1. Order.
Develop some sort of order to your pantry that works for you. I find keeping like ingredients together helps.
2. Rotate.
When you put your shopping away, remember to rotate. Add newly purchased items to the back of the stack or row and use front items first.
3. Seal.
Get a system for sealing open packets – either glass canisters or pegs or rubber bands – open packets are an invitation to insects and moths.
4. Schedule a pantry stockup.
Think about your shopping habits. Decide on the best frequency for you to have a dedicated ‘pantry’ shop – it could only be once a month where you write a list and do a big stockup. Or it might be something you do once a week.
5. Create a template.
Take notice of what you like to have on hand and create a ‘pantry shopping list template’. This can be either mental or written.
6. List it.
Decide whether it would be helpful to have a list that you create ‘as you go’ near the pantry or on the fridge. (I don’t but my Mum used to live by her list)
7. Spring clean.
Every 6 months or so, have a pantry ‘spring clean’. Take everything off the shelves and wipe each shelf and container down. This is a great time to discard any out of date items that can’t be used or get rid of items that you aren’t ever going to cook with in the foreseeable future.
_________________________
back to: Solve Your Dinner Dilemma [fresh ideas] Overview
Add to my Old Favourite Recipes