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How to Organize a Pantry

One question I am frequently asked is “How do I tidy my pantry?” Understandably, a pantry can become a cluttered storage zone for forgotten ingredients. Here are five tips to achieve a tidier one:


1. Discard Expired Foods

Start by discarding any expired foods that you won’t be able to consume. This helps streamline your kitchen space and avoid clutter. Some people are comfortable keeping canned goods slightly past their expiration, while others stick strictly to expiration dates (this is a question I always ask my tidying students before we work on the pantry, it makes the expiration check much quicker). Whatever your preference, align it with your comfort level.


2. Ask Yourself: Will Cooking with This Item Bring Joy?

When curating items in your pantry, consider your ideal lifestyle and whether each item aligns with it. Think of your favorite recipes and memorable meals. Will the ingredients you keep help you recreate these cherished dishes or moments? If yes, they’ve earned their spot in your pantry; if not, let them go with gratitude.

Don’t forget to evaluate supplements, protein powders, or medicines that may have made their way into your pantry. If they’re not having the desired effect or bringing joy, perhaps they’re ready to be discarded. Alternatively, for items nearing expiration, try a “borderline stock clearance campaign” by planning meals that incorporate ingredients on the brink of spoiling. Personally, it's one of my favorite challenges especially when I get compliments on the meals from my family!


3. Store Food Upright and by Category

Storing pantry items upright and by category is essential for efficient organization. The goal is that a quick glance reveals exactly what’s in your pantry and where everything belongs.

Organize foods by subcategories like seasonings, dry carbohydrates (pasta, rice, couscous), canned goods, sweets, bread, and supplements. This practice can simplify meal planning and grocery shopping, as you’ll always have a clear sense of what’s on hand. I like to encourage my tidying students to organize the pantry the same way your favorite grocery store set up their aisles.


4. Don’t Forget the Fridge

Removing expired sauces, seasonings, and other items is a good practice. Storing items in a small container for frequently used sauces can prevent them from cluttering up the shelves.

To keep things organized, aim to keep your fridge around 30% empty, leaving room for leftovers. Use the same principles as with the pantry: store items upright by category and put them back in the same spot each time to develop a habit. I have a french door style fridge and love cooking Asian recipes I learnt from growing up in Hong Kong. My habit is storing American condiments on the left door and Asian sauces on the right.



5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, or Donate

If you have surplus food you can’t consume, consider donating it to a local food bank or sharing it with neighbors or friends (my favorite is facebook buy nothing and freecycle groups). You might also find creative ways to repurpose certain items. Green tea bags, for example, make wonderful potpourri for dresser drawers, while old pasta or sprinkles can be used for arts and crafts projects.

Mindfully recycle, compost, or discard any food that can’t be repurposed, keeping sustainability in mind and reducing unnecessary waste.


The Joy of an Organized Kitchen

By following these steps, you’re not only clearing clutter but actively creating a space filled with items that bring joy and purpose. A well-organized pantry and fridge contribute to a more mindful lifestyle, reducing waste and maximizing joy in every meal. Try these tips to transform your pantry into a place that supports both joyful cooking and efficient organization.


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