If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the pantry is the palette of the culinary
artist! The pantry holds everything from seasonal serving dishes to food storage
items to paper products to spices. This is probably the most visited area by all ages
and the wear and tear requires a lot of maintenance. Let's begin with some basics:

  • Choose shelf and empty all its contents. As you empty the contents, begin
    grouping like items on the counters, table and island in your kitchen, i.e.
    cereals together, chips together, crackers together, etc. You may end up with
    groups that are simply "things that we use at Christmas" but that counts as a
    group. Continue until one wall of the pantry is emptied.

  • Clean the shelves, wipe down the walls too if they have been spattered with
    food substance. You may wish to stash a couple of boxes of baking soda to
    help with absorbing odors in the back of one or two shelves.

  • Identify items which are not closed tightly and use a clothespin or chip clip to
    securely close the bag. Check expiration dates and toss outdated goods.
    Some bottles may be sticky and need wiping off with a soapy rag. Dry items
    thoroughly before returning them to their shelves.

  • Separate items which are heavy, used often, used seldom, or are fragile.
    Heavy items need to be stored near the bottom of the room if possible.
    Lightweight items like packages of paper towels can be at the top. They won't
    hurt anyone if they topple. Fragile items need to be packed carefully in baskets
    or boxes with packing materials, and clearly labeled, placed in the back or at
    the top where you need to access them often.

  • If you have blank wall space which can accommodate hooks for hanging
    aprons or extra cooking pans, take advantage of the space. Also look for a
    space where a plastic bag holder could be installed (Target or Wal-mart or
    Lowe's).

  • Loose items like seasoning packets, cookie decorating sprinkles need to be
    housed in a basket or container of some kind to keep them from falling and
    creating messes.

  • Place snack items in a low, easy-to-reach area if you know your children will
    frequent that area. In the same line of thinking, place items like liquor, in
    areas where children can't reach.

  • Try to "nest" any graduated bowls or mixing bowls which can sit inside each
    other to save space. I recommend storing containers with their lids attached
    then there's no question "where is the lid that goes with this one?"

These steps will give you a good start on clearing out your pantry area and provide
ease in finding items you use often.  There are several other steps that can be taken
to make your pantry functional, efficient and easy to use.  Call Sheri for an in-depth
customized pantry make-over.
JUNE
Your mission, should you choose to accept it:  Pantry.
Sheri's Organized Life
Phone: 615-394-4525
Email: sheri@sheorganizedlife.com
This page will guide you through organizing a different area in your house each month.
To tackle your home for the first time, or keep it maintained after you've organized it, requires constant attention.
A project as big as a house needs to be broken down into chunks of manageable size, so you can have success!  
To review
other monthly tips,
click the desired
month(s)
listed below:

January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
May 2008
June 2008
July 2008
If you'd like to learn more
about becoming a
professional organizer,
click here!