The school’s out for the year, and what better time of year to get organized? I’m talking about your pantry! This is a great time to refresh your pantry from top to bottom, disinfect pantry shelves naturally, and learn smart pantry organization ideas for small spaces.
Whether your pantry is a walk-in space or a few shelves in a cabinet, proven cleaning services in Corinth, TX, and a thoughtful organizing system can work wonders. Let’s take a look at the best way to deep clean a pantry and organize your lunch preparation to simplify your morning routine.
What is the best way to organize your pantry?
Just like every organizational task, this one should start with cleaning, followed by decluttering. As a food storage space, a pantry must stay clean year-round, so it may be best to call in the pros, especially if you haven’t cleaned it in a while. Here are the basic 5 steps of pantry cleaning:
Step 1: Empty everything out
Start by clearing every shelf, bin, and basket. Set everything on a table or countertop where you can see what you’re working with. This is the best time to take inventory and spot duplicates or things you never use.
Step 2: Check expiration dates & declutter
Go through each item one by one. Check expiration dates and get rid of anything old, stale, or that hasn’t been used in the past year. Toss anything that’s leaking, open, or smells off. Ok, that was easy! Let’s take a look at the best way to deep clean a pantry.
Step 3: Clean all surfaces
Wipe down shelves with a mild cleaning solution or vinegar and water. This is a great way to disinfect pantry shelves naturally. Don’t forget the corners, edges, and inside of any drawers or containers. Sweep or vacuum the floor and mop it if needed. Make sure all surfaces are completely dry before placing items back.
Step 4: Group similar items together
Next, categorize your food: grains, canned goods, snacks, baking supplies, breakfast items, spices, and so on. Keeping similar items grouped is one of the best pantry organization ideas for small spaces. It makes it easier to see what you have and avoid buying duplicates.
Step 5: Use clear containers & labels
Transfer items like pasta, rice, flour, and cereal into clear containers for a cleaner look and easier access. Airtight bins keep ingredients fresher longer and allow you to see when you’re running low. Label everything clearly so everyone in the household knows where things go.
How to prep for school lunches?
Who makes school lunches? On average, there are 180 school days in a calendar year, which means 180 prepared lunches. Times that by five ravenous boys, and you can see why I had to simplify and perfect the lunch prep chaos. I have come up with a plan that works for my busy family, saves time and space, and helps our mornings run smoothly. I can even enjoy my morning cup of coffee :).
Smart planning
I love to take advantage of sales or purchase in bulk from a box store when preparing for back-to-school. But where do you put all that food when you get home? I have found an easy solution that works for any busy household. I begin by figuring out how many lunches I need for two weeks, adjusting for any school holidays.
Sometimes, I will just make enough to work with what I purchased, for example, juice boxes come in quantities of 8 or 10, thus 8 or 10 lunches. Next, find a spot to put your lunches. You might designate a shelf or add a shelving unit to store your lunches. By making the lunches in advance, you will reduce the space needed to store all the extra bulk food, which should give you some storage space for the lunch bags.
Shopping day
I shop for all the items needed: sandwich fixings, chips, snack crackers, granola, veggies, yogurt, cookies, etc. To begin the process, I open all the disposable lunch sacks I need for the number of lunches I will be making. I still use this method for my kids’ lunch kits, too. I simply empty the bag each day into the lunch kit and then reuse the bags. Then I line up all the lunch sacks so I can add all the items easily, as well as add variety.
Store for grab & go
I start the sort by putting in all the items for lunch, except the perishables, into each of the opened bags. This includes a napkin, a spoon, or even an encouraging note. Once a week, I portion out and bag up any perishable items (fruit or veggies) so I can do a quick grab from the fridge.
Finally, store your bags on the designated shelf or shelves. Here is the best part: each morning, you grab and go! It takes less than five minutes to grab a bag, make a sandwich, and add your perishable items. The convenience of having all this done already has saved us many times after a late night out, a forgotten field trip, and even a morning when the alarm didn’t go off.
Which provider excels in methodical cleaning services in Corinth, TX & beyond?
Juggling kids and a career is a full plate without adding housework to the mix, let alone finding some time for yourself. That’s where Rag Mops steps to the fore to help you find more time and conserve much-needed energy. From recurring cleaning services and deep cleanups to help keeping toddlers’ rooms neat and smart closet cleaning and organization tips, we’ll not only keep your home spick and span but also introduce ease, comfort, and convenience into your daily life.
Just reach out to us, and you’re free to spend time with your loved ones at Corinth Community Park while we tackle the dirt. Booking us is easy, call us today!
