Organize Your Pantry and Make Memories Along the Way
Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and even dry beans are always my go-to when preparing meals. Thus, my pantry is filled with canned goods that go unused. If your non-perishables are not used often, it’s time to remove and organize!
When is a good time to do a full cabinet sweep? The honest answer here is anytime the mood hits! But, if you want to be strategic with your sweep, start here:
The Beginning of Each Season
We’ve all heard of spring cleaning, but what about summer cleaning? Fall cleaning? Winter cleaning? Why should spring receive all the love? I recommend doing a quick sweep of your pantry and cabinets at the beginning of each season. In the warmer months, people typically eat canned fruits like fruit cocktail or peaches, while in the colder months, people typically eat chili beans or spiced apples. Check the dates to ensure nothing has expired and move your most popular items, according to that season, to the front of your pantry.
After the Holidays
No more tricks or treats. The thought of any more turkey or dressing seems revolting. And all the gifts have been properly put in their place… or returned to the store. So, why not use that time in between the holidays and the new year to do a quick sweep of your cabinet? You can put your cranberry sauces, sliced carrots, and other holiday goods in the back for next year. Remember to check your dates for nearly expired or expired cans first.
Make it Fun and Memorable
Let’s be honest, in today’s busy world, time is something that most people rarely have, and organizing a cabinet or pantry would be rock bottom of a to-do list. I suggest scheduling your sweep like a brunch date or weekend project with your loved ones. A can of pineapples may spark a much-needed conversation with your young adult child whom you haven’t seen in months. A can of corn may bring back memories of a laughable moment that happened two years ago with your spouse. Finally, after the job is done, you all can take a trip down to the local shelter to donate all of your unwanted non-perishables together.
So, pop open a bottle of wine or pour up some coffee—your cabinet sweep may be one of the best times of your life!