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Decluttering Your Pantry

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A clean, organized space can make eating healthier and simplifying daily meal prep so much easier.

The start of a new year is a great time to hit reset—not just with your habits but also in your home. One spot that often gets overlooked is the pantry. A clean, organized pantry can make it so much easier to eat healthier and take the stress out of daily meal prep.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you tackle it and kick off the year with a fresh, healthy start.

Step 1: Empty and Assess

Start by completely emptying your pantry. Lay everything out on a clean surface so you can see what you’re working with. As you go, check expiration dates and discard anything that’s past its prime. Be honest about items you haven’t used in months—if you don’t see yourself using them soon, consider donating them if they’re still good.

Step 2: Categorize and Group

Organize your pantry items into categories, such as:

  • Grains (rice, quinoa, pasta)
  • Canned goods (beans, vegetables, soups)
  • Baking supplies (flour, sugar, baking soda)
  • Snacks
  • Spices and condiments

This will help you identify duplicates and keep track of what you have.

Step 3: Clean the Space

Before putting anything back, take the opportunity to clean your pantry shelves. Wipe them down with a mild cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. If you notice crumbs or spills, vacuum or sweep them up. Adding shelf liners can also make future cleaning easier.

Step 4: Optimize Storage

Use clear, airtight containers for items like grains, nuts, and dried fruit. Not only do these keep food fresh, but they also make it easy to see what you have. Labeling containers can further streamline your pantry’s organization.

Invest in tiered shelves or lazy Susans to make it easier to access spices and smaller items. Use bins or baskets to group similar items together, such as snack packs or baking essentials.

Step 5: Prioritize Healthy Staples

As you restock your pantry, focus on healthy essentials. See some of our pantry essentials HERE! Having these basics readily available makes it easier to whip up healthy meals without resorting to processed foods.

Step 6: Create a System for Maintenance

To keep your pantry organized long-term, consider adopting a “first in, first out” system. Place newer items behind older ones so you’ll use what you already have before it expires. Take a few minutes each month to do a quick inventory and tidy up as needed.

Hope this helps!

Organizing your pantry? Be sure and share your list with us on the WOT Instagram or  Facebook!

by Camila Alves McConaughey