Tidy up Your Pantry: The Ultimate Guide to a Fresh and Functional Space

A Fresh & Functional Pantry is a Family Game Changer

Let’s be honest—our pantries can easily turn into a black hole of forgotten cans, half-eaten snacks, and that random packet of lentils you swore you'd use one day. But here’s the thing: with a little effort, you can transform your pantry from chaotic to charming, making it a joy to open and, more importantly, a breeze to use. So, let’s get started on this pantry makeover!

Why Cleaning Your Pantry Matters

Before we dive into the action, let’s talk about why this task is so worth it. A clean, organised pantry isn’t just about aesthetics (though that’s a nice perk!). It helps you keep track of what you have, reduces food waste, and makes meal prep a whole lot easier.

Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as knowing exactly where everything is when you need it - and having the perfect spot for hiding some chocolate!

Step 1: Decide Your Pantry-Cleaning Strategy

This task is part organising, part cleaning, so it’s a bigger one. But don’t worry, we’ve got two strategies for you and a decent playlist will make this time fly:

The Big Overhaul

Feeling ambitious? Take everything out at once. This is ideal if you’re got the time put aside and are planning a complete pantry makeover or just want to start from scratch. It might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but the results will be worth it. 

The Section-by-section Approach

If you’re more of a “one step at a time” kind of person or the bones are good and the space just needs a refresh, then this approach is for you. Work on one section of the pantry at a time, which makes the task more manageable and less intimidating.

Step 2: Sort Your Pantry Items

As you pull items out, give each one a good look over and sort them into three groups:

• Still Good: These are the items that are still in good condition and have plenty of life left in them. They’ll be heading back into your clean pantry.
• Use Up Quick: These are the items nearing their expiration date or those you’ve been meaning to use. Keep these front and centre, maybe even on your kitchen bench, so they don’t get forgotten.
• Time to Go: If it’s expired or something you know you’ll never use (we’re looking at you, mystery spices), it’s time to let it go. No guilt, just more space for things you actually need.

Step 3: Clean the Pantry Shelves

Now that your pantry is looking a bit emptier (or at least a section of it is), it’s time to give those shelves a good clean. Grab your Figgy & Co Everyday Spray and give the shelves a generous spritz. Let the spray sit for a minute to loosen up any grime, then wipe everything down with a cloth. If you come across any stubborn marks, a bit of cleaning paste on your cloth should do the trick. Don’t forget to wipe underneath the shelves too—food has a sneaky way of ending up there!

Step 4: Organise & put items together as You Clean

If you’re working section by section, this clean-up will be pretty quick. But if you’re also reorganising your pantry, now’s the time to get everything in order. Group similar items together so you can see how much space they’ll need. This will help you figure out the best layout for your pantry.

Step 5: Don’t Forget the Cabinet Doors

While you’re at it, give the inside and outside of your pantry doors a wipe-down with warm soapy water. Pay special attention to the areas around and under the handles—they’re prime spots for grime and germs. Use a Figgy Eco cloth for a lovely streak free finish.

Step 6: Add Some Pantry Organisation Magic

Here's six organising solutions are easier to find than ever for any budget, and they can make a world of difference in your pantry. Here are a few ideas:

1. Lazy Susan's: These spinning wonders are perfect for storing bottles of sauces, oils, and other items that tend to get lost at the back of shelves. Pop them in a corner for easy access.
2. Baskets for Small Items: Keep smaller items like spices or vitamins together in a basket. It’s a simple way to avoid chaos and make everything easy to find.
3. Contain the dirt: Store your potatoes and kumara in a basket or container that has a solid bottom, or line the bottom of the container so dirt can't escape to make your pantry a mess.
4. Matching Labels: If you’re into a coordinated look, consider getting some vinyl labels for your jars and containers. They don’t just look good—they make finding things a breeze.
5. Label the Shelves: Labelling your shelves isn’t just for show—it helps everyone in the household know where things go, making it easier to maintain that beautiful organisation.
6. Pinterest: Why not jump onto everybody's favourite ideas place and pin some organised pantries that you like the look of.

Step 7: Put Everything Back in the Pantry

Now that your pantry is clean, organised, and beautifully labelled, it’s time to put everything back. Be sure to place your “use up quick” foods at the front, or better yet, leave them on the bench so they don’t get forgotten. And just like that, you’re done! With your pantry now looking and functioning better than ever, you’ll be amazed at how much easier meal prep and grocery shopping becomes. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a job well done—and this one’s definitely worth the effort.

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