Pantry Takeover (part I)
What hides behind your pantry doors?
Are you Ready for a Pantry Reorganization?
I recently had the pleasure of Beta-Testing a Facebook Wellness Group. Over 4 days, information, tips, and prizes were shared. But the biggest ah-ha was what I personally gleaned about my own pantry.
I live in a historic 1880 Eastlake Victorian which sadly lacks a full-size butler’s pantry. BUT I am blessed with 3 distinct storage areas which greatly helps in keeping like things together and organized. One area is devoted to cans and jars. Another is seasonings, , and baking ingredients and the last is my protein powders, supplements and sports bottles..
Personal Insight #1: Presentation and organization makes the difference.
- Use clear containers: Clear containers help you easily see what you have and avoid forgetting about foods that may be hiding in the back. Use clear containers for items like nuts, seeds, and grains. I personally love IKEA glass jars with a black label on.
- Label everything: Labeling your containers helps you quickly identify what’s in them and when they were purchased (particularly helpful for items with a short shelf life). Hint; buy black labels and get white markers and voila— a nice unified look!
- Group similar items together: Grouping similar items together makes it easier for you to find what you’re looking for and prevent buying duplicates. I have all my canned beans, salsa and tomato jars in one area.
Personal Insight #2: Keep healthy items convenient and at eye level
You will be more likely to reach for nutritious foods if they are the first thing you see when you open your pantry or fridge. Working from home, I often want to munch. Having wholesome snacks wholesome snacks like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit in a highly visible area is better for my waistline.
Personal Insight #3: Invest in organizing accessories (i.e. hacks).
I am so glad to have purchased some nice glass IKEA storage jars. Likewise, I have an organizing lazy Susan for spices and wire shelves for additional storage. It truly makes finding things easy.
Would you like to learn more about Pantry Takeover? Click here for part II.
