September 15, 2014
Keep Food Storage Easy – Create Zones
If you have a pantry or a food storage cupboard, chances are you are feeling the effects of a little disorganization. This week’s organizing challenge is the PANTRY and I”m going to challenge you to do just one thing to spiff it up. (September’s cleaning and organizing calendar is here). Put your pantry or food storage into zones. Depending on the size of food storage you have, this could take 10 minutes, or it could take an hour. But I promise you, the time spent will be worth it. You’ll be able to quickly locate food and you’ll know precisely what you have on hand and what you need.
Work quickly as with any decluttering project and you’ll be quickly reaping the benefits of organized food storage. Ready?
- First things first, empty your pantry or food storage area – my recommendation is to empty the contents on your kitchen table and set it into categories so it’s a snap to put back.
- Toss any expired food.
- Group in categories that make sense for how you cook and bake or what you store – here are some ideas to get you started:
-snacks
-cooking
-baking
-beverages
-cereals
-lunch supplies
-food storage supplies
-canned goods
-grains and pastas
-condiments
- Once you’ve determined your categories, begin to place the items back in a way that makes sense for your needs – if you bake all the time, baking supplies should be front and center, if your kids pack their own lunches or get their own snacks, put those where they can easily access them.
- Contain and label. The pantry is where labels and containers really do their best work – consider putting your food in containers and adding labels. You can purchase containers or use glass canning jars with a homemade washi tape label. Think outside the box and inside your budget – come up with a solution that works for you!
Taking a little time this week to organize your pantry into zones will not only be time well-spent, it will be a huge time saver in the long run!
Are you following me on Instagram? Last week I went through my cleaning routine ‘live’ via Instagram and this week I’ll be changing it up but going through it again – check it out and tag your friends! Follow along and you’ll see a transformation in your house!
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Jess Says
How to these labels hold up with washing? My label maker labels turn purple and look horrible after I wash them 🙁 thanks!!
Lauren Says
Great ideas! My kitchen is going to be majorly renovated in the very near future – when it’s all said and done, I definitely need to take some of these tips and put them into practice.
Becky Says
Post authorI hand wash them and the labels still look great! (I am careful to not soak them!)
Chelsie Says
Great advice! I already do this somewhat, but my pantry doesn’t look near as pretty! 🙂
Susan Says
Becky- what brand of containers do you use?! Thanks!!
Becky Says
Post authorOXO 🙂
jill Says
Is there any way to get the other months’ calender? I’ve tried the site search but can’t seem to come up with the right words or its not there.
Becky Says
Post authorHere:
http://www.cleanmama.net/shop
xo, Becky
karen Says
Hi Becky,
What labels do you use for your OXO containers? Also, what font are you using? thanks so much for all the good info!
Doreen Says
Am I missing the information, but where did you get your containers at? Love them
Susan G Says
Becky- what shelves are on the doors? Do you have them screwed right into the door? Thanks!!
Becky Says
Post authorThey are screwed right into the door, but they came with the house when we purchased it….I’ve seen something similar at The Container Store!
xo, Becky
sara Says
Great ideas. So glad I found your website. How do you keep track of expiration dates if you remove from original containers?
Becky Says
Post authorI write it on the container with a dry erase marker 🙂