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We’re back with the final installment of our 3-part pantry organizing series. This week, we’re digging into how to organize a pantry and keep it organized. This post is all about keeping arrangement and maintenance in mind so it stays organized!
One aspect of organizing that people forget is maintenance. When organizing, the goal is long-term. What’s the point of doing all the work to declutter and spend money on products if it’s all going to go into shambles two days later?
The answer is to arrange the space so that it’s easy to maintain.
In part 3 of my personal journey to organize my overcrowded pantry, I’ll share the 4 tips to organize a pantry and keep it organized.
Since I’ve been following the Start Organizing Your Home Guide, this post is a combination of Curate & Execute. These are the final steps in the S.P.A.C.E. framework.
These first 3 tips build off of Curate, discussed in part 2 of this series. But as a reminder, this step includes choosing the right organizing products & store your items in a systematic way that works for you and your family, focusing on style, budget, and space.
Tip 01. Arrange shelves with maintenance in mind
Creating an efficient layout for your pantry shelves is crucial for easy access and maximum storage. Consider the following tips:
Frequency of Use: Arrange items based on their frequency of use. Keep frequently used items at eye level or within easy reach for convenience.
Size and Accessibility: Place taller and bulkier items on lower shelves or at the back of deeper shelves, while smaller items can be stored in front or on upper shelves.
Grouping Similar Items: Keep related items together to create clear categories. For example, place spices, baking supplies, or canned goods in designated areas.
Tip 02. Choose organizing products for long-term organization
Organizing products help to maintain organization long term. Here’s the reasoning behind choosing the organizing products in this pantry:
Accessibility
- Rather than digging through other items on the shelf, turntables make it easy to reach items in the back.
- Decanting flours, sugars, cereals, and other foods into canisters and jars makes these items easier to access (and often keeps foods fresh!).
Visibility
- Turntables make it easier to see which goods are available.
- While turntables could also be used for canned goods, shelf risers are a good option for checking inventory for backstock.
Clutter-free
- Use baskets to group similar items together. These items are typically foods that aren’t decanted or are bulky and unsuitable for turntables. As mentioned earlier, baskets will create clear categories.
Tip 03. Create a labeling and inventory system
Implementing labeling and inventory systems helps you keep track of pantry items and maintain order. Consider the following suggestions:
Label Containers
Label canisters, baskets, and jars to quickly identify their contents. This eliminates guesswork and ensures items are returned to their proper place. (I use a Brother P-Touch, model PT-2030 for labeling.)
Expiration Dates
Use a marker or label to note expiration dates on perishable items, helping you reduce waste. (I mark the dates on masking tape and tape it to the bottom of canisters and jars.)
Inventory Tracking
Maintain a list of pantry items on a notepad or digital spreadsheet. Update the list whenever you restock or use items to stay aware of what you have on hand.
Here’s how I track inventory with a “reverse” grocery list: I made a simple checkmark list in my Notes app adding items I need to the list. While shopping, I checkmark each item I purchase. Instead of deleting the list, I add more items as I need them or remove the checkmark for items I need to repurchase.
Tip 04. Set a maintenance schedule
This is the final step in the S.P.A.C.E. framework, Execute: Implement daily & weekly routines for tidying & cleaning so that your home stays organized.
Regular maintenance is key to sustaining an organized pantry. Pantries are one of the home areas that require regular maintenance and upkeep. Follow these tips to keep your pantry clutter-free:
Regular Cleaning: Set aside time for regular cleaning of your pantry. Wipe down shelves, remove crumbs, and check for any expired or spoiled items.
Rotation and Restocking: Practice the “first in, first out” rule by rotating items and placing newly purchased items at the back. This helps ensure that older items are used before they expire.
Periodic Decluttering: Schedule periodic decluttering sessions to reassess items in your pantry. Donate any unopened and non-expired items you no longer need to local food pantries.
I recommend resetting the pantry (rotating, restocking, & decluttering) once per week after grocery shopping. But I also recommend cleaning once per month.
If you’re looking to make it part of your cleaning rhythm, pantry maintenance is included in the RNL Cleaning Checklist Pack here >>>
How to organize a pantry & stay organized!
To sum up how to organize a pantry & keep it organized, here are the 4 tips in brief:
- Arrange shelves with maintenance in mind
- Choose organizing products for long-term organization
- Create a labeling and inventory system
- Set a maintenance schedule
And that wraps up this 3-part pantry organizing series! Check out the other 2 parts here:
- How To Organize an Overcrowded Pantry: Step-by-Step Pantry Makeover Guide, Part 1
- The Best Way to Organize a Pantry with Categories: Step-by-Step Pantry Makeover Guide, Part 2
If you’re interested in learning more about the framework used in these posts, check out the Start Organizing Your Home Guide —the perfect way to learn a repeatable framework for decluttering & to start organizing your home —all in less than 2 hours.
Start your organizing journey now >>>
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