For some reason, if my kitchen isn’t organized, then I just don’t feel as creative or motivated to cook. My dry goods and baking supplies were always tucked away in my Tupperware and that kept me from seeing what I had – and I had to dig to find what I was looking for.
Hawaii may be known for it’s beautiful beaches and balmy weather – but as a long-time resident I can tell you that it’s also known for it’s bugs! (ewwww!) So I’ve also learned the hard way that you NEVER keep any food in the cupboards that isn’t completely sealed.
Nothing does this job better than a good ol’ fashioned Mason Jar. They also do a great job of keeping the moisture out.
In order to keep all my items accessible, fresh and bug free – I choose the large ‘quart’ sized mason jars to put all my ingredients into. Since many of the flours look the same, I needed a simple, yet versatile system to identify the contents and their purchase/expiration dates.
I came up with these labels as my solution. I’ve attached the label template in a Word & PDF format for you. Feel free to download it and change it to whatever ingredients you’ll be storing. The word file may lose some of it’s formatting – since all computers are set-up differently – so you may need to tweak it a little before printing. I used 0.25″ margins all the way around to make the squares fit.
Click on the Links Below to Download the Free File (or right mouse click to save) |
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Word Document | PDF Document |
I printed the labels out on thick cardstock paper and then ran it through my Purple Cows Laminator. I then cut up the squares and popped a hole in the corner with my hole punch. I used some extra thick rubberbands to attach the cards to the jars. Easy on – Easy Off! I keep a Wipe Off marker pen handy so I can easily write the “B” Buy Date or “Exp.” Expiration Date on them. I put a little red ‘F’ square in the corner of any ingredients that need to be stored in the fridge/freezer.
When I’m out of a particular ingredient, I just hang the label on a magnetic hook and check it later when I’m putting together my shopping list.
My system may seem a little rudimentary, but it works great for me. It inspires me to create recipes and gives me the flexibility to change the items around as needed.
Hope this gives you a little inspiration to keep your kitchen organized and you cooking!
~ Erika
Jenny Martin
I would love to eat all organic foods, and I buy organic products wherever possible. The only problem is the nearest whole foods store is two hours away. Do you have any other suggestions on how or where to find organic foods or any other stores similar to whole foods? Thanks a bunch!
Erika
Hi Jenny!
I hear you! My closest Whole Foods & Costco is over an hour away! With gas prices rising, I order almost all of my dry goods from Amazon… I use their Subscribe & Save Grocery Program to save even more!
For my fresh produce, I have a couple of close Farmer’s Markets & one Local Growers Co-Op that will deliver if I want. I shop Costco for anything Local & Organic (which is a real cost saver) and make every round trip count! My Minivan is popping wheelies on my way home. LOL! =)
Hope that helps!
God Bless!
~ Erika
Josee Boudreau
Great idea! Thamk you so much for sharing that trick with us! God bless!
Deb
Thank you so much for the creative ideas using mason jars. Love that you share the template too. I just discovered you and your site as I begin my search for a dehydrator. Now I fear I will also be saving for a VitaMix :).
Debbie
Teresa
Hi Erika,
I love your idea with the Mason Jars. I am putting all my dehydrated food in them and I too am a very neat and organized person. Such a good idea. Thanks for showing your very neat kitchen cabinet…just ordered the slicer you suggested from Amazon. Thanks so much for your wonderful blog. With your very active children, I don’t know how you do it.
You are a great inspiration!
Teresa
Erika
Hi Teresa!
The Mason jars are a lifesaver for us here in Hawaii, but it’s turned out to work very nicely for organizing all of my specialty flours & ingredients.
You’re going to love the slicer from Amazon… we use our all of the time and people are always impressed to watch it cut something other than meat! =) Just be sure to keep your fingers & thumbs clear of the blade!
God Bless!
~Erika
Josee L. Boudreau
Thank you for sharing the word document for the pantry organizer.
Amanda Walton
Hello….I love this and want to do something similar…although not exactly the same for a future project in my kitchen. Can you share with me the size of your cabinets with the mason jars and how many jars you used in them. Also what size the jars are?
Thanks!!
Amanda