A messy pantry can be really annoying, especially when you are trying to cook something quickly. Imagine spending 10 minutes digging through piles of cans, cereal boxes, and pantry staples just to find one can of corn. Not fun, right?
Thankfully, it does not have to stay this way. When your kitchen is organized, you do not have to go through all that stress. However, while organizing comes naturally to some people, some people lack the skill, and if you are one of them, don’t worry; this article is here to help.
We researched and found nine mistakes that make a pantry messy, and we’ve outlined them below. We also provided tips on how to keep your pantry neat and become an organizing pro.
1. Mixing Up Your Food
It is quite tempting to just throw things into the pantry without sorting them. This is one thing that can make things really messy. When food is all over the place, it becomes hard to find what you need, and you might even forget what you already have.
According to the NEAT Method experts, sorting your food into categories can solve the problem. You can sort food into categories like snacks, canned goods, or baking supplies and keep them in labeled baskets. When you keep similar items together, you will always know where things are. This will make cooking easier and help you figure out what you need to buy the next time you go shopping.
2. Buying Everything in Bulk
Costco has a special place in most people’s hearts, and let’s be honest, who can blame them? The deals they offer in-store make it one of the most magical places on Earth.
The problem, however, is that people tend to purchase too much stuff when they see a bargain. This, in turn, leads to chaos in your cabinets.
“This one may be a bit controversial, but bulk purchases often lead to overflowing bins, canisters and overall chaos in the pantry,” says NEAT Method experts. “Instead, purchase only the amount of food that will fit in the space you have. If your snack bin is overflowing, that is a sign for you to eat through what is there first before buying more.”
Of course, you should purchase things in bulk. However, you should only buy what you are absolutely certain you will use up. So, when going to places like Costco, consider buying things more strategically.
3. Not Decluttering Enough
One reason why your pantry might be messy is that you are not cleaning it out often enough. Just like your fridge, it is important to go through your pantry regularly to see what is in there and get rid of things you do not need.
According to the NEAT Method, a good habit is to check and clean your pantry right after each grocery trip. This way, you can stay organized and make sure everything stays fresh and easy to find.
ALSO READ: Check Out This Simple Pantry Hack To Upgrade Your Rice
4. Stop Holding Onto Expired Food
Have you ever noticed your kitchen shelves packed with food that you never seem to use? You might even find cans and boxes that have been sitting there for way too long. Don’t worry, you are not the only one.
What is the solution? Make it a habit to check expiration dates regularly and throw out any expired food. This will help you free up space and keep your pantry more organized. It is also a good idea to get rid of food that is close to expiring or use it before it expires. Being a little strict with what you keep can make a big difference in reducing clutter and keeping your food storage fresh and manageable.
5. Storing Your Cans the Wrong Way
If your canned goods are hard to see in your pantry, you are not alone. Our research showed that stacking cans or lining them up without a clear view is a mistake most people make.
When cans are hidden in the back or tucked into corners, it is easy to forget about them until they expire. Worse, you might buy more of the same thing because you did not realize you already had it.
To avoid this, the experts suggest using a tiered riser or a shelf with different levels. This way, all your cans will be easy to see and reach. This will make your pantry more organized, and save you time and money.
6. Not Decanting Enough
Have you ever noticed how messy your pantry can get with half-open bags of snacks or boxes of cereal? Decanting or transferring food into clear containers can help with that. We love this idea for a few simple reasons.
Clear containers let you see how much food you have left, and air-tight lids keep food fresher for longer. Also, decanting just looks tidy and organized. If you decide to decant, these experts suggest putting expiration dates on the bottom or back of each container. You can do this using a removable label or marker so that you will not forget when things go bad.
However, there is something you should know. Not all food needs to be decanted. It is best for pantry items that you do not use all at once and items that come in packaging that does not reseal well. This includes things like flour, sugar, cereal, pasta, pancake mix, nuts, and snacks. On the other hand, there is no need to transfer foods that you finish when you open them, like a small box of spaghetti.
Before you start decanting everything, remember that it takes a little extra time and effort to keep it up. We recommend doing what feels right for your lifestyle. If you are someone who loves an organized space and does not mind spending time transferring items, decanting can be a game-changer.
7. Not Labeling Pantry Items
One simple way to keep your home organized is by labeling things, but many people forget to do this. It is not just about labeling food containers. You can also label bins and baskets. Labeling everything will help you know exactly where things go, making it easier to stay organized.
When everything has a label, no one will be confused about where to put things. It is a small step that can make a big difference in keeping your space tidy.
8. Not Using Turntables
Turntables, also called lazy Susans, are a great tool for organizing, but a lot of people do not use them. We recommend them because they help you store items in places that are hard to reach. These places include the back corners of a pantry or high shelves.
Turntables are especially useful for bottles like oils, sauces, and spreads. With a quick turn, you can easily access whatever you need without having to dig through everything. Turntables are an easy way to organize your kitchen and make sure everything is easy to grab.
9. Using Too Many Round Containers in Your Pantry
If you love keeping your pantry organized, you might be tempted to use round containers. However, here is a tip: using too many round containers can actually waste space. Round containers leave empty gaps in your pantry. This makes it harder to fit everything in.
Instead of using round containers, try using rectangular or square containers. They fit better in the corners and use up all the space more efficiently. If you have a small pantry, we suggest using fewer containers and more bins to store things neatly and save room.
Organize Your Pantry Like a Pro
Mistakes are made to be corrected, and by knowing what you’re doing wrong, you can take decisive steps to get things right. By following our recommendations, you will have a more organized and breathable pantry, which will improve safety, enhance your kitchen space, and be easier to clean.
