Good morning, all. It is a chilly morn here. I sure did not want to get out6 of bed this morning - the house was cool, the bed felt great, and all was comfy. Kitties had different ideas - so I was up at regular time! I actually put on a lightweight sweatshirt this morning.
Hope everyone is safe and well.
We talk about pantries a lot I know. Now is a time people are really starting to get concerned, it seems. Everywhere I look I see videos and posts about "stocktober"! It is all about stocking up in October.
You know I am not a fear monger and don't push the panic button - but saying that there are some good reasons to get stocked sooner than later.
The recent weather events have sent devastation over much of the SE and many crops, businesses and farms have been destroyed. There are also the port strikes, which could cause some shortages in coming weeks. Another thing is the upcoming elections, because things could get wonky. We can all remember times of riots and destruction, so I never underestimate the stupid things people can do. Could there be new health situations? Anybody's guess.
Just do what you can now. Get those deals as you find them and add what you can.
A pantry can save you money. A well-organized pantry can save even more!!! Think about it - have you ever gone out and bought things because you thought you were out - only to find out you had plenty, just didn't see it? It saves money, because you have goods right there, and don't have to make as many extra runs to the grocery. No emergency runs. You can use what you have. In a time of any kind of difficulty you are covered.
1. Clean everything out of the pantry and place on a table or counter.
2. Wipe down all the shelves and dry thoroughly
3. Decide what to save or discard. If you have items you know you will never use - give it to someone that will. REMEMBER: most "best by" dates are just suggestions and it doesn't mean expired (use it up)
4. Group like items together when placing back into the pantry. Baking goods, beverages or drink mixes (tea & coffee as well), canned fruits and veggies, pasta & rice, soups, sauces and condiments, snacks, etc. Keep paper goods together in one place and bulk items together
5. Keep your pantry safe. Use glass containers when possible for dry goods. Utilize to baskets, hooks, jar organizers, tiered shelves, lighting, keep a step stool handy if you have a taller pantry.
6. Don't put heavy items over your head, Place things heavy like juice and gallon jars on the lower shelves. Make sure items are turned so labels are easy to see. Place frequently used items at eye level. Rotate that stock - first in, first out. Think about labeling shelves or baskets - so your family can easily find the spot to return things.
7. Keep two lists ready all the time. One list for items you need to replace and add back into the pantry, as they get used. Another list of what you actually have (easier said than done). I always start out good on the second list - then it kind of gets left behind! I understand.
8. Try not to over crowd the shelves - you want to be able to see what you have easily. If you can't see it or find it - then it can get wasted and so can your money.
TRY TO CLEAN THE PANTRY OUT ABOUT EVERY 6 MONTHS
These ideas are basic and good for freezers as well. Keep things organized and use the oldest first.
Work on having mixes together - whether purchased or homemade. Things like pancake, waffle, biscuit, cake, cookies, etc. Having dry mixes for homemade soups on hand are great ideas (also emergency gifts). Any canning you have done or can do is great.
Just do what you can and take advantage of ANY deal you can find (that will be used) and make those pantries ready for about anything!
Get any holiday goods that you may need for cooking and baking ahead of time, if possible.
Just being somewhat prepared keeps you from facing hardships in not finding goods or having to spend a lot of extra money!
Have a BEAUTIFUL day!
It certainly was cool this morning...48 degrees when I got up. The forecast is for warmer temps the rest of the week. Up and down, up and down...
ReplyDeleteWith all the uncertainties it is more prudent than ever to be prepared. Not saying that we don't trust the Father to provide but He gave us good sense. Don't be like the foolish virgins who had no oil for their lamps. If you don't use everything, there will be those who have a need.
Good organization in a pantry is key. I label the front of the container and also the top. Your tip #6 just about covers it all!
We are off to the eye specialist in Avon. Take care, enjoy your day (and the antics of your kitties!).
Watching the headlines of people without food and water post hurricane Helene is a good reminder that everyone, whether a walk from the grocery store or usual restaurant clients, needs to have something put by for emergencies.
ReplyDeleteNippy today and it's time to pick all the tender crops and stow; frost is just around the corner!
Your pantry tips are good and sensible. I recently washed and organized my pantry shelves and made note of foods to use up.
My fridge is similarly organized and has bare spots which is how I like it. I've managed to keep on top of leftovers and garden veg with virtually no waste. I even use vegetable water to make my bread. Every drop of fat is repurposed; usually for frying potatoes.
It is from reading your blog and similar ones that I've fine tuned my frugality and as time goes by it becomes nature and you don't have to think about it.
Same in the garden. When I clean up the flower beds I chop and drop the waste back onto the soil so there is little to no loss of nutrients in the production of the blooms. I'm mulching with leaves in the veg garden. I take so much good food from there and do not fertilize so organic nutrients need to go back.
Have an excellent day.
For those who watched the V.P. debate last night...wasn't it a pleasure to watch a civil discourse? We need to remember that politics is diplomacy.
I find reorganizing my pantry, fridge & freezer periodically to be fun. It's like finding free food!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has a tiny pantry. It's one of those inner corner cabinets that has two rotating shelves. She does pack a lot on those shelves for her family of 4. She recently reorganized her pantry and she told me it helped her save money - both saving her from buying duplicates and using up some things. She also began storing some things in clear labeled containers and she thinks that helps her keep track of what she's running low on.
Walmart here is already putting limits on certain items because of the port strike. Diapers, formula, toilet paper, paper towels, water, not sure what else. Workers say the people are already going crazy over it just like they did during COVID.
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