Pantry Organization: Stocking Up for Fall and the Holidays

In Michigan the leaves have turned and the air is crisp so that means it's time to prepare for the cozy, food-filled season that is fall and the holidays. Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner, planning festive gatherings, or simply wanting to keep your pantry well-stocked, efficient pantry organization is the key to stress-free entertaining and meal prep. With the following tips, you will be well on your way to being well-prepared so you can enjoy the season to the fullest.

Assess and Declutter

Before you begin stocking up for the holidays, start by assessing what’s in your pantry. Take everything (yes, EVERYTHING) out of your pantry and check expiration dates. Discard any expired or stale items and consider donating non-perishable items you no longer need.

Categorize and Prioritize

Now that your pantry is empty, categorize your items to make it easier to find what you need while maintaining inventory. Common categories I like to use are: Snacks, Dinner, Breakfast, Baking, Canned Goods, Pasta and Grains, Oils and Vinegars, and Spices.

Prioritize the items you know you'll need for your fall and holiday cooking and baking. Create a list of essentials for the fall and holidays (like flour, sugar, canned pumpkin, and specialty spices) and make sure you have enough of each.

Create Zones

Your pantry is empty, so now is the time to “draw” zones based on the categories you created. For example, designate one shelf for Baking, another for Canned Goods, a separate section for Snacks, and onward. Label the zones so that everyone in your household knows where to find and put away items. (I use post-it notes to start and once everything is set, I affix the pretty labels.)

Storage Solutions

Efficient pantry organization often hinges on the right storage solutions. If your budget allows, invest in a few key items like airtight containers, bins and baskets, and tiered shelves. These will help keep your pantry neat and make it easy to see what you have. Once the storage solutions are installed, place your pantry items accordingly and swap out those post-its for more semi-permanent labels.

Stock Up Strategically

Now that you've decluttered, categorized, and placed everything back in the pantry, it's time to stock up strategically for the fall and holiday season. Take your pantry essentials list and purchase items in advance of the holiday festivities. Look out for sales and discounts on non-perishable items and buy in bulk when it makes sense (and only if you have the space to store those items). Be mindful of shelf life when purchasing – you don’t want to end up with expired items on Christmas morning as you are pulling together breakfast.

Maintain and Rotate

To keep your pantry organized throughout the season, make it a habit to maintain and rotate your items. When you use up an item, add it to your shopping list so you can restock. Also, remember to check expiration dates regularly to prevent food waste.

Share the Plan

Share your pantry organization plan with other family members so everyone is on the same page. This will maintain order and ensure everyone knows where to find and store items. And don’t forget to remind them that when they use the last of something to add it to the grocery list!

With a well-organized pantry, you'll have more time to enjoy the fall and holiday season with loved ones and spend less time searching for ingredients and running to and from the store.

Happy organizing!