Should I Decant My Pantry?
What's decanting?
It's simply another term for taking pantry food items out of their original packaging and storing them in another container. Usually, the containers are made of plastic or glass. The purpose is to keep the food fresh and pest-free.
Are you wondering if you should put all your food into containers and baskets? There are pros and cons to decanting. There is no right or wrong answer; it is only what is best for you and your lifestyle. I am sharing the pros and cons of decanting your pantry so that you can make the best decision for yourself.
You may have seen a decanted food pantry on the web or in a TV show. All the containers are lined up uniformly, filled to the brim with sundries, and adorned with adorable labels. In addition, there are cute lined baskets with labels, and tucked to the side are a few gadgets containing the canned goods.
You will probably love this look if you like the structure and see all the items inside the containers. I get you; I am that person, yet my pantry does not look like that simply because most of the foods I store in it are not prone to pests or are consumed shortly after purchase.
The benefits are that storing food in airtight containers helps eliminate pests and keep the product fresh longer. You can see how much of an item you have without opening the package.
Having just a few sizes of containers allows more uniformity, saves space, and looks tidy. This system can be efficient for the person who understands the commitment that comes with it to keep it looking orderly and the food safe.
The disadvantage of decanting your pantry is that you must add a best-used-by or expiration date to the containers. The food needs to be used up, and preferably, the container needs to be cleaned before refilling it.
It will take extra time to empty the food from the packages, pour it into the containers, and wash them after each use. It will also be an additional expense to purchase the containers and baskets.
Let's look at this in reverse. Your shelves are beautifully lined with containers. You have containers with grains, legumes, flour, baskets full of snacks, and rows of perfectly sized jars, condiments, and canned goods. It's so perfect. But then you use ½ the container of flour.
The kiddos eat most of the bags of chips and granola bars, and you then use a few cans and a couple of condiments that once were so magically aligned.
Are you okay with it not staying perfect? If this will cause you more frustration, would it be better not to decant your pantry?
The intention is good at first. You have a beautiful pantry that makes you feel organized, and now that things will run smoothly, it looks good and sounds good.
However, it may cause you more frustration over time. Stacking the original packaging in the panty with semi-order might be more efficient than spending all your time unpacking, refilling, and rearranging your panty items to have a perfect pantry.
That answer is as individual as you. Consider whether the time to keep up the decanting is worth it for you.
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. What if you met in the middle and did part of the pantry foods? You can decant some items that require little effort and place them in baskets. You can leave the other items in their original packaging.
Regardless of what you decide, realize it is different for each of us, depending on the home dynamics, the time available to maintain it, and what you are willing to do to keep it looking tidy and the food fresh.
