Pantry Problems? Get Organized with Practical Hacks

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No matter how big or small your space may be, the pantry probably seems to fill to the brim like magic. Canned goods, cereal boxes, small kitchen appliances, cleaning supplies… The list goes on, and it likely leaves you feeling a bit unorganized each time you reach for a package of spaghetti noodles or a dash of taco seasoning.

Relieve your pantry shelves (and your mind) with some creative ways to reorganize that oh-so-important room.

Start with a Cleanout

Spice blend you can’t pronounce that expired three years ago? Trash. That bag of veggie chips your family won’t touch? Toss them. The best place to start when organizing the pantry is simply throwing out expired items and anything that’s just taking up valuable space. In fact, it’s best to remove everything from the pantry so you can clean it out entirely before restocking the shelves in an orderly manner.

Categorize Items

Once the pantry is bare (and properly cleaned, while you’ve got it emptied anyway) it’s helpful to categorize items before they go back in. For example, cleaning supplies should be grouped in an area where they’re easy to access. Gather those canned goods that found themselves strewn about and neatly stack them. Other like items to group include snack foods, spices and seasonings, baking essentials, small appliances and condiments.

Use Practical Containers

It’s tempting to add some pizzaz to your newly refreshed pantry with cute containers, but simple and clear is best so you can quickly identify ingredients and cooking supplies you’re looking for while busy in the kitchen. Stacking items and containers saves valuable room, and for anything that can’t stack (like bags of chips or loose produce), try clear bins to keep them contained.

Take Advantage of Wall and Door Space

If you’re still feeling squeezed for space, it’s time to get creative. Wall hooks allow you to hang brooms, mops and more so those items aren’t just leaning in a corner and blocking part of a shelf. Inexpensive organizers can be hung on the backside of pantry doors to hold items that may not stack well on shelves, such as oil bottles, small bags or items you often use and need to access quickly. Don’t forget floor space! Keep appliances – slow cookers, pressure cookers, toaster ovens, etc. – on the floor under your lowest shelf (if there’s room) so you can save crucial shelf space for actual food.

Finally, the most important step of all: Once your pantry is organized, keep it that way! It’s easy to come home from the store and unload items in any space you can find, but maintaining a neat, tidy space requires a little diligence.

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