Do not wait for the new year to clear out your pantry. Follow these tips and enter 2026 with a refreshed and organised kitchen for a clutter-free environment and peace of mind.
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An end-of-year declutter is not only about getting your home in order for the festive season. It can be grounding and soothing, a way to clear out the excess and usher in a new start. Beginning with your pantry makes everyday cooking easier, cuts down on food waste and saves money. No more forgotten tins or half-used packets and spices. Here is how to clear out your pantry before the new year in a simple, efficient way.
Empty everything out
Take everything off the shelves so you can see exactly what you have. This makes cleaning easier and stops items slipping back into a cluttered space.
Check expiry dates
Sort items into groups as you go. Set aside unopened goods with plenty of time left for donation. Keep what is still in date and in good condition. Discard anything expired. Move near-expiry items to the front of your plan for the next two weeks so they are used first.
Refresh and wipe down the space
Before anything goes back, wipe the shelves thoroughly. If needed, add shelf liners to make future clean-ups faster and neater.
Rethink your storage
Keep things visible and accessible. Decant into clear jars and containers where practical, and use tiered racks to maximise space. Label everything and store similar items together so you can find them at a glance, for example, snacks, spices, baking supplies and grains.
Think of your cooking habits
Only keep what you actually use. Let your current lifestyle guide what stays and what goes so the pantry reflects how you cook now, not how you cooked last year.
Create a use-first box
Set up a visible box or basket for near-expiry items and open packets. This encourages intentional meal planning and reduces waste.
A year-end pantry revamp need not be overwhelming. Focus on the feeling of stepping into the new year with a clean, organised kitchen. A few simple steps are all you need.
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