Organize Your Pantry - You Too Can Have Pantry Pride
The Best Pantry Organization Tips: How to stock a pantry, organize your pantry and basic pantry items for an ample and well stocked pantry, are all here.
Pantry organization may seem like a difficult task, so why bother? Because it's so worth it. Having a well stocked pantry, knowing the basic pantry items you need and having control of your pantry inventory are all good reasons to organize your pantry.
Getting organized will not only save you time (in the long run), money, and stress, but also knowing what's in your pantry will make meal planning that much easier for you.
The time you need to invest in organizing depends a lot on what's the current condition of your pantry. Are you a relative beginner, just now stocking it up? Or do you have an overflow of goods and sundries, some of which haven't seen the light of day in years?
No matter what the condition of your pantry, you can use the tips below to transform it into something you can be proud of.
Pantry Organization Tip 1: Purge
Designate a day when you'll have a free hour or two and take everything out of your pantry to begin organizing. By pantry, I mean anywhere where you are currently storing your foodstuff. Cupboards, kitchen cabinets, under the sink storage space, all apply to the word "pantry" here.
Oh, found that can of papaya you bought ages ago to try but never got around to it. If you honestly will not give it a go in the next week, put it aside, along with the rest of the items you're not planning to use any time soon. These can be donated to your local food bank or Salvation Army. So not only are you purging, you're giving as well. How cool is that!
Set to do a pantry organizing purge once a year. Plan it around the time that you do spring-cleaning or prepare your home for the holiday season. That way it won’t feel like an extra chore that you don’t have time for.
Pantry Organization Tip 2: Stocking Your Pantry – Pay Your Pantry First
There's no doubt that creating a well stocked pantry involves some up-front cost. Think that you can't build up your pantry on the budget you have? Think again. You can by paying your pantry first! Build up your supplies slowly by designating a percentage of your weekly food budget to purchasing staples for your pantry. Even a few dollars each week can go a long way, especially if what you need are inexpensive staples like beans and canned veggies.
Other ways to stock you pantry on a budget is to buy on sale. Keep your eyes open for deals on certain items that you need for your pantry and snap them up in multiples when they’re a deal (if your budget allows).
Buying in bulk is another way to fill your pantry. But beware. Just because something is in bulk doesn't necessarily translate to savings, so do your math first!
Also, don't over buy. So there's a great deal on Italian tuna in olive oil. Doesn't mean you need a caseload. Buy only what you need depending on your pantry goals, or in a year's time when you do your purge, you'll be sending the dusty tuna cans packing to the food bank.
Not sure what should be in your pantry? Check out our list of pantry essentials. However, one rule of thumb, your pantry needs to work for you and your family. Modify this list to suit your particular circumstances.
Pantry Organization Tip 3: What Are Your Goals For Your Pantry?
It may seem like a silly question, but thinking about what you want to accomplish with your pantry will have a lot to do with what you stock and how much you stock.
Here are some potential goals to mull over:
For convenience - To supply your family's needs for one week and as a backup plan when you need to throw something together quickly
To supply your family during unexpected hard times – to get through job loss, or illness, etc.
To be able to feed your family for a sustained period of time (say two weeks to a month)
These are just some possible goals. Whatever you decide is your pantry goal, plan to stock it accordingly.
Pantry Organization Tip 4: Devise a Plan Going Forward
Now that your pantry is in shipshape and your hard work has paid off, let’s have a plan going forward to keep it that way. This doesn’t have to be complex. In fact, keeping it simple is best. However, make sure that whatever you come up with, it works for you and your circumstances.
Some simple tips for good organization and inventory management are:
Build your pantry slowly, stocking it with items that you use regularly and with your families preferences.
Buy twice as many of each item to begin with that you’ll need on a weekly basis and store the extras
When you open the second last of an item, write it on a replacement list so you remember to purchase it the next time you go grocery shopping. Your list should be easily accessible. I keep my list on my fridge, for example.
Keep an inventory. Use whatever method works for you. Whether it be electronically on your computer, or on paper filed conveniently.
Keep a record of what you have stocked with the amount and location if you’ve got a large traditional pantry, or if you’re using various spaces in your home. Check the list before grocery shopping and add replacements to your grocery shopping list as necessary.
Purge at least once a year.
With these simple pantry organization tips you'll be well on your way to having a pantry that you can always be proud of. And just as important, one that really works for you!
I recently came across a fantastic website all about pantry ingredients. The Perfect Pantry has over 250 different ingredients as well as recipes. I highly recommend it if you're interested in reading more about pantry ingredients.
Oh, found that can of papaya you bought ages ago to try but never got around to it. If you honestly will not give it a go in the next week, put it aside, along with the rest of the items you're not planning to use any time soon. These can be donated to your local food bank or Salvation Army. So not only are you purging, you're giving as well. How cool is that! 
Other ways to stock you pantry on a budget is to buy on sale. Keep your eyes open for deals on certain items that you need for your pantry and snap them up in multiples when they’re a deal (if your budget allows). 
