This week I’ve shared some ideas and free printables that I use to menu plan: keeping a list of family favorites and having quick prep items in the freezer , and writing out a weekly menu plan. Once you’ve created your menu plan, it’s time to make a shopping list. (If you need a great shopping list, check out my shop!) If you have an organized pantry you can also shop that for your weekly meals. {Here’s a little re-run on how I organize my pantry for easy meal planning.}
Here’s an overview of the pantry – yes, I shop at Costco (notice large sizes) and no I don’t use special containers for everything,
Even though it’s a large pantry, I love the side door storage.
I love using crocks for storage around the house – this one works great for potatoes and onions – it creates a dark, dry environment to keep them fresh for longer.
I love these large drawer organizers from Target for storing my baking and cooking supplies – no drips on the shelves and it keeps everything together.
I use smaller drawer organizers for baby food and kid snacks – easy access for everyone.
I use a food storage container to store clips that we use to close up cereal and snack bags.
I keep a pantry inventory checklist {from my Menu Planning Kit} on the door – I attach it with an ornament hanger.
Love the organization…but I don’t have a huge pantry (actually no pantry at all). I just have cupboards. Wish I had a nice pantry. 🙁
Carolyn Bascom Says...
The only thing I would add is about storing the potatoes and onions together. When potatoes are stored with onions, they become mush and so do the onions. Onions need air circulation and will also make the potatoes sprout faster.
Becky Says...
Post author
Good point – I haven’t had this issue, but maybe we go through the potatoes and onions fast?
xo, Becky
Love it! We are moving into a new house next month, so I have been book marking tons of info on your site! The bonus of moving is starting fresh! Where do you get your crocks?
Bekki Says...
Makes me wish I had a pantry in the kitchen. I keep most things in the basement, and then in a small cabinet in the kitchen holds some canned goods. A kitchen cabinet addition is in the works and all of these ideas are so helpful in my planning!
Ana Says...
I recently sorted out all my tea boxes and instead of having them all messy in the pantry, I used a silverware tray and organized all the bags. It looks a million times better and even feels more inviting to have a cup of tea.
Crystal Says...
If only I had a pantry 🙁 Love what you did with yours!!
This is one of the most helpful posts I’ve read about organizing the pantry. I have a large family, and it seems like our pantry doesn’t stay orderly for very long. Keeping the baking supplies in a tray is a great idea, and I like how you’ve organized the clips, too. Thank you!
Shell Says...
Like the tray or container ideas, I could use more . . . we have school snack / ‘on the go’ tray. My oldest, who can pack own lunch for school, can pick anything out of that tray very quickly in the morning and throw it in lunch bag or if need to shove a few things in purse/diaper bag for ‘just in case moments’ for the little ones ‘on the go’; like varieties of granola bars, crackers and pb, fruit strips, etc. Keeps individual prepackaged food separate from the bulk items. Hate wasting the individual prepackaged food when we are just at home! Thanks.
Patti Says...
Potatoes and onions may taste great together in hash browns. But when it comes storing them raw, you need to keep them well apart.
The reason is that onions and potatoes can both give off gases that will cause the other to spoil faster. So to prevent your spuds and onions from rotting too quickly, keep them separate and store each in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
Deeanna Says...
Love the organization…but I don’t have a huge pantry (actually no pantry at all). I just have cupboards. Wish I had a nice pantry. 🙁
Carolyn Bascom Says...
The only thing I would add is about storing the potatoes and onions together. When potatoes are stored with onions, they become mush and so do the onions. Onions need air circulation and will also make the potatoes sprout faster.
Becky Says...
Post authorGood point – I haven’t had this issue, but maybe we go through the potatoes and onions fast?
xo, Becky
Alissa Says...
Love it! We are moving into a new house next month, so I have been book marking tons of info on your site! The bonus of moving is starting fresh! Where do you get your crocks?
Bekki Says...
Makes me wish I had a pantry in the kitchen. I keep most things in the basement, and then in a small cabinet in the kitchen holds some canned goods. A kitchen cabinet addition is in the works and all of these ideas are so helpful in my planning!
Ana Says...
I recently sorted out all my tea boxes and instead of having them all messy in the pantry, I used a silverware tray and organized all the bags. It looks a million times better and even feels more inviting to have a cup of tea.
Crystal Says...
If only I had a pantry 🙁 Love what you did with yours!!
elaine Says...
qould love to have a pantry. no room to build one
Trisha Says...
This is one of the most helpful posts I’ve read about organizing the pantry. I have a large family, and it seems like our pantry doesn’t stay orderly for very long. Keeping the baking supplies in a tray is a great idea, and I like how you’ve organized the clips, too. Thank you!
Shell Says...
Like the tray or container ideas, I could use more . . . we have school snack / ‘on the go’ tray. My oldest, who can pack own lunch for school, can pick anything out of that tray very quickly in the morning and throw it in lunch bag or if need to shove a few things in purse/diaper bag for ‘just in case moments’ for the little ones ‘on the go’; like varieties of granola bars, crackers and pb, fruit strips, etc. Keeps individual prepackaged food separate from the bulk items. Hate wasting the individual prepackaged food when we are just at home! Thanks.
Patti Says...
Potatoes and onions may taste great together in hash browns. But when it comes storing them raw, you need to keep them well apart.
The reason is that onions and potatoes can both give off gases that will cause the other to spoil faster. So to prevent your spuds and onions from rotting too quickly, keep them separate and store each in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
Laura Marcell Says...
I LOVE this!! Great ideas! The problem with my pantry is the shelves are SUPER deep and you can’t “walk in” into it per sey. I need an upgrade! LOL