Organizing a Pantry Cupboard

Sometimes when I am particularly busy, I need to focus on quick and easy organizing projects rather than the long and involved ones.  I also like to focus on “hot spots” that I use all the time.

One of those ongoing organizing jobs that I don’t particularly enjoy is cleaning out the grocery cupboard and/or the fridge.

So my next project is to get stuck in once again! My strategy is as follows:

1. Take everything out, shelf by shelf, and wipe down the shelves. Sometimes I just do a shelf at a time; sometimes I go the whole hog and empty the entire cupboard at once.
2. Then get rid of expired items – though we are quite good at actually using things up, occasionally spices and such like things do get past their best. And stuff that lurks at the back of the cupboard gets over looked sometimes. I am sorry to say I know there are a few jars of Christmas fruit mince that have been there too long! I also write down on the grocery list things that need to be replaced.
3. Next give away food that is still usable but that we have not actually used.
4. Then group like items together and use containers to store open packets. I use clear containers so I can see what is in them. I also use a bigger container to put lots of small things together, such as all the sauces in a long, shallow container.
5. Finally put things back in a logical order with like things together. All cans go on a narrow shelf at the back, grains and cereals have their own shelf. I also consider what is used most often – that needs to be at the front of the shelf and at eye-level so it is easy to grab and put back. Snacks also have their own shelf and baking goods have their own little cupboard.

So that is my strategy for trying to keep the non-perishable items in at least some sort of order. What are your tips for getting your food storage more organized?

Judith Wilson’s “Casual Living”

“Imagine a home that is organized yet relaxed, functional yet comfortable, unfussy but also beautiful.”

This is a quote from the introduction to Judith Wilson’s book, “Casual Living”. I really love her writing and was delighted to find this book while travelling recently. Although the decor style that is depicted in the book is not really like my own, the ethos of casual living that she describes really resonated with me.  I love the idea of a really functional space that does not sacrifice comfort or beauty.

I have a lot of inherited items that are precious to me, but I am reluctant to use them in case they are damaged or broken. I have realized though that I need to embrace a more casual style that allows me to relax and not worry about the cat scratches, spills and invariable mishaps. I have chosen to put more precious items in the master bedroom where they are less exposed to wear and tear and allow our living area and kitchen to house more utilitarian and functional things that are still beautiful in their own right.

As Judith Wilson describes casual living actually needs to be functional, organized and fuss –free as well as relaxed, comfortable and beautiful.  In my case, I think some paring down of items that are “high maintenance” may be necessary to achieve a more casual life style.

I have also been reflecting on the need to simplify and only to keep things that really bring joy.  I think part of the casual living ethos is to live with what is either necessary or beautiful and not to be weighed down with things that are no longer useful for the current stage of our lives.  Asking myself the question, “Why am I keeping this?” has been really helpful.  I am also thinking more carefully about the functions of each of our spaces and trying to keep things where they are used and useful. 

Are you a fan of casual living? What tips or advice do you have to create a simple and beautiful space that is also organized and functional?