A Hoarder's Pantry: Sugar and Spice and the Not-So-Nice

A question I’m often asked, in both hoarder’s and non-hoarder’s homes is, “Where do I start?” My answers vary but if you are totally overwhelmed and craving a done-in-a-day project, the pantry is the perfect place to begin because it’s not too large, the contents are easily put into categories and the keep-or-toss decisions are determined by an expiration date rather than sentimental reasons. The pantry is also one of the quickest ways to get your family organized, save money, time, and shelf space.

Here are a few tips to read before you begin.

• Begin by discarding anything stale, spoiled, or expired in your pantry.
• Wipe down the shelves and walls.
• Paint the shelves and walls a bright white.
• Use glass or sturdy plastic containers with tight fitting lids such as Rubbermaid bulk storage containers containers to hold dry goods such as flour, sugar, pasta, teabags, coffee beans, and cereal. Remember square containers take up less space than round ones and fit better on shelves. 
• Group like items together:  breakfast items, snacks, baking goods, etc.  Pay attention next time you are in the grocery store; arrange your pantry in "sections" like they do in the grocery store.  Then, make groups within groups (like in the canned goods section separate the tuna from the tomatoes and the soup from the beans.)
• Label the shelves (condiments, beverages, etc.) as well as the individual containers (baking chips, sweetener, rice).
• Don’t forget to save room for your paper products–napkins, paper towels, lunch bags, etc.
• Recognize that not everyone can do everything alone all the time.  Get help from friends, family, or a professional organizer.
• Whether your home is sleek and sophisticated or warm and traditional, there are many options for containers which can help make your kitchen pantry appear more stylish and organized.  Splurge on containers; they are an investment and will last a very long time.
• Make sure your lighting is excellent; replace the bulb if necessary.
• Add a shelf.  Always think of using as much vertical space as possible.  Lowe’s Home Improvement stores have expanding chrome shelves made by companies like Rubbermaid.
• Don’t forget the back of the door.   This is the perfect spot to hang a shelf for spices.  There is a system by Elfa that lets you hang the rack over the door and adjust the shelves.
• Have a basket that your children can reach and put snacks like applesauce cups, pudding, Jello, fruit cups, fruit chews, pretzels, etc.
• Restock your pantry with commonly used items such as: 
  • Broth
  • Canned Soup
  • Canned Beans
  • Canned Tomatoes
  • Tomato Paste
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Tuna
  • Baking Powder
  • Baking Soda
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Pepper
  • Paprika
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Oil (Olive oil and whatever you use for baking)
  • Pasta
  • Couscous
  • Potatoes
  • Rice
  • Soy Sauce
  • Vinegar
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayo
  • Olives
  • Pickles
  • Peanut Butter
  • Jam
  • Cereals
  • Oatmeal
  • Pancake Mix
  • Raisins & Dried Fruit
  • Nuts & Seeds
  • Syrup
  • Honey
  • Sweetener