An organized pantry not only does it make your kitchen look clean, tidy and attractive; it will also save you time and money. Experts from food service companies say that with a little effort and creativity on your part, you can have a functional pantry system that also looks great.
To have the perfect and organized kitchen pantry, follow these tips:
1. Clean and declutter
The first step to having an organized pantry is to remove all the clutter and clean it. Get rid of all expired and unused food productscontainers and other items.
After removing all unused and expired items from the pantry, make a thoroughly clean surface. Wipe down the shelves, replace the shelf paper, and sweep, vacuum or mop the floor.
2. Invest in shelf dividers
Adding tiered shelves to your pantry can help maximize vertical space. You will also have an easier time finding items easily at the back of the shelves.
Shelf dividers come in different sizes. You can choose the ones that match your pantry or have them cut to fit your needs.
3. Select and label areas
Before placing items in the pantry, assign specific areas in the kitchen pantry for different types of food and collects them accordingly. Put cereals, oats, breads, jams, spreads and all other breakfast items together in one place. Put bottled and canned drinks, boxes of tea, coffee, chocolate and other powdered drinks in another area. Put boxed or canned stocks, bottles of oil, vinegar and other condiments in another part too.
By following this organization tip, you’ll avoid wasting time and energy rummaging through the pantry looking for the items you need. Don’t forget to label the shelves so you know where to put the items and, of course, where to find them.
4. Organize items to save space and time
Arrange packages, ingredients and other products on the shelves in such a way that taller objects are at the back and shorter ones are at the front. Also, take note of the expiration dates of the food products and put those that need to be used before in front.
Also, you don’t always have to store the boxes in an upright position. Sometimes, you can create more space by placing flat boxes or on their side and their stacking. For safety purposes, place heavier items and glass containers on the lower shelves.
5. Be creative in using and maximizing storage options
Place bags of food that do not stack properly clear bins, baskets or low wire baskets that can be hung under the shelves. If your pantry has a door, use this space as well. Have a rack installed on the back of the door. This rack will help prevent overcrowding in your cabinets and make it possible to have everything at your fingertips.
Additional baskets and shelves give you extra storage space for canned goods and other dry foods and cleaning supplies.
6. Store food products or opened packages properly
To avoid cluttering your pantry with dozens of open food packages, transfer contents or products to clear plastic cans, containers or glass jars. Make sure these containers close tightly and securely to maintain freshness, and make sure you can label them. If you’re still looking for containers, choose stackable ones to maximize space.
If you do not want to transfer open packages to containers, roll up the bag tightly and attach a rubber band around it. Place the package in a clear resealable bag or Ziploc to keep the item fresh longer and prevent the contents from spilling.
7. Select an area for cooking equipment, utensils and other non-food items
Do not mix cooking utensils, equipment and other non-edible items with your food products; put them in a separate area. This means allocating sections for foil boxes and plastic wrap, paper towels and napkins, and cooking equipment such as slow cookers, blenders, food processors and mixers. Location cleaning supplies away from food products too, preferably in a different area of the kitchen.
8. Assess and clean out your pantry weekly
Finally, keep your pantry organized and in good shape by taking a few minutes each week to do a quick inventory. Check the products and their expiration dates. If you discover expired items or spoiled fruits, vegetables and herbs, remove them immediately.
When you know which products you have in your pantry and which can still be used, you will have an easier time planning your menus. You too avoid buying and storing duplicate items.
Don’t forget to clean your pantry and organize at least once a week. Wipe the pantry shelves, and vacuum and/or sweep the floor. Put the objects back in their proper places so you always have a neat and accessible pantry.
With an organized and clean pantry, preparing and cooking meals will be easier and faster. You will have a more aesthetically appealing kitchen as well.
AUTHOR BIO
Jad Asaad is the Marketing Manager at Horeca Trade LLC with more than eight years of experience in digital marketing, online and offline. He started his career in Beirut working in a creative agency and then moved to Dubai to further expand his career. He created and implemented award-winning high-impact digital and offline marketing campaigns that consistently generated revenue streams and improved performance in targeted segments.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadasaad/
