Having an organized pantry will actually save you money by identifying what you’re using, what you’re not using and what you’ve bought in duplicate. It will allow you to take stock of your cooking habits and tells you what you should and should not buy in bulk. Do you have the habit of picking up a box of pasta every time you go to the store only to realize that you don’t eat pasta that often? To do a good job of organizing your pantry give yourself some time, a few hours where you can focus on the task and not be interrupted.

Take everything out of the pantry including food, food storage containers and junk or trash that may have accumulated. Dust the pantry, starting with the highest shelf, and then wipe down each shelf one at a time. Be sure to check for cobwebs! Line up the food items in one space so you can see everything at once. Use your kitchen table or even the floor if you have to. That way you can spot duplicates, spoiled foods and get a general idea of how much space each type of item will need. Check the expiration dates and discard those items that have expired. Ask yourself if you use that item or if it was just an impulse buy. If you don’t use it throw it out! Ask yourself if you like the item? If not throw it out or donate it to a food shelf (if the dates are still good). Organize the like food items for example cans of beans and soups, bottles of oils and vinegar, jars of spices, boxes of grains, boxes of breakfast cereal. It may take a little time but you want to have like items near each other. Invest in some boxes and containers to store those spice packets in. Trays, bins or baskets help in maintaining a clutter-free pantry. As you begin to put things back in your pantry be creative – keep all those breakfast cereals on one shelf, preferably on the lowest one, so that your children can easily access them.

Isn’t it a pleasure to see a pantry closet neat, tidy and clutter free? With all necessary ingredients within one’s reach, cooking is a snap. You can find things, sort them out and even stock up in minutes.

Once your pantry is well organized you will be able to maintain it. What’s the goal of establishing and maintaining a pantry? It’s two-fold: household convenience and protection against unexpected events. A well-planned pantry means the household will never run out of commonly used products such as toilet paper. More importantly, a pantry is a reserve against hard times. Whether it’s job loss, illness, or natural disaster, a pantry ensure that the family will continue to be fed, clean, and comfortable in the face of adversity. A beginner’s pantry focuses on convenience and contains back-up products for each storable item used in the home. The standard is simple: for each open bag, box or carton in the household, the pantry contains a second, back-up product; toothbrushes to spaghetti. A good first goal: a three-day supply of food and hygiene supplies adequate to support your family plus one additional person. More robust pantries serve additional goals. A mid-range pantry can feed a family for a period of two weeks to a month in case of emergency. This pantry includes substitutes for fresh foods, such as powdered milk, dried fruits and vegetables, and protein products. This pantry offers convenience and basic protection.

Regardless of what your goal for your pantry is investing in your pantry pays off in savings of time and money. So take stock of your pantry and  get organized!