Pantry Organization & Essentials
I’ve been all about decluttering our home, especially what’s hiding in our closets, this year. Out of sight is not out of mind, and the messes lurking behind closed doors were driving me crazy. It’s amazing what a little tidying up can do for your overall mental state! One of the spaces I immediately knew I had to tackle was our pantry. Given how much time we spend in the kitchen, a well-organized pantry seemed like a basic fundamental we were clearly missing. I took to Target and stocked up on a selection of bins and baskets, finding myself going back for more because I loved how they instantly imparted a clean, clutter-free look to my pantry shelves.
Now the items we reach for constantly when making weekly meals are visible, and we’re never left digging around for something or realizing we just bought another box of an essential we already had. Everything has its place…pitchers and linen napkins are tucked away up top, vinegars and oils are sorted into their respective groups, and items that tend to add clutter (various types of pasta or boxes of pancake mixes) are organized into deep baskets. We use a lot of different grains, and those are now easy to see in mason jars. (Tip: Cut and tape the cooking instructions from the grain box/bag onto the bottom of each jar for quick reference of what’s inside and cooking time.)
Speaking of pantry essentials, here are a few of the things you’ll always find in our pantry. I love peeking inside other people’s pantries! What items are always in yours?
PANTRY ESSENTIALS
Oils: extra-virgin, sesame, canola
Vinegars: red + white wine, apple cider, balsamic, rice wine
Beans: chickpeas, black beans, cannellini beans
Canned tuna
Grains: quinoa, wheat berries, farro, black rice, steel cut oats
Dried fruit: apricots, cherries, cranberries, dates
Pepitas + pine nuts
Old-fashioned oats + homemade granola
Coffee + tea
SHOP THE POST
Handled Baskets
Small White Storage Bin
Medium White Storage Bin
Stainless Steel Canisters
Oval Bread Baskets