Summer vacation is here, and so are the never-ending pantry messes. From half-eaten chip bags to candy wrappers, little sticky fingers find their way into everything. Organization doesn’t have to be hard, though! Here are some expert tips and tricks to help you ease the messes, allowing you to relax while the kids snack.
Benefits of Pantry Organization
Everyone strives for home organization, but not everyone has the time or resources to execute it. The truth is that organization offers more than just a clean space. From physical to emotional benefits, here are a few health advantages that pantry organization can provide.
Stress Management
With the kids home for the summer, the pantry will likely face increased wear and tear. But you don’t have to spend each evening cleaning up a big pantry mess! Through effective organization, you can maintain low stress levels.
An organized pantry can help you feel more in control. Studies have shown that organization can boost your overall mood and productivity while reducing levels of frustration and anxiety. You will be able to find items promptly, and the kids can grab their favorite treats without having to rummage through the pantry.
Less Food Waste
When digging through the pantry, items can become lost, only to be uncovered years later. This leads to an increase in expired items and more food waste. A cluttered pantry makes it harder to take stock of what you have. Not only will this waste your time, but it will also waste money.
With proper pantry organization, food waste can be significantly reduced. No more canned goods from five years ago or open, stale chip bags. Utilize clear containers, labels, and sliding or spinning solutions to see precisely what you have so nothing goes to waste.
Safety
With the kids home and running around, the last place you want them to get hurt is in the pantry. In the summer, it’s easy to stack cases of drinks and party-sized boxes of chips on the pantry floor or balance them on top of something else. Aside from being an eyesore, this poses a tripping hazard or risk of falling.
With an organized pantry, you can eliminate the large boxes and designate items to separate bins, such as chips for the kids, closer to the ground for easy access. That way, you won’t have to deal with kids climbing on the shelves or reaching for items that are too high.
Think of your pantry as your mini grocery store, with a “first in, first out” system. What goes in first gets eaten first. When you purchase new items, place them towards the back of the designated shelf. With this system, you can ensure nothing goes to waste and the mess is minimal.
Here are some tried-and-true organizers to help you build your perfect pantry:
- Labels and Label Maker: Labels are crucial for pantry organization, allowing you and your kids to have a clear view of what is on each shelf.
- Clear airtight storage containers: Clear airtight containers help avoid messes with half-opened flour bags or help keep that half-eaten bag of cereal from going stale.
- Lazy Susan: This will help you organize your spices and jars, ensuring they remain accessible.
- Acrylic Shelving: This type of shelving allows you to create a tiered system for your cans, enabling you to see what you have clearly.
- Roller cart: Perfect for the kids’ snacks. Giving them a designated spot for their chips, bars, and gummies while keeping your items in order.
Next Steps
If you lack the time or patience to organize your pantry, you’re not alone. Keep in mind that small steps can make a big difference.
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