If you are constantly looking for items in your pantry, and either can’t seem to find what you need or get frustrated moving things around constantly to get to the back of shelves, it is probably time for some organisation.
But don’t worry, it is a lot easier than you might think to get more organisation in your pantry and cupboards!
Put Similar Foods in the Same Place
A really simple way to start organising your pantry and cupboards is by putting similar types of foods together in one area.
It doesn’t take very long, is easy to do, and makes it a lot easier to find what you need.
If you have multiple boxes of crackers or tins of vegetables, put them all on one shelf or in one bin.
That way you know when looking for a certain type of tinned vegetables, they’re going to be in that one place.
This is a simple way to start organising when you’re not quite ready to spend money on new bins and other organisational accessories.
Know What Foods Don’t Go Well Together
It is also good to note that some foods don’t do well when stored together.
They can actually cause each other to spoil more rapidly, or change the flavour of the food.
For example, potatoes spoil very quickly when they are stored with certain foods, especially onions and garlic.
Keep your onions and garlic in one area, and potatoes somewhere else entirely.
Don’t just throw all 3 of these items in your vegetable bowl on the counter, or your potatoes won’t last long at all.
In the spice cabinet, consider what strong-smelling spices you have and keep them separate from anything they might affect, like bread or flour.
Use Clear Containers
If you want to use containers in your pantry organisation, try to use clear ones.
Even with labels, it can be hard to see exactly what is in taller container that you use in your pantry or refrigerator.
Get clear containers so not only is everything similar in those containers, but you can see right away what you’re looking for.
If you’re really on a low budget, start saving the empty jars of foods you regularly buy, such as glass coffee jars.
Wash them out thoroughly (soaking for about 30 minutes in a solution of bicarbonate of soda and water will also get rid of strong smells), dry completely (you don’t want any moisture left inside to cause dry goods to grow mould), label the jars and use for storing rice, beans, spices, raisins, nuts etc etc.
We have some printable storage jar labels available in our store, to save you creating them from scratch.
It might not seem like a big deal, but it does make a difference.
Install Some Lazy Susan Turntables
Lastly, consider adding some “lazy Susan” turntables in your cabinets.
These rotate in a circle, so you can access what is in the back of cabinets without having to move everything aside.
They come in different sizes and shapes depending on what cabinet they are being used in.
Just start today with putting all your tinned foods on one shelf, and then start putting all the tinned fruit together, all the tinned vegetables together, all the tinned fish together etc.
Getting your food storage more organised could save you a lot of time and frustration, and doesn’t have to be a huge job!
