I have mentioned the website clutterdiet.com in the past. They have some great tips on decluttering. One article on the pantry had some wonderful hints:
1. Clean it out: Take everything out and purge. If you haven't used something, they say, in three months, throw it out or use it quickly. Sometimes I make up a menu right then and there for the next few days, planning to cook with those items.
2. Consider relocating: Things not often used may have a better storage space. Ask yourself, they say, "Is there a better place for these things?" Since I make waffles once in a blue moon, the waffle iron could go in the back, up high, or be moved.
3. Create zones: Organize stored foods by types: snack foods, canned fruit, grains, drinks, pet foods, baking, etc. They suggest giving each zone its own shelf. If that can't be done, use shelf dividers such as we can buy for storing sweaters.
4. Label: Labeling the zones can help you and those you live with put things away in the proper place.
5. Make it visible: The article says you should be able to see everything and grab with one hand. I know this well because of the apparent disability men have in finding things even that are visible...the "man look" we call it in our house. If you must stack or have items place behind others, consider storage solutions that stack cans, or a lazy susan type turntable within the cabinet.
Here is the website for the entire article:
www.womansday.com/Articles/Shelter/Organizing-Cleaning/WD-s-Guide-to-a-Well-Organized-Pantry.html
I have pantry zones that I thought were keeping my pantry pretty well organized. I was amazed not long ago (when I was sick and looking for some chicken noodle soup) that I had 13 cans which were well beyond their "best by" dates.
ReplyDeleteNow, I know that canned goods will last far longer than that date, but there was no way I was willing to risk it on a can of soup with a 2007 date!
It's hard to believe the year of tossing is almost finished. Are you going to continue this blog next year?
In my old house, I had six feet of upper and lower cabinets devoted to pantry space. It was fairly easy to keep things organized in zones. It gave me a sense of peace and organization to see everything lined up neatly with the labels all facing front. My labeled Tupperware canisters also kept my staples neat.
ReplyDeleteIn my new house, I have a four foot wide closet pantry. It is deeper and taller, but not quite as easy to keep organized. My wonderful husband helped me out by installing a shelving system with sturdy, adjustable shelves. However, I haven't achieved the sense of peace with this pantry yet. I think I need to pare down the amount of food that I store.
My pantry organization reminder is to store newly bought food behind the food that is already there. I keep like foods together, so new cans of mushroom soup tuck in behind the cans that I already have. The new boxes of cereal go behind the already opened boxes of cereal.
I am very happy! I am drying four sweaters on the sweater drying rack that you received at your white elephant gift exchange. It does take up a lot of space, but it seems to be working pretty well. Thanks!
ReplyDelete