Tips on How to Organize Your Pantry Before Thanksgiving and the Holidays

Thanksgiving is next week and the holidays are basically here at this point this year. Being a professional organizer and holiday concierge in Houston, we have organized and planned our fair share of pantries and all things holidays through the years. Here are some tips to get your pantry organized for Thanksgiving and the Holidays.

Purge. We often don't think that we have that many expired items and more times than not we see that clients do have more expired items than they think. Purge these items to make room for new pantry items.

Sort like items together. So things are not scattered everywhere throughout the pantry, sort like items together like all canned goods, baking, pasta, etc.

Take inventory. Take inventory of what you got rid and see what you need to restock. 

Organize. Once items are sorted together, organize in a way that works and makes sense to you. As you have seen in many of our projects, we use baskets and bins to contain items, give them a cohesive look and keep the items organized. 

Label. Label your bins, baskets or shelves so you know exactly where everything is. 

Make a list & use sticky notes or sticker dots. Make a list and use sticky notes or sticker dots to mark which items you know you will need for Thanksgiving if you do not want to take those items out of the pantry or put in a designated area. By making a list and using sticky notes /dots will insure you know exactly what you will need.

Stock up on essentials you will need. Begin to make a list or make a list on your preferred grocery store's website for items that you know you will need and schedule a time to have the items delivered, picked up or shopped for. Tip: early mornings and evenings are some of the best times to go to the store when there are less crowds. 

Here are some common pantry items that people stock up on for Thanksgiving and the Holidays.

• Spices - cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt & pepper, etc.
• Baking items - sugars, flours, etc. 
• Broths - chicken, vegetable, beef, etc.
• Herbs - fresh or dried
• Meats
• Vegetables
• Fresh & dried fruits
• Canned goods 
• Milks - cow's, evaporated, condensed, nut milks, etc.
• Extracts
• Oils

How do you prepare for Thanksgiving and the holidays?

ecomodernconcierge.com

Thanksgiving Must Haves: For Organized and Stress-Free Thanksgiving Hosting

When hosting Thanksgiving there a few things you want to make sure you have on hand for those just in case moments and for moments when you may need a little extra something. What do you like to keep on hand during Thanksgiving for those unexpected moments.

1. Red Wine Stain Remover: We have all been there where somebody accidentally spills something, so much suer you have red wine stain remover handy.
2. Carpet Cleaner: For all other stains from food to kids to pets. I have used this stuff for many, many years and it is all of the sudden super popular again. I think because some blogger posted about it, who knows lol. If you are local in Houston, you can get it at Bering's Hardware.
3. Goo Gone Pen: for markers, when you see a label on a new dish that you need to get off, etc. 
4. Silver Polish: If you use silver on a regular basis, this is great 
5. Something that smells good: whether that is a reed diffuser, candle or essential oils. You want people to step into your home feeling welcomed. 
6. To go containers: If you are hosting Thanksgiving there is sure to be leftovers, so make you sure you are prepped and ready to send people home with leftovers. You can find reusable containers at Sam's Club & Costco or online. As you probably saw in this post. One organizer suggested downsizing your personal storage container stash. 
7. An iron, steamer or wrinkle releaser: If you are the type that likes to have fresh, crisp linens on hand than this is especially helpful. If someone arrives super early and wants to help have them freshen up the linens for you.
8. Mints or mouthwash in the bathroom: After a full meal some feel like to have something on hand to freshen up their breath. Decant mouthwash and have a little station set up with mini cups for your guests to use. I have been to many of houses where where they have mouthwash stations and I always think it is a great idea.
9. Folding chair: It is always nice to make sure you have plenty of seating for any unexpected guest that may show up. 

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