Pantry Storage Containers - I Do Simple

 Howdy everyone!  Today I want to talk out storage containers that we use to keep items in our pantry and/or long term pantry.  There are many options out there and many that you can buy!!  I do simple and don't really buy a lot or spend a lot of money.  

It may surprise some people - but I do NOT buy mylar bags or oxygen absorbers.  I do not have one of those vacuum sealers for jars (although I wouldn't mind one).  I do have a vacuum sealer for sealing bags (great for freezing meat).

I have always kept desiccant packs from bottles of vitamins and use in many of my storage jars.  I keep glass jars of all sizes and types.  Years ago we used to buy pickles and olives in gallon glass jars - I have all those jars!.  I keep glass jars from instant coffee and those from anything else I might get. 

I have never had a rodent problem, but know many do.  Glass can not be chewed through and it keeps items nice and dry and protected.

I use Bay leaves to protect items from any type of bugger or weevil.  Yes, I do find that they work well.

PS - I throw a few grains of rice in with ground spices and with salt to keep from packing somewhat solid.

I love old canning jars and have accumulated many over the years.  They keep things nice and fresh.  They look pretty too.  I keep everything from pasta to dried beans to instant milk to instant potatoes in them.

I had a friend ask me the other day - about storing pasta - did I do mylar and special tins?  No.  Much of my longer pasta is still in the boxes - Those boxes are kept in baskets or boxes.  I do have a gallon jar with some spaghetti in it - it always has to be broken to fit in the jar.  I have never one time had a problem with pasta.  If kept dry and cool (I keep in a darker spot) it lasts almost forever.

I do have a couple food grade buckets that we bought years ago.  I use for various items long term - but they were purchased to use for a homemade water purifier (I have the filter and spicket as well).  Just not put together yet.

I use old milk crates and even some of the small ones from the dollar stores to hold boxes of different things.  It just keeps things nice and neat and all together in one spot.

Split peas and lentils keep nicely in these type of jars.  I cut out instructions from bag on cooking and throw in the jar as well.

You can see the gallon glass jars.  Labeled with item and/or instructions.  They keep things for ages!!!!  Also you can see boxes of long pasta in a box on a side shelf.  I like using gallon size ice cream buckets as well for various things.  My pantry is dark once the door closes - it is very cool in there all year.

When I get flour - I stick it in the freezer for several days (wrapped in a grocery bag).  Supposedly it kills any bug eggs that may still be in the flour after it is processed.  Yes, I know that sounds just gross - but you would be amazed what is in the food you buy!  I take it out of the freezer and let it set at room temp for a day or two - then I place the bags of flour in totes or in old popcorn tins.

I keep all my sugar in it's bags and place them all in popcorn tins (you know the holiday tins).  NEVER put oxygen absorbers in with sugar - it will become rock hard in no time.  Sometimes mine has hardened a little - just a good hit with my hand (palm) breaks it free.  I don't eat a lot of sugar - but I use a lot in summer for hummingbird feed and for canning.  I keep a good 75 pounds on hand all the time.

I have a couple huge totes that I got after Christmas many years ago.  The kind they sell to store holiday stuff in.  I actually store a lot of packs of dried beans and other goods in them.  I keep so much in jars - then the remainder is stored in it's bags in the totes.  I always throw in a few Bay leaves for good measure!!

Gives you an idea of some of the containers you can get and use.  They are not expensive at all. And it keeps things nice and tidy.  Small blue baskets (in middle) hold Jello and pudding boxes.  Pink and orange hold boxes of different crackers, snacks (chips) and any super cheap mixes I might find.  Basket holds bags of bulk specialty pasta and noodles.  Notice all my tomato products - I feel you can't have enough tomato stuff (does not include all the home canned).

I have several of those small blue baskets in my kitchen cabinets as well.  They just keep many like items organized.

You don't have to spend a fortune to have storage containers.  Mason jars, old glass gallon jars (check w/family and friends), jars from food or drink.  Use totes, baskets, milk crates, and even boxes.

You know if you home has a problem with rodents - and you plan accordingly.  

So many things last for ages and ages (no it doesn't *EXPIRE!!)

* I truly wish the word EXPIRES was removed from the English language!!!!!  It causes so much waste!

It is nice to have like items stored neatly together.  It sure makes life easier when you are needing to know your inventory and it makes it so easy for your cooking pleasure.  If you know what you have and where it is - you will cook and use it more!!!!!  Trust me!!!

So look around your home and hunt for items that would organize your goods.  Check with family and friends to see if they have jars or tins they don't want.  Check with FB marketplace - post a request - you may get all kinds of storage items.  Watch at yard sales and thrift stores (lots of tins).

Get your pantry organized and neat - don't spend a lot of money to do it.  You will never be sorry if you get organized.  It saves you so much money and frustration.  

Happy storing and cooking!!!!!!!