Setting Up a Kitchen Inventory

I like to keep a list of pantry and kitchen food items that I use frequently or at least want to have on hand just in case a recipe calls for it.  The way I keep my inventory up is by printing out my list, taking an inventory of what I have and pin it near the section that these items are stored.  I also keep a pen near the list so when I use the item I can mark its count down on my list. 
Example:  If I have 3 jars of Mayo and take out one I mark it down to 2 on my inventory list.  When I get ready to go shopping I look over my lists to see what I have in stock.  This also helps with sales and using coupons.  If I'm down to 2 jars of mayo and my brand isn't on sale I can wait and watch for it to go on sale and hopefully have a coupon that can be used along with the sale. 
I do try to stock up on my products when I find them on sale and mark my inventory list when I make additions. 
Example:  When my favorite mayo goes on sale for buy one, get one, I'll buy at least 2 and 4 if allowed by the store.  These I'll add to my inventory list.
The lists I'm giving you include some of those items that you may not normally keep on hand.  I cook a lot so I try to keep them just in case.  This is just an example list of what I have on my list.  You can easily make adjustments and make my list fit your own needs.  
I think you'll find that by keeping up with your inventory you'll find shopping a lot easier.  And due to you knowing exactly what you need, you will find it a lot cheaper because you're not looking at items that you don't normally buy but only at those you do.


Meat & Seafood o Bacon/Sausage o Beef - roast, cubed, chunk, ground___________________________ __________________________________ 

o Chicken - whole, boneless/skinless, bone in, strips___________________________ ___________________________
o Fish/Shellfish - Shrimp, cod, flounder, crab___________________________ ___________________________
Cereal o Cereal___________________________ ___________________________ o Oatmealo Granola Bars

Pasta & Grains o Mac & Cheeseo Pasta o Pasta Sauceo Rice___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ 

Sweets & Snacks o Candy, Gum, Chocolateo Cookieso Crackerso Chips: Potato, Corn, Othero Nutso Popcorn, Pretzelso Salsa & Dips
_________________________ _________________________ _________________________ 

Condiments o Ketchup, Mustardo Mayo, Spreadso Peanut Buttero Jams & Jellyo Salad dressingo Cooking Oilo Vinegar__________________________ __________________________ __________________________ 

Spices & Herbs o Salto Peppero Spices:____________________________________________________ __________________________ o Herbs:____________________________________________________ __________________________ 

Frozen o Waffles & Other Breakfasto Vegetableso Juice Concentrateo Ice Cream__________________________ __________________________ __________________________ 

International o Soy Sauceo Salsa & Hot Sauceso Tortillas & Tacos__________________________ __________________________ __________________________ 
Cans & Soups o Tomatoes Sauce, Pasteo Soup__________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ 
Beverages o Coffeeo Tea bagso Sugar, Splendao Juice__________________________ __________________________ 
o Soda____________________________________________________ __________________________ 

Cleaners
__________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ 

Paper Goods o Paper Towelso Napkinso Tissueso Toilet Papero Zip Lock Bagso Garbage Bags__________________________ __________________________ __________________________ 

Personal Care o Deodorant, Soapo Toothbrush & Toothpasteo Razors & Shaving creamo Eye Careo Feminine Careo Shampoo & Conditionero Sunscreen__________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ 

Petcare
__________________________ __________________________ __________________________