Preparing That Cost-Effective Pantry

 Good morning, all.  It is a chilly morn here.  I sure did not want to get out 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!