The pantry is so often neglected – items build up and can create disorganisation and chaos. Here’s how to tidy your pantry like a professional organiser

It’s time to declutter your pantry! The kitchen is the hub of every home and an area Natalie Jane from Be Organised loves to start the decluttering process in. The pantry is so often neglected – items build up and can create disorganisation and chaos.

1. Before you begin, make sure kitchen surfaces are clear so that you have room to spread out items. Work shelf by shelf and pull everything out, grouping similar items together: flours, cans, grains etc.
2. Go through each category and look at expiry dates. Only keep items that you know you will use. Recycle and compost where possible.
3. Make a list of any important items that you throw out, so that you can replace them when you next shop.
4. Now it’s time to reorganise the pantry. First, wipe down shelves/drawers. Everyday items need to be on easy-access shelves. Group similar items together and put excess or occasional items up high and heavier items down low.
5. You could also create zones in your pantry such as a breakfast zone, snack zone and treats zone
6. If you want a uniform look, reuse containers or jars or purchase a set of jars or canisters to decant items into. If you prefer to keep things in packets, ‘contain’ your items as much as possible, using crates or clear plastic containers with handles, and label these.
7. Make sure that you can see all of your items at a glance. Do not stack items in such a way that you cannot see them (out of sight, out of mind).

It’s vital that your pantry functions in a way that makes sense to you and the people you live with, so that the system lasts.

Top tips for keeping your kitchen pantry tidy:

• Get rid of expired items and items you know you won’t use.
• Contain items that can’t be decanted using crates or plastic containers to avoid spillages and create order. (Creating these ‘pull-outs’ will mean you can see items and avoid rummaging at the back of the shelf).
• Label jars and containers so everyone knows where items go.
• List items that are getting low on a whiteboard.
• Put your shopping away as soon as it comes in the door.
• Review and declutter seasonally.

Words by: Natalie Jane from Be Organised.

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