With spring in full swing, many are diving into cleaning and organizing. But what if some pantry items can actually be left untouched?
Professional organizers suggest that you don't need to sort through everything in your pantry. Certain items can be stored worry-free.
Here's what you can cross off your decluttering checklist, allowing you to focus on what truly needs attention.
5 Pantry Staples You Can Keep
1. Honey
Pure honey never spoils, making it a safe pantry staple.
Tracy McCubbin, a professional organizer, notes that if stored correctly, honey can last indefinitely. Just ensure it's sealed and moisture-free.
Although it can change in quality over time, including crystallization, Di Ter Avest, another organizer, suggests warming it in water to return it to its original form.
All prices correct at time of publication.
High-quality wood
This honey dipper is crafted from 100% food-safe wood, ensuring your honey remains uncontaminated.
100s of uses
Many moisture absorbers exist, but an open box of baking soda is food-safe and versatile for cooking and cleaning.
Pack of four
Available in various colors, these shelf risers keep your honey dry while maximizing pantry space.
2. Spices
Organizing spices is often more beneficial than decluttering them.
While it's good to assess spices regularly, you can often just organize them. A spice rack like the 4 Tier Organizer from Walmart is a great choice.
Tracy explains that spices don't spoil; they merely lose potency over time. You can keep using them, though you may need to increase the amount to achieve desired flavors.
Store spices in a cool, dry place. A pantry, cabinet, or drawer is ideal.
Spice racks can also serve other organizational purposes, making them versatile and worthwhile purchases.
Expandable
This spice drawer organizer easily fits into a drawer and expands from 12 to 23 inches.
Includes convenient labels
These stylish airtight jars preserve flavor while looking great in your kitchen.
Rotating design for easy access
This spice rack comes stocked with 16 essential spices, perfect for any kitchen.
3. Dried Beans and Lentils
Dried goods are safe to keep as non-perishable items.
Di states that dried beans and lentils can last years with proper storage.
Consider using glass jars, as Martha Stewart suggests, to keep pests and moisture at bay. Options like the Anchor Hocking Heritage Hill Glass Jar with Lid from Walmart are excellent for this purpose.
Switching to glass from plastic can enhance health, as plastic can leach harmful chemicals. Di reassures that beans and lentils remain nutritious and safe to consume, even as they age.
Airtight
FOUKUS Glass Jar with Bamboo Lid
These lovely glass jars are crafted from food-grade glass and feature bamboo lids with silicone seals.
4. Pure Extracts
Pure extracts are great for baking, cleaning, and pest control.
Pure extracts, like vanilla and almond, are safe to keep, according to Tracy. These last long due to their alcohol content.
Vanilla extract has multiple uses beyond baking, such as freshening up a freezer or creating a vanilla vinegar cleaner for deodorizing. It can even deter mosquitoes.
Using aromatic ingredients helps maintain a pleasant-smelling pantry, a tip often used by those who keep their homes smelling delightful.
Reusable and refillable
LiBa Glass Spray Bottles
These amber spray bottles are perfect for mixing homemade cleaning solutions, featuring UV-protection to preserve ingredients.
5. Salt
Salt doesn't expire, experts confirm.
Di explains that all types of salt—table, sea, or Himalayan—last indefinitely. It's essential for seasoning and preserving food, so there's no need to discard it or check for expiration dates!
Salt is also useful for cleaning and can help eliminate condensation, making it a versatile staple.
Quick Tips for Pantry Decluttering
Decluttering enhances pantry functionality.
When organizing your pantry, Ben Soreff, a professional organizer, emphasizes understanding the difference between Best by and Expired by dates. Instead of asking if something is safe, consider why you haven't used it.
Often, items go unnoticed in the back of deep shelves. Using clear bins can help categorize items, making them easier to access, as suggested by the Vtopmart Glass Food Storage Containers with Airtight Lids available at Amazon.
This method helps manage the quantity of items in each category, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Ultimately, it's about shopping within your home and developing habits that encourage utilizing what you already have.
Meet Our Experts
With extensive experience, Ben understands which items should be decluttered and which can be safely retained.
Di specializes in decluttering and guiding clients on what can be kept versus what should be discarded.
Tracy has over 20 years of experience in organizing and decluttering.
Consider adopting zero waste practices for your pantry to minimize waste and lessen your environmental impact.
