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An organized pantry transforms how you manage your home. When everything has its place, you’ll save time because you can grab what you need without rummaging through cluttered shelves. You’ll also reduce waste by keeping track of what you already have, avoiding those frustrating moments when you find expired items buried in the back. Plus, meal prep becomes a breeze when your go-to ingredients are easy to see and access.
With a solid system, you can stay functional and clutter-free all year and your daily routines become smoother and more efficient.
Assess and Declutter
Starting fresh is the first step to creating a pantry that works for you. Begin by removing everything and assessing what you have — it’s eye-opening to see the excess and expired items that accumulate over time. In fact, U.S. adults throw away over $473 billion worth of food annually, accounting for 38% of all the food in America.
Decluttering can help you avoid contributing to that staggering waste. Discard expired items and donate unopened, unwanted goods to local food banks. This clears up space for your needs and sets the foundation for a more intentional system.
Invest in Space-Saving Solutions
Maximizing your space is easier than you think when you use stackable containers, tiered shelves and lazy Susans. These let you store items vertically, which makes it simpler to take advantage of even the tightest spaces in your cabinets.
Stackable containers are perfect for dry goods like pasta, flour and cereal. They keep them fresh, visible and easy to grab. Tiered shelves help you display canned goods so nothing gets lost in the back, while a lazy Susan makes those tricky corners a breeze to navigate. Your pantry can become a highly efficient, clutter-free zone with a few clever adjustments.
Label Everything
Consistent labeling is the secret to keeping your pantry and household on the same page. When every container and shelf is clearly labeled, there’s no confusion about where things belong or how to maintain the system. Take it further by keeping a running list of items in your fridge, freezer and pantry.
This simple habit helps everyone remember to use ingredients before expiration, so you’re not unnecessarily throwing away rotten food and filling the trash. For a polished look, use chalk labels or printed tags.
Establish Maintenance Habits
Keeping your pantry organized isn’t a one-and-done task — it’s all about maintenance. Set a monthly routine to declutter and restock so it stays functional year-round. Following the “first in, first out” method ensures older items are used before newer ones and cuts down on waste.
Doing so is crucial, especially since over 80% of Americans throw out perfectly good food simply because they misunderstand expiration labels. Take a few minutes each month to check expiration dates, reorganize your shelves and make a restock list. This simple habit will save money and keep your pantry running like a well-oiled machine.
Create a Shopping Inventory System
Tracking inventory helps you stay organized and manage your budget. Use a dry-erase board, an app, or a simple notebook to keep tabs on what’s in stock and what’s running low. This helps you avoid over-purchasing and ensures you never run out of essentials, which is imperative when grocery prices strain budgets.
Just over 19% of American adults have had to dip into savings they didn’t plan to for routine expenses like food. Staying on top of your inventory allows you to avoid unnecessary spending and stick to your financial goals.
Take the First Step Toward an Organized Pantry
A well-maintained pantry saves you time and money and makes daily tasks like meal prep and grocery shopping much more manageable. Organize today and take the first step toward a more efficient, stress-free home.
Evelyn Long is a recognized expert in organization and decluttering, dedicated to helping individuals create clutter-free homes and minds. She contributes her insights to publications such as the National Association of Realtors and Tidied by K, while also serving as the Editor-in-Chief of Renovated Magazine. Through her work, Evelyn inspires readers to embrace simplicity and efficiency in their everyday lives.