July - 5S the Pantry

My pantry is a set of cupboards near my kitchen. I use them for dry goods storage as well as non-daily appliances and reusable shopping bags. I have also started an emergency kit that I keep at the bottom. 

1. Sort

This is the fun part when you get to take everything out. 

Check dates and throw out expired food, vitamins, spices, etc. 

Start a donation pile for canned/dry goods that you never use. I know the intention was good when you bought them, but unless you decide to cook it this week, maybe it is better with someone else who needs it. 

If there are ingredients stored that you have been meaning to try, take the opportunity to plan a meal with them now. Leave them out and use them this week. 

If you store any appliances or extra kitchen gear, re evaluate if you still need them all. If you have not used them in over a year, it may be time to admit that you no longer need an espresso maker, etc. 

Misc-  I also store my reusable bags here, so I need to take them out and make sure they are all in good condition. It is easy enough to get new ones, so they should be tossed once they get holes. Luckily, that can be washed, if you use them regularly. 

2.  Scrub

Clean shelves and floor. If shelves tend to get sticky, use contac paper so they are easier to clean later. 

Wipe down appliances and wash, if you have not used recently. 

3. Set

Use bins for like items, especially those that do not stand up well on their own (soup, dry mixes, snacks). 

Store snacks and cereal at kid height, so they are easily accessible. 

Potato and onion storage

I have been having an awful time keeping potatoes and I do not have a cellar. Here are some tips I gleaned from the Internet: 

- Do not store potatoes with onions. 

- Potatoes do well when stored with an apple. 

- Potatoes should be stored dry. To help provide air circulation, put in a drawer or basket lined with newspapers. 

- Onions also need ventilation. They can be stored in a mesh bag or tied individually into stocking hose (check out this clever idea on Pinterest).

Move shopping bags to the car. Designate other uses for the bags (library books, etc). 

Wash shopping bags regularly (especially when used for dairy or meat).

4. Standardize

I have seen several suggestions for keeping an inventory list inside the pantry door. Take a count of your key consumables on a weekly basis. Designate a minimum quantity you want on hand before you buy more. 

Example:  minimum 4 cans diced tomatoes, 2 cans beans, 2 packets pasta. 

5.  Sustain

Since we all have items that we buy with great intentions, but get moved to the back of the cabinet, inspect your pantry monthly for any untried ingredients and try to make use of them. I have been attempting this with my freezer, as well. At the end of the month I pull out the meals or veggies I have stored up and plan meals around them. It saves money and keeps things in rotation. 

Your Emergency kit should be inspected quarterly to keep the water fresh and food within expiration. I will post more ideas on emergency kits in the future.