If we put our pantry into categories we will be able to know exactly what we have and what we need at the grocery store so we don’t over buy.  I know, I know, same thing different day.  Here are some suggestions for your pantry.  I keep cereal and snacks on lower shelves because I don’t want the boys calling me every two seconds to get them a snack, I want them to be able to get some things on their own so they feel independent and I don’t have to help them every two seconds. Of course this ... Read More »]]>

If we put our pantry into categories we will be able to know exactly what we have and what we need at the grocery store so we don’t over buy.  I know, I know, same thing different day.  Here are some suggestions for your pantry.  I keep cereal and snacks on lower shelves because I don’t want the boys calling me every two seconds to get them a snack, I want them to be able to get some things on their own so they feel independent and I don’t have to help them every two seconds. Of course this was when they were five and three but even now it helps when they just don’t know what they want to eat.

I also keep a drawer of packaged food fruit snacks, bagged crackers, and energy bars etc. The reason I do this is so that I don’t have fifty boxes of snack bags half emptied in my pantry.  I take all of the snack bags out of the box and put them in their general area in the drawer. If you really want to, you can buy baskets that fit in the drawer.  I don’t like to spend extra money if I don’t have to, so I put the like items in the general areas of my drawer.

The rest of my pantry is sorted by baking things on the top shelf (I purchase, I don’t bake) since I don’t bake very often I don’t need it at eye level.  I keep my soups together, mac-n-cheese, side dishes, and then my boxed dinners. After my boxed dinners I have my taco “stuff”, pastas and sauces “stuff” and so on.

When you make your grocery list, first make your dinner menu for next week from your pantry.  If you are overflowing in the pasta and sauce area, I say spaghetti night is calling you.  If it is suppose to be really cold the next week and you only have one can of soup, pick up some more at the store.  If the kids have soccer practice on Tuesday night, make sure you have box a mac-n-cheese for them to eat before or after practice.  You want something quick and easy for busy nights.  I also throw in crescent rolls and some yogurt.

If you make your list and menu’s from what is in your pantry you will save money at the grocery store and time during the week not worrying what you are going to make for dinner tonight.  I know I seem crazy but once you get going, trust me, you will no longer be worried about what is for dinner or running through McDonalds twice a week. Don’t forget to go through your coupons to save even more at the grocery store!

Easy tip, I brown my ground beef when I buy it from Sam’s.  I put the browned ground beef into Ziploc freezer bags so that when I make a Hamburger Helper or tacos I am already ahead of the game.

Author Michelle Lehman of Organizing Solutions “Clear the Clutter”

Michelle is a Professional Organizer in the Tulsa area. Her articles have been featured in the Tulsa World, The Oklahoman, Chicago Sun-Times, and The Chicago Post-Tribune.  Michelle appears on Tulsa’s Fox23 News DayBreak giving organizing tips and recommendations.

Photo Credit © Susan Leggett | Dreamstime.com

Here a couple of quick tips on getting your kitchen ready for the holidays. Its a good idea to have your kitchen organized especially if you are entertaining. This is a great time to clean out that plastic food storage cabinet.  Just locating all the lids and bowls will be a task!

Gather them all on the kitchen counter and start matching lids and containers. Set aside all of the plastic containers that you do not use or are missing lids.  Now place all storage container with lids back in your cabinet or drawer.  Use the containers you don’t want for ... Read More »]]>

Here a couple of quick tips on getting your kitchen ready for the holidays. Its a good idea to have your kitchen organized especially if you are entertaining. This is a great time to clean out that plastic food storage cabinet.  Just locating all the lids and bowls will be a task!

Gather them all on the kitchen counter and start matching lids and containers. Set aside all of the plastic containers that you do not use or are missing lids.  Now place all storage container with lids back in your cabinet or drawer.  Use the containers you don’t want for take home containers for leftovers for your guests. You don’t want your best plastic containers leaving for good and there is no need to purchase more for the holidays.

For the next two weeks you could have a “clean out” the refrigerator and freezer. Prepare your meals from what you already have at home. Buy only perishable groceries that you need such as milk, fruit and vegetables and use of what have already have in your pantry and refrigerator for dinner the next two weeks.  Not only will you being saving time at the grocery store you will be saving some money and I think we could all use a little extra money these days. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me cleartheclutter@cox.net