Day 3: PANTRY

The busiest room in the house during the holidays is often the kitchen. Here, the Holiday Magic happens in the form of sugar cookies and prime rib in our house. Different families have different traditions, but almost all of them have something that revolves around food. If you are hosting or bringing food to a get- together then you may already know the bulk of what you will be preparing and the items needed. You will also need to know what you will be starting with before you make that grocery list. Organize your pantry and save money and sanity from buying extra and having to run to the store because you ‘thought’ you had a certain item, but it is either expired or missing.

Organize Your Pantry Step- by- Step:

  1. Create a clean and clear Staging Area. This is where EVERYTHING will be placed from your pantry.
  2. Remove ALL product. Remove any bulk packaging. If you notice common categories of items as you’re clearing everything out (i.e. cans, pasta, dressings, etc), then group them together to make step 4 easier.
  1. Check all labels and dates and throw away any expired items (that you are not comfortable with).
  2. Group like items together. Be Creative! Like items MAY mean all ‘Tex- Mex’ style food that you cook together with often.
  3. Contain all small like items together to make it easier to grab and for a cleaner look.

* Tip: Baskets are cute, but make sure they are labeled if you cannot see inside. Clear and acrylic bins are best to see your inventory quickly.

* Tip: Do you have a lot of round items (i.e. cooking spray, soy sauce, etc)? Use a Lazy Susan! The perfect organizing companion for round items!

  1. Clean your shelves and put back your remaining items in a way that works with you.

* Tip: Items used most at waist height to eye level.

* Tip: Have kids? Do you want the snacks accessible or where only adults can reach them?

  1. Label * Label * Label!

Especially if there are more multiple people in a household. You’ll be AMAZED what a difference this makes. It makes it easier for your brain and who doesn’t want that right now?!

  1. Take a minute to look at what you have accomplished! Great Job!
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