Are you tired of digging through your pantry, trying to find that one ingredient or snack you know you have somewhere? Do you frequently forget what you have on hand and end up buying duplicates? That’s where organizing your pantry comes in. A well-organized pantry will not only save you time and frustration, but it can also help you save money by preventing food waste and making it easier to meal plan. Here are some tips on how to organize your pantry and keep it efficient and easy to navigate.

Get rid of expired or unused items 🗑️🚫🍞

The first step in organizing your pantry is to do a thorough clean-out. Sort through everything on your shelves and get rid of anything that is expired or that you know you won’t use. This will not only free up space in your pantry but also make it easier to see what you have on hand. If you have non-perishable items that are still good but that you know you won’t use, consider donating them to a food bank or giving them to a friend or neighbor.

A trash can overflowing with expired and unused food items

Categorize items by type or frequency of use 🥫🧀🌮

Once you’ve gotten rid of any expired or unused items, it’s time to start organizing what’s left. One effective method is to categorize items by type or frequency of use. For example, you could have a shelf for canned goods, a shelf for grains and pasta, a shelf for snacks, and so on. Within each category, arrange items by size or shape to maximize space. If you have multiple items of the same type, arrange them in rows or stacks so that the labels are visible and easy to read.

An organized pantry with labeled shelves for different types of food

Use clear containers and labels 🏺✏️🏷️

Another helpful tip for organizing your pantry is to use clear containers and labels. This not only makes it easy to see what you have on hand but also helps prevent food waste by keeping ingredients fresh for longer. Use clear containers for items like flour, sugar, and cereal, and label them with the name and expiration date. You can also use labels to mark the shelves or zones you’ve created for different types of items.

Clear containers labeled with flour, sugar, and cereal

Store items strategically based on expiration date 📆🔍🥫

To further minimize food waste and ensure that you’re using your oldest items first, arrange items in your pantry based on their expiration dates. Place the oldest items at the front of the shelf or in the most accessible spot, and newer items towards the back. This way, you’ll be more likely to use up items before they expire, and you’ll also be able to see at a glance when you need to restock.

A pantry shelf with items arranged by expiration date, with the oldest items at the front

Consider using additional storage solutions and hacks 📦💡🤔

If you’re tight on space or struggling to fit everything in your pantry, there are a number of additional storage solutions and hacks you can try. For example, you could hang a door organizer to store spices or packets, use a tension rod to create an extra shelf, or install a Lazy Susan or other rotating shelf. You can even repurpose items like magazine holders or cake tins to store items like cans or potatoes.

A door organizer holding spice jars and packets

By following these tips, you can transform your pantry from a chaotic mess to a well-organized and efficient storage space. Not only will it save you time and frustration, but it will also inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and make the most of what you have on hand.

A clean, organized pantry with items arranged by type and labeled with clear containers and labels