New Year, New (Organized) You

HELP! My pantry goes from tidy to tornado in 0.2 seconds whether I'm cooking, prepping or just plain old living.  Sooo...I've asked a dear friend to help me (and my NJAPP readers) attack the clutter.  Thank you, Jenneen, for taking time away from alphabetizing your clients spice jars in order to share some of your kitchen pantry organization expertise. 

NJAPP Guest Contributor 

5 way to  "Conquer Your Clutter" By: Jenneen Ameres

Let’s face it you are in and out of your kitchen pantry as much as your car. Even when we don't have time for a full overhaul of our kitchen, the smallest effort can still make a difference.

Whether you have a big pantry closet or a smaller space, here are five simple steps to help you pull it into shape, right now!

1. Wipe down the shelves
It seems like such a basic thought, but when was the last time you did it? Use a damp rag and wipe up the dust and crumbs.

2. Group similar items together
Think grocery aisles!  Group items together…soup section, pasta section, cereal, snacks, baking and so on. It's an easy way to get in and out of your pantry and grab what you need. Check expiration dates while sorting.

3. Face all the labels out
It's hard to tell what you have if you can't see the labels. Face them outward, and stack items on top of each other for extra visibility.  Place daily items on eye level and children-friendly snacks at a reachable level for little hands.

4. Donate canned and boxed goods to a local food pantry

Perhaps you went a little crazy at the last “Can-Can Sale.”  You know you don’t need 20 soups and 20 cans of beans.  As you organize your pantry by section, set aside a bag for the latest food collection at school or drop off at your nearest church or food pantry.

5. Use household items to give your pantry more storage space

From crates and baskets to space-saving racks, clear containers and magazine holders, household items can be a smart and inexpensive way to add even more storage to your pantry.

Remember, a place for everything and everything in its place.

Jenneen Ameres

NJAPP PRO TIP:  Start the new year with a tidy pantry by scheduling a FREE consultation with Jenneen (Conquer Your Clutter).  Trust me, it's the best way to keep that 2018 "New (Organized) You" resolution.  Leave the stress of finding a place for everything to a professional, leaving yourself with more time to stock your pantry properly, workout more efficiently or even meal prep more frequently!

“There is Beauty in Simplicity” - Jenneen A.