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Declutter Diaries: The Pantry

Declutter Diaries: The Pantry

By Y.M. Lowy

Welcome back to another post in our home organizing series! This time, we’re diving into the heart of the kitchen: the pantry. A neat pantry is more than just aesthetically pleasing, it's a well-organized, efficient space that works for you. Let’s get started!


Organize This:

Empty the Pantry: Start by removing everything from the pantry. This gives you a clean slate and lets you see exactly what’s in there. It’s also the perfect time for a deep clean, so wipe down shelves as you go.

Sort & Purge: Go through each item in your pantry and categorize them: grains, canned goods, spices, snacks, and so on.  Wire bins are great for easy access to snacks and other food items.  Check expiration dates and toss anything old or no longer usable. If you have multiples of the same item, combine them to free up space.

Group by Frequency of Use: Store items you use most often at eye level, and less-used items on higher or lower shelves. That way, you’re not constantly digging through the pantry for ingredients you use daily.

Use Clear Containers: For pantry staples like pasta, flour, rice, and cereal, opt for clear containers. This makes it easy to see how much you have left and helps prevent buying duplicates. Make sure to use airtight containers to keep everything fresh!

Maximize Vertical Space: If you’re short on shelf space, use shelf risers or stackable racks for items like cans. This will help you store more items without overcrowding the shelves.


Did You Know?

The world’s largest pantry isn’t a grocery store, it’s the global food reserves maintained by the United Nations! They store food in vast silos and warehouses to ensure there’s enough to feed the world in case of emergencies or natural disasters. 


Myth Busting:

Myth: A pantry only needs to store food.

Reality: Pantries can also be great for storing household supplies, such as cleaning products, paper towels, and even extra toiletries. With a little creativity, you can turn your pantry into a multi-functional storage area.


One Item Purge Challenge:

Take a look at your pantry and see if you have any cans or jars that have been sitting there for months, maybe that can of mushrooms you’ll never eat or the jar of pickles that’s been forgotten. This week, I challenge you to purge one item that’s past its prime or no longer useful and make room for fresh ingredients!


How Do You Do It?

How do you keep your pantry organized? Do you have any tips for grouping similar items or finding creative storage solutions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!


Photo: Shutterstock



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