Organizational Sunday Challenge #6 Into the Pantry (or Cupboards) We Go

Heather says:

Progress adds up over time. Are you starting to see a difference in your house yet? Are you keeping your entry neat with a place for your keys and purse / wallet? Are you enjoying not having to turn the house upside down just to go somewhere? 

I like that feeling.

Today is pantry day. Please keep in mind that I understand that not everyone has a pantry. Almost everyone does have a place or places where they store dry goods (shelf-stable foods) and today, these places are what I’m referring to. (Except your spices, save those for later this month) 

If it has been a long time since you’ve delved into the deepest corners of your pantry, today’s challenge might take a while. Make sure to have your trash / recycling bin and donation bin at the ready. Additionally, find yourself a notebook (or piece of paper, it’s your list, not mine) and a pen.

Start at the highest point in the left corner and work your way to the right.

Clear the shelf. 
Use a flashlight to check for any signs of pantry moths or weevils. You’re looking for webbing and bug debris. Make sure you look up in the top inside corners, they aren’t always easy to see. If you find any signs, refer to the linked post for full instructions on getting rid of pantry moths.
If you have solid shelves, vacuum the shelf with the soft bristle attachment of your vacuum, this will get rid of any loose crumbs, if you don’t have a vacuum, use a foxtail brush.
Once the shelf has been vacuumed, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to give it a once over with a degreaser and rag.

With a clean shelf, you’re ready to move on to the next step. 

For each item from the shelf work through the following flow chart:

 

 

Repeat for each shelf or cupboard. 

When you’re through hang on to your inventory, we’ll use it in a later challenge as part of organizing your menu planning and grocery shopping while reducing your grocery budget by building your pantry. If you want to get a jump on that, you can take a look at Stocking the Emergency Pantry.

See you next week!

If you spotted the typo in the chart I threw together, award yourself one free internet.

 

 

 

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