It’s that time of year again where the trees are beginning to bud and the birds are chirping. Spring is breaking free from the winter doldrums and so should your pantry! Wait, what? Yes, spring is the perfect time to do some projects that you have been meaning to do probably since you took your first grocery shopping trip. But sometimes these projects can be over whelming so let’s break it down to 5 simple steps.
- Take everything out of your pantry– every box, can, bottle and container. Then wash, sweep or clean your physical pantry space out.
- Check every single container for an expiration or use by date; chunk anything that is past it’s date.
- Get organized so you can use your pantry to its full potential. Put things where you can find them from the items that you use the most in the most accessible spots to the things that you use the least in the less accessible spots.
- Use simple organization tools like small baskets for packets and bag items, wire rack moveable shelves to stacking canned goods, a lazy susan for your spices, hooks for hang able items and bins on the floor for dry goods and produce like potatoes and onions. Be creative with your organization to make the most of your pantry space, big or small.
- Evaluate all the items that you have left before you put them back in your pantry. Only keep things you actually use. If you will never eat it, cook with it or use it, let yourself be free to toss it or donate it to your local food pantry.
Now sit back and marvel at your freshly organized and usable pantry! What new and exciting things are you ready to create in the kitchen now that you know where to find all your ingredients?
Have fun & choose health,
Esther
