If you’re constantly digging through your pantry to find ingredients, it’s time for a quick refresh. The good news is that you’ll only need 30 minutes to turn all that pantry chaos into a streamlined and functional space in your kitchen!
Forget the idea that you need fancy containers or Pinterest-worthy shelving; you can absolutely work with what you have. With our easy-to-follow guide, you’ll be breathing easier (and maybe even showing off your pantry) in no time.
Step 1: Prep for success (5 minutes)
A crucial step for organising any space is decluttering. Clear a little counter space and grab a bin or bag for expired or unwanted items. Take five minutes to throw out expired or any dodgy items, setting aside items you want to keep. Finally, give the pantry space a good wipe down, ensuring any crumbs or spills are cleaned up.
Step 2: Sorting (10 minutes)
Now that you’ve tossed expired and unwanted items, you get to sort through what you want to keep. Start grouping items into categories, then expiration dates, and finally, everyday versus occasional use.
- Group like with like: Cans, dry goods, baking, snacks, and condiments
- FIFO: This stands for ‘First-In-First-Out’ and is a standardised method widely used in many industries, especially professional kitchens. Items set to expire soon should be brought forward, and items set to expire later should be sent to the back of the row.
- Everyday vs occasional use: It’s a great idea to organise daily staples at eye level for easy access, and place occasional items on higher or lower shelves.
Step 3: Simple storage solutions (10 minutes)
You don’t need to go out and buy fancy containers. Use what you have: baskets, jars, and repurposed containers. Make sure to label each container with expiration dates (or dates of when you bought items) with a marker and masking tape (or get fancy and DIY your own labels for a personal twist).
Start re-packing your pantry. Use vertical space to stack items to save space. If you like shopping in bulk, dedicate a place for the excess. Consider buying a basket or storage bin that fits in your pantry, and label it with something like ‘back stock’ or ‘bulk stock’. Place it on a shelf that’s out of the way so it doesn’t take up space for your everyday items.
Step 4: Maintenance (5 minutes)
Get into the habit of building maintenance into your routine. Rotate your stock as you put away new groceries (FIFO). This helps you avoid remnants or odd bits (consider cooking that little bit extra for freezing) to make space for new items, and avoid wasting any leftover items that may expire in those weird in-between periods. This small but mighty habit can transform your pantry into a streamlined space in just five minutes, reducing food waste and your stress levels.
And there you have it! In just 30 minutes, you can transform your pantry into a clean and organised space. No more rummaging for ingredients or stressing over dinner plans. You’ll know exactly what’s in stock, what you’ll need to buy, and even who’s been sneaking the snacks. Set a timer and give it a try today!
