PRACTICAL MAGIC

Organize the kitchen pantry

rganization does not come naturally to everyone. Yet, the ability to find what you need quickly is a benefit. Setting aside the time to start getting organized is likely the most difficult part. However, dedicating one hour to a room here or there can lead to a sense of relief when locating items. Start with a small space such as the kitchen pantry.

A pantry is a space where food, beverages or appliances and dishes are commonly kept. Pantries can be highly useful spaces that provide ancillary storage in kitchens. Many modern homes are equipped with pantries, but older homes may require some modification to create more useful pantries. Whether starting from scratch or modifying an existing pantry, these tips can help projects go more smoothly. n Pantry audit. The first step is to take everything out and sort like-items by date. Toss expired foods and take stock of staples, such as noodles, flour, sugar, etc. Decide which items you would like to store in the pantry, and then shop for corresponding storage systems. For example, storage solutions may feature wine bottle racks, baskets for potatoes and other produce, shelving for small appliances, and even pull out racks for canned foods, baking pans or cutting boards.

On Accessibility. The next step is to think about who will grab items from the pantry. Place children’s snacks on the bottom pantry shelf where they can reach them, and then organize other shelves for adults in the home. Sorting items with labeled containers can help the family contribute to keeping the pantry organized. After a grocery trip, transfer bulky items, such as cereals and baking supplies, to storage containers. Using clear containers with similar dimensions helps to create a uniform feel, and shows the product amount which can be helpful for making grocery lists. n Vertical storage. Utilizing vertical areas can help increase storage capacity. Add extra nooks by investing in under-shelf storage baskets. These baskets can instantly create designated areas for different types of ingredients, such as bags of chips or snacks. Add hooks to the inside of cabinet doors or extra shelves on walls or in eaves to store other supplies. n Buying in bulk. Bulk shopping can be cost-efficient, but these items can quickly eat up real estate in the pantry. Designate another area for non-perishable bulk products, like extra beverages or paper goods. n

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970 Main Ave | Durango, Colorado 81301 970 Main Ave | Durango, Colorado 81301 (970)247-5464 (970)247-5464

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If you are selling an investment property and are planning to re-invest in real estate anywhere in the United States, ask us about a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange, that could increase your buying power by 25% or more. If you are selling an investment property and are planning to re-invest in real estate anywhere in the United States, ask us about a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange, that could increase your buying power by 25% or more.

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A Qualified Intermediary for 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges Since 1991 A Qualified Intermediary for 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges Since 1991 970 Main Avenue (next to Maria’s Bookshop) Durango, Colorado 81301 Phone: (970) 247-5464 www.1031clx.com 970 Main Avenue (next to Maria’s Bookshop) Durango, Colorado 81301 Phone: (970) 247-5464 www.1031clx.com

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A Sister Company to Colorado Title & Closing Services, LLC A Sister Company to Colorado Title & Closing Services, LLC

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