Did you take a food storage inventory last week? I hope so. The second preparedness challenge of January is to organize your pantry food to make stocking and shopping easier. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to gather a 3-month supply of regular pantry food. You will be surprised how much room you do have when you bring order out of chaos in your cupboards.
How to Organize Your Pantry Food
- TAKE EVERYTHING OUT and put it on your kitchen counter and table. Wipe those shelves clean!
- GROUP SIMILAR FOOD ITEMS such as canned foods, pasta/rice/potatoes, baking ingredients, cooking oils, breakfast items, spices, beverages, etc.
- TOSS OUT any expired or damaged cans you no longer eat. If you can’t find an expiration date, toss it. Check StillTasty.com for shelf-life of food.
- MOVE RARELY USED DISHES AND CAKE PLATES into a closet, garage, or basement.
- DO NOT store food in a garage.
- MAKE A SHOPPING LIST as you go of needed items.
- USE BASKETS OR PLASTIC CONTAINERS you already have for some items. Boxes work too.
- ORGANIZE SPICES alphabetically in a dark cupboard or drawer away from heat.
- FOLLOW F.I.F.O (first in first out) and put the newest items in the back, and oldest in front.
- BUY A LABEL MAKER to label shelves. My favorite is Brother P-Touch PT-210. Label containers and shelves, and cheer!!!
I hope you love your organized pantry and your kitchen.
Stock up your way!
Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer
Check out my food storage and emergency preparedness bundle in my Etsy shop.
