Cleaning Out Your Country Pantry

Households across the world unite, safeguarding a deep and dark secret, shuddering at the thought of any outsider stumbling across the unorganised mess that is lurking behind their kitchen pantry doors. Most would admit to conveniently shoving in bags of lentils, balancing tins of soup, cramming in another bag of flour, sighing relief as they manage to force the doors shut behind them…I mean if you can’t see the hoard hiding behind…does it even exist?

Tidy Pantry, Tidy Mind – or something to that effect.

With a little bit more time to spare now is the time to seize the day and tackle the tins, confront the condiments and get to grips with the grains.

1. It will get worse before it gets better

Enough to make you want to close the doors, run for the hills and admit defeat but start by removing everything from the cupboard. However daunting, it is an important step to allow you to see exactly what you have been hoarding and how bad the damage really is.

2. Detox the dried goods

Be strong! If it’s out of date, get rid, if you know you won’t use it, box it up and donate. There is no need to hold a stock to rival Arkwright, only keep what you need and use regularly. Whilst waste is not encouraged, Homemaker Martha Stewart even recommends ditching and donating seasonal products that will only be used once a year.

3. A clean pantry is a happy pantry

Once you have prised the tin of Lyle's Golden Syrup off the shelf it is time to sweep, soak and clean your cupboards. Remember to also clean the trays, baskets and containers with a soapy damp cloth and leave to dry.

4. Storage Solutions

Containers, baskets and trays are useful when it comes to staying organised. Move any foods stored in those chocolate teapot type resealable bags into containers and combine any “I’m not sure if we have any in the house so we’ll get another just in case” duplicates.

5. Organisation is Key

When putting your items back into your store group like items together. Don’t hide or stack, making sure you can see everything clearly and keep everyday items easy to reach, eliminating any need to rummage.

6. Don’t let history repeat itself

Organise similar products by their sell by date so you use them before they expire. Keep open and heavy items in easily accessed places to help avoid any spillage or flour explosions. Why not keep a pantry inventory? You can easily keep dibs on what you have and what you need to replenish. Now you have conquered the cupboards, no longer will you live in fear of an unwelcome visitor opening the doors and revealing your jumbled jars, shambolic spices and bedraggled baking goods. Although the organisation of your pantry doesn’t define you, it should make life in the kitchen easier…until next time.

 

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