I forgot to mention in my other comment, buy a few sets of white measuring cups at the dollars tree and keep common size in frequently used staples. Like the one cup in the flour, half cup in the sugar, etc! Then when baking, it's quick to put ingredients in the mixing bowl.
For refilling when there is a little bit of product left-if you don't want to add/mix it on top of the new, possibly put the rest of the old product in a small ziploc and place on top of new product. This way, you can make sure you completely use up the old product.
Coincidentally, just after watching this, I was browsing through my 2020 Consumer Reports magazines before decluttering them and ran across this: “Do store food in glass…Don’t store food in plastic.” “The American Academy of Pediatrics has said that plastic food containers with recycling codes 3, 6, and 7 may contain potentially harmful chemicals, unless they’re labeled “biobased” or “green ware”.
It can be so hard! Try to find how much your container holds (I.e. how many oz) and compare it to the size of the container of whatever you buy the most often!
Yes ma’am. I do the small bowl method and dump the little left over on top of the new! That’s always worked for me. I do buy coffee in bulk at Sam’s so I have learned that for the container I use... I MUST work all the way through it for the full bag to fit.
My daughter did this to my pantry as my birthday present last year, and it truly is joyous to have! Added tip is since you see what you have, you don't buy doubles. I say this because we found 3 open packages of pumpkin spice pancake mix ! I swear the initial investment will pay off in a year of non wasted food! I spent about $500 on the BHG canisters from Walmart.
I always place my container in the sink and empty the box or bag into the container. When it comes to liquids, I bought several sizes of plastic funnels. I love the canning funnel the best for decanting coffees into a large mason jar. These funnels stack into each other and are stored inside of a plastic cup. I even have a tiny funnel for my olive oil I keep by stove. If I spill, it’s easier to clean the sink rather than the cabinet and floor. One point - I have a small kitchen and have a small pantry. My husband was able to put up a shelf in the kitchen that now contains my dry goods (flour, sugar, pasta, etc.). I used Oxo containers and scripted labels. It looks so much neater and organized.
I have been decanting and pulling things like granola bars out of boxes for years and years way before it was a thing. Last few years I’ve been buying same containers and replacing old bins etc. I recently installed two new tall pantry cabinets, and made extra shelving to fit all the various heights to maximize space. I do a little dance inside when I open the pantry doors. Everything has a home and I can quickly see what I need. Wish I had a stellar large walk in closet like yours! It’s lovely! Good info for folks just starting out! 😃
I’ve had “weevil” bug infestations both in the North and the South. In addition, my former reluctance to invest in decanting was pushed over the edge with a serious Bag Moth infestation in my pantry! So, now I not only decant, but I throw everything except liquids into my freezer for 24-48 hours to kill off any eggs or minute larvae when I bring it home. Your pantry is definitely a joyous, calming space. I’m envious. 😉. I chose to use IKEA food storage bins, because of price.
Great video Sophie! I totally agree with higher end containers but not everyone can afford it. It took me 2-3 years to finally get all of the same. And it is so satisfying to admire your shelves! 😁
I’ve decanted for years. I keep a list of products with the volume size container they need just in case I come across a good deal. I like the ones made by Rubbbermaid. The lids are easier to clean and you don’t have to take them apart.
I've got old large coffee jars with twist lids but they are getting to heavy for me now, I bought one oxo pop container a month ago, and after watching your video I ordered four more, probably need at least ten more but like you I love an organised pantry, I have a large walk in pantry and am hoping to give it a huge make over with new shelves can't stand open packets with clips
Like someone else asked I’m interested in the bottles you used for your liquids, especially the vanilla. I bought a bottle to store my vanilla in but I think I might like yours better. Can you please give specifics on it please? 😁
Have you considered putting the back row of containers on a 2x4 board painted white? It would allow you to see how much product you have better and you could get them out easier because you have the vertical space already. Just an idea. I have noticed that the down side of oxo containers is that powdery product such as flour can get on the seal and it doesn’t seal as well. I actually had one slip off and spilled a large container of flour.
Thank you, Sophie! You covered a lot of issues about decanting. You're right, flour is the messiest. If decanting creates more problems than it solves, then I'm not going to do it. It's all about finding the right balance IMHO.
I am a child of the 50's and Mom was a 'Tupperware Ladie' so decanting was just a given for me. I did learn the hard way to label items, my husband decided to make ham gravy he used powdered sugar instead of flour.
When I have a small amount left, I put it in a ziplock bag, wash and refill the container, then put the ziplock on top to be used first. I suggest to those who are just starting, to make a wishlist of what containers and organizers you need, then let the people that buy gifts for you at Christmas have access to it. I have been getting my daughters-in-law this types of items for Christmas and they appreciate it.
Absolutely loved this video ! How I wish I could find those sleek white covers that you have for your spices. I don't know why most of the spice covers are always bright red or just plain black. Thanks for the video, I really enjoyed it. 🤗
One bonus that you didn't mention is that IF the bag of flour you brought home from the grocery store had bugs or bug eggs in it and you decant it, then the bugs can not get into your other food so you only have one thing that needs to be thrown out instead of all the food in your pantry.
I love the oxo containers as well. Pricy but they last forever so definitely worth the splurge. Love your pantry! In another year, you'll be doing a video called: "How to Organize a Toddler-proof Pantry." lol
I’m the same way! Plus, glass is much easier to clean. It can always be tossed in the dishwasher whereas some plastic containers aren’t dishwasher safe
Thanks for another helpful video. Bugs are another reason to decant pantry items. They can hitch a ride from the store and spread throughout the entire pantry costing $$ to replace all the infested products. 🤢
I'll start by saying I love your organization videos My problem is with flour. I purchased beautiful AIR TIGHT bamboo lid containers from Amazon. After organizing my pantry, when I needed flour for a recipe it was crawling with bugs. Ugh!
Wow im so impressed with how good it looks. Where was the vanilla extract bottle purchased, i couldn't findit??? I love the shape of it!! Thank you Sophie.
Although glass is heavier, do they still surpass using plastic for storing food? I'm still debating whether to go with these plastic ones because of their potential issues for endocrine disruption. Although BPA free, the industry still uses other plasticizers that can be harmful.
Glass can really be a great option if you are okay with the weight and potential for them to break! Glass is typically the safest option when it comes to food storage!
The pocket idea is genius! I'm wondering where you purchased your bottles (with screw on lids) for items like your vanilla? Thanks for another great video.
@@judyohara959 They look like they are maybe 10-12 oz bottles. I found 8 oz bottles on Amazon but thought the ones on her videos were larger. I will try Amazon again. Thanks!
Do you think oxo containers are the best airtight containers? I have some but sometimes the food inside doesn’t stay fresh even when it’s been just a couple days🤔
