Because we are still in May today, I had to share another way we maximize the use of our basement: The Pantry!
We have a pantry in our basement, and there are more than a few times when it becomes kind of disorganized, especially after a big stock up shop at Costco! There are some typical things we buy or always have on hand, but then there are moments where we want to try/get something new. The challenge with new items is that they don’t have a typical home in the pantry, which can make it overwhelming to organize.
The pantry is also the space where the kids can go to access some of their prepackaged lunch snacks. I used to have them in the kitchen, but if you buy things in bulk, it almost creates a need to have easy access in the kitchen AND a space for ‘extra’. I just have such a hard time storing the same things in two different places! So, I gave up! Now the kids just go downstairs to grab their, what we used to call “cupboard snacks.” These snacks go in these bins pictured below that I love! I love them because it’s easy for the kids to reach in and grab stuff, it’s easy to see what is in the bin, and it’s easy to see if it needs restocking! As a bonus tip, make sure to separate nut free snacks from nut friendly snacks so that the wrong snacks don’t make it into the lunches!
I also have a couple of larger bins with tight fitting lids to ensure any critters don’t get into anything. We haven’t had issues with any animals or bugs in many years, but I still get paranoid sometimes. We have, in the past, had to toss a number of items. You could also use smaller bins that fit on the shelves to ensure critters don’t gain any access! Using bins or baskets is also a great way to store like things together. If you stock up on dry pasta, you might want to keep it all together in one basket! Or if you have a lot of baking supplies, you may want to create a baking basket, which is super handy when you need to do some baking because you can just grab the basket and start measuring your ingredients!
The hardest thing about having a well stocked pantry is using up the stuff!!
It can be hard to track expiry dates, and it can be hard to remember to use some of those newer, more unique items! The best way to do it is to meal plan from your pantry instead of from the flyers or the grocery store.
Before doing any of my meal planning, I like to pop down into the pantry and make a very quick list of some of the things that I know I haven’t used in a while. This goes for sauces, canned goods, baking supplies, crackers, and even the kids’ snacks! If things are getting close to their expiry dates, I try to look up new recipes or use some old favs to use up what we have before going and buying new.
The other trick for ensuring you’re using your pantry wisely is to create a ‘first in, first out’ system. So, if you buy some canned tuna, for example, make sure that the new tuna goes BEHIND the old tuna. If it’s something that comes in a box, like crackers, mark the box with a number. Use a 1, for the first to open and a 2, for the second, etc. It seems overly simple, but it definitely helps cycle the food properly to ensure you are consuming the stuff that is closer to its expiry date. Make sure to keep up with it! It can be very tempting, in a rush, to just put the new thing in front. Take the time to do it right! Your wallet will thank you!
If you’re lucky enough to have pantry space outside of your kitchen, then you’re also lucky enough to have an extra need for decluttering, sorting, and organizing a space. It’s a space that is best to stay on top of because, well, for me anyway, it’s so hard to throw away food!
Keep your pantry organized so that when you find those discounts on the foods you normally buy, you can stock up and know you will actually eat it before it goes bad!
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