Stockpiling, Organizing The Stockpile, and Creating A Mock Pantry
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
I love couponing and getting the deals. I buy 6 papers each week for the coupon inserts (if you get coupons & don’t want them, feel free to send them my way, lol!), which means I’m able to stock-up on great deals. That stockpile has to go somewhere, preferably somewhat organized. That presents somewhat of a challenge for me because space, especially storage space of any kind, is very much at a premium here. Confession: I do not have a pantry. My cabinet space is sparse, but admittedly not as well utilized as it could be.
I have a goal this year (well, not a goal persay, but I’m taking little steps in all areas making improvements) to really get all the “stuff” organized. I discovered Sterlite’s clear bins (lid colors vary by season) in 3 sizes that are really working for me: shoebox size, 16 qt, and 56 qt. I love that the clear bottoms helps me know exactly what is inside & the lids are very flat and simple, no extra bulk.
I discovered that the 16 qt fits nicely between the dryer & water heater in the laundry room, which is just off the kitchen. We put in a few shelves in the laundry room, some of which I’m using for food items (need to add more to maximize the space). Putting like items together in a bin makes it very easy when looking for something specific and I’m loving the organization. It is a small step, but it is working for now. Still have much to organize, even with just the food items.
The bottom bin is full (crammed full!!) of different types & brands of cookie mixes. The next bin up holds a wide variety (also crammed full) of Homemade Gourmet mixes. Bin #3 from the bottom has 12 bags of Chex Mix (and there are another 7 bags that wouldn’t fit - what can I say? It was an awesome deal!). On top of the Chex Mix bin, there are 3 shoebox size bins: (1) packets of seasonings, gravy, marinades, etc; (2) (can’t see in pic) unopened spices; and (3) cornbread mixes and Crystal Light packets.
I am using the spare room’s (was the office when my computer was in there, but is basically a storage room / dump zone) closet for stockpiling all the non-food stuff, but it is in need of desperate reorganization, so I hope to work on it soon and possibly add in a few more shelves.
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