Pretty Pantry: Step by step to guide for organized food storage

If you’re anything like the average American, your pantry might look more like a mix of random packages and less like a Martha Stewart magazine spread. For most of us, pantry organization falls in at a very low priority; somewhere between remembering to send a birthday card to your sister-in-law and giving the cat a bath. Hey, we get it!

While tidying your pantry may not sound as fun as a night out on the town, the benefits of an organized pantry are worth the initial set-up.

How would you like to:

• Save money

• Eat healthier

• Reduce food waste

• Never ask the question “what’s for dinner?”

• Brag to your friends when they come over for a meal

By increasing awareness of what’s in your pantry, you will inspire yourself and your family to eat with intention. Shopping with a list and a plan in mind will keep your nutrition goals on track. Gazing at a beautiful pantry can boost your mood and build your self-esteem. That’s right, I DID that!

Read on if you’re ready to create your very own pretty pantry!

Purge + Create Zones

First things first, you must take the plunge into that scary cabinet cluttered with half eaten packets of crackers, cans of who-knows-what and one old noodle. Remember, the way out is through!

Take ALL the food out of the pantry and begin sorting it into categories (be sure to check expiration dates and toss things you know you won’t eat (we see you three year old water chestnuts).

Give the shelves of your pantry a good wipe down (or bribe your kids to do it). Wow, that feels good!

Once you have your categories - decide where each category will live. By creating specific zones in your pantry, you will help maintain organization as you move forward. Here are some examples of zones:

• Breakfast foods

• Canned goods

• Pastas and grains

• Condiments

• Sauces

• Drinks, coffee and tea

• Vitamins and supplements

• Breads

• Snacks

• Treats

• Perishables like potatoes and garlic

• Spices and oils

• Backstock

Consider designating zones near where you will use the item. For example, spices and oils should be stored near the stove, breakfast foods and snacks may be front and center, backstock or extras could be stored on a high shelf.

Storage Tips

• Use square containers to corral loose items.

• Try a lazy-susan for your oils and spices so you can reach them all.

• A multi-tiered rack works great for canned goods.

• Create a grab and go zone for snacks for you and/or your kids.

• Refill zones from your backstock supply when they are depleted.

• Discover the magic of decanting. Whenever you can decant an item (like rice, beans, cereal or flour) do it! The look of all matching clear containers is aesthetically pleasing and cuts down on the clutter of bright, wordy packaging. Be sure to write the expiration date on a piece of tape on the bottom of the container!

Form habits

As you get busy, or as your kids get to snacking, you may notice your pretty pantry start to falter. Don’t worry! Just do your best to stick to these habits:

• Weekly: Assess the contents of the pantry. Toss anything expired, refill anything that was depleted, add missing staples to your shopping list.

• Speaking of shopping lists, MAKE ONE!! The single best tool to maintain organization is intentional shopping. Create a weekly meal plan and add items to your shopping list as you go. Meal planning and list creation will keep you on track for your nutrition goals and prevent you from overbuying or impulse shopping.

• Try using a meal planning app like Lifesum or a shopping list app like AnyList.

• If you feel like you need a helping hand getting your pantry set up don’t hesitate to ask! If you’re in the Tampa Bay area, Imagine Home Organization has got you covered.

For more tips, tricks and inspiration on your organization journey stay tuned to The LooM. We are passionate about getting you the tools you need to become the very best version of yourself. Let’s grow together!