanted Items
If you come across items in your pantry that you know you won’t use, consider donating them to a local food bank or shelter. This can help prevent food waste and can help those in need.
Use Flat Lids for Stacking
When it comes to organizing your pantry, flat lids are your friend. They allow you to stack items on top of each other without taking up too much space.
Keep Frequently Used Items Within Reach
Make sure to keep frequently used items within reach. This means keeping things like cooking oil or sugar on a lower shelf so you can easily grab them when you need them.
Use a Lazy Susan for Spices
If you have a lot of spices in your pantry, consider using a lazy susan to keep them organized. This will make it easy to find what you’re looking for without having to dig through a crowded shelf.
FAQs
Q: What should I do with items that are close to expiring?
A: If you have items that are close to expiring, try to use them up as soon as possible. You can also consider donating them to a local food bank or shelter.
Q: How often should I check expiration dates?
A: It’s a good idea to check expiration dates once a month. This will help prevent food waste and keep your pantry fresh.
Q: Do I need to label everything in my pantry?
A: While it’s not necessary to label everything in your pantry, it can be helpful. Labels make it easy to find what you need and keep your pantry organized.
Conclusion
Organizing a deep pantry can seem like a daunting task, but with a little effort, it can be done. Use the tips in this article to make the most of your space and keep your pantry organized for maximum efficiency.