The Perfect Pantry

My son, his wife, and our amazing grandsons recently decided to sell their home and cars, purchase a 43-foot Fifth Wheel, and hit the road.  The boys are still young, and it has been quite the adventure - driving across the country to see friends and family.

When they brought the RV home for the first time, my then five-year-old grandson gave me the grand tour!  It was quite the experience as I explored their play space, electronics, nooks, and crannies…  But he saved the best for last.  As we walked into the kitchen he said, “Lovie, I want to show you my favorite spot in our RV!”  As he opened the door to the pantry I asked why this was his favorite and he eagerly replied, “Because this is where we keep the SNACKS!”

I think everyone has a fondness for their pantry.  Looking for a snack?  Try the pantry.  Wanna bake something delicious?  Try the pantry.  No great ideas for dinner?  Try the pantry.  If you have a well-stocked pantry, the ideas for consumption are endless.  

However, the pantry can be THE most frustrating area of your kitchen.  Your pantry is likely visited by everyone in your household multiple times a day.  What are the chances of everything getting put back where it belongs every time?  If you’re like me (and there are only 2 of us in my household), the pantry is a daily challenge.  

Let’s get started

What Belongs In YOUR Pantry?

Depending on the size of your pantry, there are many items that are pantry-worthy.  Let’s start with the basics:

Baking Supplies

• Flour

• Sugar

• Baking Soda/Powder

• Spices

• Baking Mixes

• Add-ins (nuts, dried fruits, etc.)

Canned Goods

• Soups

• Vegetables

• Fruits

• Tuna

• Canned meats

• Broths

Dried Goods

• Cereals

• Oats

• Nuts

• Grains

• Meal

Snacks

• Chips

• Nuts

• Pretzels

• Snack Bars

• Lunch snacks

Paper Products

• Parchment Paper

• Plastic Wrap

• Aluminum Foil

• Lunch bags

• Storage bags

• Disposable plates, cups, napkins

If you have a larger pantry…

Small Appliances

• Toaster

• Crock Pot

• Food Processor

• Blender

• Air Fryer

Things to Consider When Organizing Your Pantry

If it’s been a hot minute since you’ve cleaned our pantry, let’s start there.  Take EVERYTHING out of the pantry.  While you’re doing this, check for expiration dates.  While canned goods last a very long time, they don’t last forever!  Discard any expired items.  Sometimes you have food in your pantry that you have no intention of using. Donate to your local food bank.  The food will not be wasted and your contribution will be appreciated.  Place opened items in clear bins or jars with unopened like-items behind them.

When you have an empty pantry - get CLEANING!  Wipe down all shelves, the walls, and the ceiling with a cleanser (vinegar water or hot soapy water in a spray bottle will work).  Wipe down all cans, bottles, and containers.  It’s not uncommon for kitchen dust and grease to find their way into the pantry.  Don’t forget to sweep and mop the floor of your pantry.  Allow the shelves, walls, and floor to dry before you begin putting food back in your pantry.

When preparing to organize your pantry, consider the dollar store for things like plastic bins, baskets, and Lazy Susans.  You’ll be surprised by what they have to offer.

Some items to have on hand as you begin to organize:

• Clear plastic containers for opened items

• Clear plastic bins with handles that can easily be pulled out for smaller items

• Ball Jars of different sizes  - very economical and versatile 

• Baskets for potatoes, onions, and garlic

• Shelf dividers

• Lazy Susan (aka Awesome Susan)

• Label maker - consider an inexpensive label maker for both bins and shelves.  This will look professional and extend tidiness to your pantry

• Sharpie Marker

Make a plan before you begin to put things in your pantry.  

• What do I use most?

• What items do I want my family to be able to access (snacks, cereal, etc)?

• What can be up and out of the way yet accessible when necessary?

• Label shelves to help you and your family remember where everything belongs.

Top Shelves

• Unused jars and containers

• Paper products 

• Cook Books

Middle Shelves

• Baking 

• Cans

• Pastas

• Snacks

• Cereals

• Bottles and jars

Bottom Shelves or floor

• Small Appliances

• Onions, Potatoes, Garlic…  in separate bins

Kid Shelves

Designate a shelf for the kids. It can be a place that has all their school lunch favorites so that making lunches can be easy for them and YOU. 

Other ideas:

• Consider a door-mounted spice rack or two for the inside of your pantry door.  This will free up valuable drawer, shelf, or cupboard space.

• Try installing hooks for an apron or hot pads

• Extra Lighting 

• Step stool will always come in handy

FOOD IS LOVE MADE VISIBLE

Learn more about decluttering and organizing your home and your life!  Click here for more information.