Pantry Edit: 6 Things to Toss Right Now

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Pantry after decluttering using zones (snacks, breakfast) and clients bins (photo used with permission)

Having a pantry in or near your kitchen is a great way to keep your food organized. Whether your pantry is a small cabinet or a full walk-in, it’s important to keep it decluttered and well-organized so everyone in the home can easily find what they’re looking for. A tidy pantry also prevents you from buying duplicates when menu planning and makes putting away groceries a breeze. But over time, pantries can become cluttered and chaotic, leading to wasted food and unnecessary purchases. Ready to whip your pantry into shape? Here’s the Living. Simplified. checklist of what to toss immediately:

  1. Expired Food
    Check those expiration dates! If something is expired, whether opened or not, it’s time to toss it. Sometimes we buy ingredients for a recipe that never gets made, or the item simply gets forgotten. Free up some shelf space by letting go of those expired products and reduce food waste in the process.

  2. Unwanted or Unused Items
    Impulse buys happen to all of us. If you have food that no one in the house is eating but it’s still good, consider donating it to a local food pantry. Someone else will appreciate the meal it provides, and you’ll gain valuable shelf space.

  3. Clunky or Unhelpful Organizers
    Pantry organizers are supposed to simplify, but sometimes they end up contributing to the clutter. If you have bins, risers, or lazy Susans that aren’t pulling their weight, repurpose them elsewhere in your home. A bathroom closet, under the sink, or even a home office might benefit from these organizers.

  4. Stale Snacks
    Have tweens or teens at home? You’ve likely encountered bags of chips or cookies returned to the pantry without being sealed properly. If these snacks have gone stale, it’s time to toss them. Add them to your grocery list and consider keeping a small bin with chip clips in the pantry for future use.

  5. Unused or Duplicate Small Appliances
    If your pantry doubles as storage for small appliances, now’s a good time to assess which ones you actually use. Donate those that are in working order but don’t get used, and responsibly dispose of any broken appliances. This is especially important for safety reasons. Appliances with duplicate functions can also be donated to free up more space for pantry essentials.

  6. Non-Pantry Items
    If your pantry is housing items that don’t belong—like toilet paper, mail, or children’s schoolwork—find a better home for them. Keeping the pantry focused on food and food-related items will help it stay organized longer.

Wrapping Up Your Pantry Edit

As you clean out and organize your pantry, take a moment to wipe down shelves and sweep the floor. But don’t stop there—an organized pantry is just the first step to streamlining your kitchen routine. Pair your tidy shelves with thoughtful menu planning to make meal prep easier and avoid those frustrating duplicate purchases on your next grocery run.

An organized pantry not only saves time and money but also reduces stress during busy mealtimes. When you know exactly what’s in your pantry, you can plan meals more efficiently, make fewer trips to the store, and ensure that your family is eating what’s already on hand. Wondering what a well-stocked pantry looks like? Download the Living. Simplified. Pantry Essentials list for a guide to keeping your pantry filled with everyday staples without the clutter.

By keeping your pantry in check and regularly editing its contents, you’ll always have a clear view of what you need—and what you don’t. So the next time you’re shopping, you can confidently skip over items you already have, leaving room for new ingredients and inspiration!

Pantry before decluttering (photo used with permission)

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