You know that feeling when you wake up and realize that last-night you took really good care of this-morning you?

Last-night you laid out your outfit so you wouldn’t have to stress about what to wear.
Last-night you made today’s to-do list, so you already know what’s coming.
Last-night you set up the coffee pot, so this-morning you woke up to a hot cup of coffee waiting for you.
Last-night you went to bed on time, so this-morning you feel refreshed.
Maybe last-night you even meal-prepped breakfast for this-morning you.

What if we brought that same energy into the New Year?

If you do a little preparation for yourself in the next couple of weeks, next-year you will be thanking last-year you. Let’s enter the New
Year on the right foot — feeling calm, prepared, and energized. One simple (and surprisingly impactful) way to do that is by
organizing your pantry.

So often, we keep the spaces guests see perfectly styled, while the spaces we use every single day get overlooked. But imagine how
effortless it would feel to open your pantry and see everything clean, organized, and ready for easy use.

No more shuffling through bags, cans, and boxes trying to find what you need. Everything has a place. Everything is accessible, and
suddenly, everyday routines feel smoother. Here are some of my favorite pantry-organization hacks:

● Label everything. Bonus points if you use pretty jars and containers instead of grocery packaging.
● Containers, bins, and baskets don’t have to be expensive. The Dollar Store is a hidden gem. Even better if they’re
uniform—it instantly elevates the look.
● Lazy Susans are a must. No more knocking things over while searching.
● If you have little kids, place their snacks on the lower shelves so they can easily grab them.
● For you, choose an eye-level shelf for your healthiest snacks. This isn’t just about organizing your space — it’s about taking care of yourself.
● Use the FIFO rule (First In, First Out). Always use the oldest items first so nothing gets forgotten.
● Skinny shelves allow for more storage and better visibility.
● Amazon can organizers are lifesavers.

● Rolling plant stands or carts may sound odd, but when stocked with your most-used items, they can roll in and out effortlessly. No more carrying loads of ingredients back and forth.
● Turn boxes sideways so the skinny edge faces out—it saves space and looks cleaner.
● Hang baskets on the wall for extra storage.
● Shelf risers instantly double your usable space.
● Add storage to the pantry door—perfect for spices.
● Add one “pretty” detail, like wallpaper, to make the space feel intentional.
● Take five or ten minutes each day to reset the pantry so it’s clean and ready for tomorrow.

Don’t leave this for next-year you. Start now, and let next-year you feel relaxed every time they open the pantry. Many of you have family coming to town soon, so this is the perfect opportunity to shock them with how put-together you are. And of course, if your pantry simply isn’t working for you… you can always shop around for a new one—in a new house.

Happy organizing and Happy Holidays!

Until next time,
Dee Dee Guggenheim Howes

Source: https://www.thekitchn.com/pantry-organizing-hacks-268194