10 Quick Pantry Decluttering Tips to Kickstart Your Year

Is your pantry in desperate need of a refresh? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! A cluttered pantry can make cooking stressful and lead to wasted food. But with these 10 quick and easy decluttering tips, you’ll have a tidy, functional pantry in no time. Let’s get started!

Why Declutter Your Pantry?

Decluttering your pantry isn’t just about making it look pretty (although that’s a bonus!). It helps you

• Save time by finding what you need quickly.
• Reduce food waste by using up what you already have.
• Create a more enjoyable cooking experience.

10 Quick Pantry Decluttering Tips

1. Empty Everything Out
Start by taking everything out of your pantry. Yes, everything! Place items on your counter or table so you can see exactly what you’re working with.

2. Check Expiry Dates
Go through each item and check its expiration date. Toss anything expired or stale, and set aside items nearing their expiry date for immediate use.

3. Group Similar Items Together
Sort your pantry items into categories like snacks, canned goods, baking supplies, and dry ingredients. This will make it easier to organise them later.

4. Clean Your Shelves
Before putting anything back, wipe down your pantry shelves with a non-toxic cleaner and a microfiber cloth. A clean base makes all the difference!

5. Purge Ruthlessly
Be honest with yourself—are you really going to use that half-empty packet of sprinkles from three years ago? If not, let it go! Donate unopened, non-expired items to a local food bank if you can.

6. Invest in Storage Solutions
Storage containers are game-changers for an organised pantry! Use airtight containers for dry goods like pasta and flour to keep them fresh and pest-free. Little Label Co.’s stylish storage options are perfect for this step!

7. Use Labels for Clarity
Labelling is key to keeping your pantry organised in the long run. Custom labels from Little Label Co make it easy to identify what’s inside each container—and they look great too!

8. Create Zones
Designate specific areas in your pantry for different types of items:

• Everyday essentials at eye level for easy access.
• Snacks in baskets or on lower shelves for kids to grab quickly.
• Oils and sauces on a lazy Susan for convenience.

9. Maximise Vertical Space
If your shelves have unused vertical space, stackable containers or shelf inserts can help you make the most of it. Every inch counts!

10. Plan Your Meals
Use the items nearing their expiry date to create a meal plan for the week ahead. This reduces waste and helps you stay on top of what’s in your pantry.

FAQs About Pantry Organisation

How often should I declutter my pantry?
We recommend doing a full declutter every six months and smaller tidying sessions every few weeks to maintain order.
What’s the best way to prevent food wastage?
Group soon-to-expire items together and incorporate them into your meal plan as soon as possible.
Are airtight containers really necessary?
Yes! They keep food fresher for longer and help prevent pests from getting into your dry goods.