This is currently my pantry. It’s a plastic shelving unit in the shower stall of our downstairs bathroom that we don’t use. All of our bedrooms are upstairs and we have two bathrooms up there so basically this part was just unused space. Sometimes you have to think outside the box to find a place for food storage!
I don’t think we ever took a shower in it the whole time we’ve lived here! It’s great to have a designated space for extra food items but if you don’t, be creative and think of some other places you could store a few extra cans and boxes.
Pantry Principle Basics
- inventory what you have (so you don’t buy what you obviously don’t need or really eat) and keep a good on going record
- take the time to at least look at the sales flyer from the grocery stores you frequent. You can take it a step further and also check online sources for unadvertised specials and coupon match ups!
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There are lots of lists out there for what a well stocked pantry should have but I think it all depends on what your family eats. No use buying bags and bags of flour when you don’t bake. If your family eats lots of canned fruit then you should stock up on canned fruit when it’s at its lowest price. Or if you eat lots of chicken like my family, I buy lots of packages of different cuts when they go on sale so I never am out and I never have to pay full price.
So first thing I did was inventory what I had and then what I do is I keep a running list of what we need on my fridge. When someone uses the last of something or notices that it’s low it gets put on the list. Before I go grocery shopping I check this list against my pantry. I don’t expect my family to know what’s in the pantry. They just know if there’s no more in the fridge or kitchen cupboards. Now, not everything goes on sale. But most things eventually go on sale or you’ll have at least a coupon. And sales cycle! So keeping track of when something was a good price is also a good idea if you have time.
You shouldn’t go overboard and buy things just cause they’re on sale though. 20 cans of cheap Chef Boyardee are a waste of money if you don’t eat that type of thing! Buy what you eat and only you can determine how much to buy. Having one or two extra cans may be all you have room for or all you need whereas someone else might buy a case. Do what works for you and your family and your budget!
I check the sales flyers for all my local stores. I have a couple that are really close to each other. But I know lots of people that just shop at one store. Some people like Walmart because they price match and some people like Aldi because everything is a great price (although selection is limited). Whatever works for you!
I normally keep a price book but I’ve found it hard lately since prices are changing so quickly these days that what I once thought was a high price is now the sale price!! But I’ll return to it once prices stabilize.
A stocked pantry can help you survive times of challenge and struggle. It can be a lifesaver in the event of a natural disaster or job loss. Just think how much peace it would bring you to know that you can feed your family in the event of hard times!
See Part 1 of how we managed when my husband was downsized here
See my new pantry (2013) and how I organized it here
Thanks for the tips…I sure could use them right now. Everything is tight at the moment. Love your oops paint project.gorgeous color. cherry
Thanks for the tips! I already do some of this, but should get alot more serious about it.
Frannycakes
I always love your grocery tips! Thanks!
Great tips…I sometimes forget to check the pantry before making my list and wind up with extra things I really didn’t need or only use on occasion. It is something I need to be more dilligent about. You have done a fabulous job of getting yours organized.
This is great sweetie, just the type of topic I like as I am a lot like you in the area. Please keep up the great work and fantastic tips to share! Have a terrific day Manuela.
Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)
Ooopps I meant to say “in THIS area”, not the area! Argh. I need to go to bed I think…..goodnight sweetie!
Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)
Manuela,
Glad you liked the Seattle pix. I did two posts on the Capitol Hill area a couple of weeks ago. Check them out, I think you will love them. We actually took this cruise in July, but I am just getting around to sorting thru hubbie’s pictures to post.
Janet
Just found you by accident!!! Glad to see you blogging again….now I have 1 more thing to look forward to in my “free” time.
: )
I was hoping you would post your pantry pictures again!
I shop just about like you do but I think I need to decorate my pantry shelves so they are as cute as yours.
What a woman….. you know all I could think of reading this post was the Proverbs 31 woman…. yes… that is you…
HUgs
Linda
a large pantry in the basement and I use http://www.thegrocerygame.com to help me use coupons with sales to get the best price on items we buy. The pantry has been such a blessing not only by having lots of items to choose from for meal planning, but also because I often dont need to run to the store when I runout of basic ingredients. No gas or time wasted and less chance to impulse shop!
so i scrolled down and saw the ferns by the red door-is that your entry? what’s your secret to the healthy ferns? they look so big and lush!
Oh pretty pantry. You I am very for the power of the pantry !!! Clarice
pajama mama – I don’t have an email for you so I’ll answer you here. Yes, that’s my entry. I don’t really do anything to those ferns. I used potting soil that had fertilizer in it and I just keep them watered – they don’t really dry out. Maybe they like to be moist?
Manuela
Great pointers…I’m planning to set up a special pantry shelf in my kitchen for the weekend of Sept. 19 since i’ll have out of state relatives coming for the weekend for my mother’s 90th birthday. I have lists and lists to keep me on track.
Hi Manuela…. I haven’t visit for a long time and was reading you deleted your old blog… but I’m glad I found you again. 🙂
Have a blessed day
cielo