If you couldn’t find your soup mix today because it was mixed in with packets of your hot cocoa, it may be time to organize your pantry. Here are some simple ways to keep food items together and within easy reach for everyone:

• Keep Like Things Together - Separate your pantry items in to like groups, such as baking items, canned food, soups and cereal. Keep like things together so you don’t go nuts (which you should store with other nuts or snack foods, by the way) looking for what you need.
• Put Heavily Used Items Out Front - If you have deep shelves, keep more heavily used items out in the front, within easy reach. Things that are used more sparingly, like holiday baking items or certain spices, can go towards the back.
• Keep Things Within Reach - Keep things within easy reach of the person using the item. If your kids pour their own cereal in the morning, you probably don’t want to put the boxes on the top shelf, lest they pull a Spiderman on you to reach them.
• Watch For Expiration Dates - Keep an eye on product expiration and toss those that cannot be safely consumed. Don’t just rely on the expiration dates - many items can be eaten or used past them. Real Simple has a great “who knew?” guide to surprising expiration dates. Also use your nose - if something smells off, it probably is.
• Watch For Bugs - If your rice is moving, you probably don’t want to consume it. Different types of “pantry pests” have an appetite for your food, especially when it’s dried. PantryPests.com explains the different types and how to avoid infestations.
• Use Organization Shelves And Containers - Tupperware, storage containers, lazy susans and special pantry shelves are great for keeping pantry clutter at bay. You can find these at specialty home stores, like Bed Bath & Beyond, or general stores like Target.
• Condense - If you have many of the same items and can condense them into one storage container, like rice or cereals, do it. You’ll save space and reduce clutter.
• Stock Heavy Items Towards The Bottom - Don’t put heavy items, like juices, oils or large cans of tomato sauce, on the top shelf. If a person tries to reach for one of the heavy items and drops it, it can cause serious injury.
• Keep A Notebook And Pencil Nearby - Keep track of what you use so you’ll have a handy reminder next time you go to the supermarket.
• Donate What You Don’t Use - Sometimes you end up with items you don’t need. For instance, you may have purchased cake mix and frosting, but don’t have time to bake. If such items are just gathering dust, donate them to your local pantry - there’s likely someone very hungry who will use your items.

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