I used to be...well, a lot of things: thin, well-rested, a bit more fun, and, also, so much more organized. I’m not sad about any of these things I’m not, anymore, as they were replaced by time spent with a growing baby boy, building a business (and making sure it was impeccably organized) and getting to know my husband again after his 15-year stint of working 80+ hours a week. I wouldn’t trade any of those things for a few less pounds or a pristine pantry...but I’m wondering if maybe THIS is the year the stars align and I can get back a little of that person I used to be while keeping the best things I like about the person I’ve become?
That’s all well and good but, wow, where to start?!?
First, I’m going to set some realistic expectations.
My goal is to be better, not perfect.
I’m going to take my time and not feel like everything needs to be organized all at once.
Both of these are hard for me...I tend to like immediate satisfaction. :)
Second, I identified the most immediate organizational challenge at my house--the pantry! We had a lot of sweets and goodies from the holidays lingering there that wouldn’t normally be in our home, and, like a lot of you, we recommitted to a more balanced diet in the New Year so organizing the pantry was a MUST. Sound familiar?
(Deep breath here because I’m actually going to show you a picture of my messy pantry!)
Keeping goal #1 in mind, I recognize that the end result is not going to be Pinterest-worthy. Our pantry is a small closet, so it’s never going to have the “wow” factor of a beautifully organized walk-in pantry, and I’m never going to be the person that takes the time to empty my pasta or cereal into a beautiful clear container; I barely have time to grocery shop and unload the groceries! That being said, we have lots of beautiful pantry inspiration pics on our Pinterest Page “Real Estate Love - Kitchen Organization” if that’s your goal for the year!
Full disclosure, the amazing Melanie Weinberg at Simply Organized by Mel put systems in place in my pantry several years ago. If you look behind all that mess, you can see the systems there, waiting to be used!
When organizing anything in your home, the first step is to PURGE!
Second, identify what your goals are for the space, and what you need to achieve them. I’m a HUGE fan of using The Container Store for both inspiration and execution. These Silver Mesh Stackable Storage Bins are my favorite! I use them to group my pantry items by type: breakfast, snacks, breads, pastas, nuts, etc. Ikea, Target, and the Dollar Store also have great storage options that are more budget friendly.
I gave up labeling my storage bins in the pantry a few years ago and found that works better for me. I can easily move the pastas to a bigger or smaller bin depending on what we need that week without having to relabel. If you like to label though, something that is easily changed out, erased, or relabeled might be easier for you to maintain long-term.
Here’s the finished product! Streamlined, functional and neat (but not perfect...and that’s ok!)
BONUS: As I was organizing our pantry last week, I realized that we really eat the same 5-10 meals on a regular basis. Understanding that, I set up “Week 1” and “Week 2” shopping lists on Shipt with the ingredients for a handful of meals each week. Now, instead of stopping to think about what we need for each meal and adding those items individually, I can add everything to my cart at once and simply delete anything we don’t need. While grocery services are a bit more expensive than shopping yourself, I’ve found that it keeps me from impulse purchases while I’m at the store and I actually save money this way.
Who knew a blog on pantry organization could tackle the top 3 New Year’s resolutions? Save money, eat healthier, be more organized!
Maybe you are like me and you used to be organized or maybe you are the opposite and have never been any of those things but strive to implement one or two strategies that can make your life easier. Either way, if one of your goals for 2020 is to be “more organized”, I hope you’ll come along with me and my team throughout the year as we share tips on how to organize your home (inside and out), keep on top of work/life balance and talk all things real estate on our new blog/email series: HGG @ Home. Let’s be clear, we don’t have all the answers, but between us, we have a lot of experience and we would love to share our tips and learn from and with you throughout the year!
Have ideas on how to save money on groceries, eat healthier or organize your pantry that you think we could use? Let us know by commenting on the blog below!
~Heather
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