How have your first 3 days gone? Are you seeing a difference in your kitchen already? Have you found some good storage bins or plans to keep your kitchen organized and always put away. I would love to say my kitchen will stay the same, however I'm not the only one in the house and the only way it will stay beautiful is if I don't use it!
Day 4: Declutter and Organize Your Pantry
Focus: Transform your pantry into an organized, functional space where everything is easy to find.
Step-by-Step Plan
- Clear Everything Out
Remove all items from your pantry, including shelves, drawers, and storage bins.
Check expiration dates and toss anything that’s expired, stale, or no longer useful.
Set aside unopened, non-expired food items for donation to a local food bank. - Clean the Pantry
Wipe down shelves, drawers, and storage bins with warm, soapy water or a mild disinfectant.
Vacuum or sweep crumbs from the floor.
Consider adding shelf liners for easier cleaning in the future. - Sort and Categorize Items
Organize pantry staples into categories such as:
✅ Grains & Pasta (rice, quinoa, pasta, oats)
✅ Canned Goods (soups, vegetables, beans)
✅ Baking Supplies (flour, sugar, baking soda, chocolate chips)
✅ Snacks (chips, granola bars, crackers)
✅ Breakfast Items (cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix)
✅ Condiments & Sauces (vinegar, oils, salad dressings)
✅ Spices & Seasonings (group by frequency of use)
✅ Beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) - Choose Smart Storage Solutions
- Clear Bins & Containers: Store dry goods like flour, sugar, and pasta in airtight, labeled containers. This keeps food fresh and makes it easier to see what you have.
- Lazy Susans: Perfect for organizing oils, vinegar, and condiments so nothing gets lost in the back.
- Stackable Shelving or Risers: Helps maximize space, especially for canned goods.
- Door Storage Racks: Great for small spice jars, packets, and snacks.
- Wire Baskets or Bins: Use for grouping snacks, onions, potatoes, or bread.
- Labels: Clearly mark all containers and shelves to maintain order.
- Put Everything Back in an Organized Way
- Frequently Used Items at Eye Level: Place everyday essentials like cereal, snacks, and coffee where they are easy to grab.
- Heavy Items on Lower Shelves: Store big bags of flour, rice, or potatoes on the bottom to avoid heavy lifting.
- Less Used Items Up High: Specialty baking items or extra paper goods can be stored on the top shelves.
- Kid-Friendly Zone: If you have kids, create a lower section with healthy snacks they can easily reach.
- Establish a Maintenance Routine
- Set a reminder to do a quick pantry check once a month to toss expired items and reorganize if needed.
- Keep a running grocery list by placing a notepad or whiteboard inside the pantry. Whenever something runs low, add it to the list.
- Do a deep clean every 3-6 months to maintain a clutter-free space.
By the end of Day 4, your pantry will be clean, organized, and efficient, making meal prep and grocery shopping easier than ever! 🚀
Share your photos and your wins!