Fall Into a More Efficient Home: Keep your home comfortable, clean, and energy-conscious.

Cleaning out and organizing your pantry and kitchen for fall is not just about tidying up; it's an opportunity to get ready for the changing season, explore new recipes, and prepare for cozy evenings ahead. Here are some tips to get your fall off to a great (and organized) start!

Set Your Intention

Before diving in without a plan, define what you want to achieve. Think about what would make your kitchen and home feel the best as we start into the new season. Are your cupboards and pantry cluttered? Do you have a hard time finding things? Are you wanting to feel inspired as we move into a cozy (and hopefully cooler) season? Starting a project like this with a specific goal in mind really helps you stay focused and motivated.

Gather Your Supplies

Have trash bags, a donation bag, cleaning solution and rags, and organizers, if necessary, ready to start the project. A small vacuum with a crevice tool can be useful as you clean out kitchen drawers and spice cabinets. Put on a good playlist or podcast to add a sense of fun to the task at hand.

Empty Your Pantry and Cabinets

It is a great idea to start with a blank slate and a fresh start. Tackle one section at a time. For example, start with the panty and pull everything out. As you are pulling out the items, check expiration dates and throw out old items. Also pay attention to items that you may have too many of and consider donating this to a local homeless shelter. Sort the items into categories on your counter - for example, grains, canned goods, snacks, nuts/dried fruit, etc. Come up with a plan to keep similar items together so that you can easily find what you need.

Clean Surfaces Thoroughly

Once your pantry is empty and you’re ready to put the items back inside, take this chance to clean all the surfaces completely. If there have been spills of dry items, it may be a good idea to use the vacuum to get crumbs and things that can get stuck in the edges of the shelves.

Organize with Intention

Keep similar items together as you put them back into the pantry. Be thoughtful about where you place items back, considering frequency of use, how things fit so that no items are hidden in the back, and utilize clear bins and/or extra shelves to keep items organized and together. Take time to think about a system that will be sustainable and easy to follow, so that you will be successful in keeping your pantry organized.

Maintain Your Organized Space

After putting in the effort for a full clean out of your pantry, be intentional about keeping it clean and clutter-free. Check expiration dates monthly to ensure you are using what you have, minimizing food waste, and getting rid of items that can no longer be used. Pay attention to what is working for you, as far as the organizational systems you put in place. If you find yourself regularly moving something to reach items behind it, relocate that item to maintain efficiency.

Stock Up on Fall Essentials

Fall is such a fun season for cooking and using ingredients that are specific to this time of year. Some staples for the upcoming months to consider adding to your newly organized pantry are canned pumpkin, chicken stock, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, as well as fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme. Add a section in your pantry for storing onions, garlic, potatoes, and other vegetables that store best in a dark, dry location.

Explore New Seasonal Recipes

Spend a little time researching new recipes that are fall-inspired. Try a new hearty soup or stew recipe and expand your baking repertoire. Include root vegetables and seasonal fruits in your weekly menus and have fun including the family in trying new dishes. Mix in traditional fall family favorites with your new recipes as you meal plan each week.

Share with Your Community

As you are looking for inspiration, consider neighbors and friends that you could share your freshly baked goods with. As this season brings a fun change of pace in your weekly menus, it is also a great time to engage with the people in your community. Sharing in your baking endeavors is an easy way to check in on people in your neighborhood and foster connection.

By taking time to clean and organize your pantry, you create a more functional space and set the stage for culinary creativity. As the days get shorter and colder, enjoy cooking and sharing seasonal meals with family and friends. Embrace the flavors of fall, enjoy the comfort of a well-stocked kitchen, and use the season as an excuse to connect with your community!

By Jolene Nannette

Home by Jolene

Jolene Nannette is a specialist in home efficiency, tackling to-do lists and calming the chaos through home organization. www.homebyjolene.com