Organizing your pile of things is a tough job. Each time we go to the grocery store, we buy almost everything that we need in a month. Imagine how many items will end up in the pantry. Too many boxes and bags to be stored in the cabinets, that you sometimes discover you have lots of unused and already expired goods. Yeah, it will definitely make you crazy!
You can get rid of all the bulky packaging by making food labels. Start from collecting some cute reusable containers that you can store your pantry foods and ingredients like, sugar, flour, baking soda, chocolate powder, coffee grounds, herbs, spices, cookies, and candies. And make your own customized pantry labels. It will surely improve your pantry ten times!
But it seems that we are missing something important. You are right we have skipped the proper labeling process. What about if I stored a coffee creamer and flour in the same styled reusable storage, I think my coffee might end up being baked in the oven. Most of them offer different sizes from small to large labels so that it can cater to even the smallest items in your pantry. All you need is a marker and courage to unclutter. Here are some tips that can help you:
1. Pull out everything out of the pantry. This is not limited to the items that you can find in the kitchen. Storage boxes of toys, books, clothes, arts and crafts tools can also be labeled and organized.
2. Check the dates. As you pull out each item never forget to look at the exp. date. Toss those items which are already expired to avoid improper consumption. Set aside those need to be consumed immediately and set aside those items that can be stored for the next six months or more.
3. Sort by group. Separate the items by its kind. For example group pasta, sauce, grains, beans, herbs, spices, condiments, etc.
4. Eliminate bulky packaging. Get a reusable container where you can store sugar, coffee, creamer, flour and the like. These items usually make your pantry so messy. All the particles falling from the package should be eliminated by having your improvised storage.
5. Proper labelling. All the items that will be stored in different containers should be named. This will help you to easily organize your pantry in style. You can use waterproof stickers and write down the name. There are no more worries if you need to store items inside the fridge, put them in a dishwasher or heat them in the microwave. You can also bring your labeled pantry items even outdoors or under the sun.
6. Clean the kitchen. Wipe out all the dust in the pantry with hot soapy water and absorbent cloth. Let it dry for a few hours.
7. Decide. Before putting back the items think about which ones need to be put into baskets such as small containers of herbs, therefore you don't need to pull out several containers to get the one on the back.
8. Prioritization. Bring to the front all the food items which are frequently consumed.
9. Orientation. Since it's like you are starting anew, you need to inform family members regarding the improvement and storage guidelines to make it easier for them to find the things that they need.
10. Rarely used items. Put on the top of the shelves those lightweight items or things which are not always used such as items used for special occasions like baking needs and special menu ingredients.
11. Kids' safety. Put snacks and cereals at the eye-level of your child, this will avoid unwanted accidents like falling from chair.
ALSO READ : Food Labels May Push Diners To Eat Healthier
