DECLUTTER WITH ME: Food Storage (Partial KonMari Method: Kitchen) | Pantry Organisation

After some health issues, my doctor wants me to overhaul my diet. It seemed only fitting, then, that I declutter the food I had on hand. I took to the kitchen and tackled the pantry, the fridge and freezer, and the baking cupboard.
Watch the video and then let me know...
Do you have a separate pantry? (They're not common in Ireland so it's a bit of a luxury for me!) 💖
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Thank you for your support, and I hope I can help you get your shit together!
Laura

[@JennDyer]

I've never seen a tiny shelf in the freezer, but you could use it for reusable ice packs (my husband uses them for his lunches), frozen herbs or small prepped items.

[@HowToGYST]

Ooh, ice packs is a good idea. I've got my eye on some on Amazon, and reusable ice cubes. They're so I can keep drinks cool in the tubs I leave outside.

[@lil-al]

You did a great job organizing! Best wishes for your health xx

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you so much. 😊

[@juleevzw]

Just an FYI about your abdominal pain and the lemon juice. Check the label to see if the kind you have needs refrigeration. I was having bad acid reflux and happened to mention to my doctor that I drank warm lemon water each morning. He asked if I kept it in the fridge once it's open. I said didn't know I needed to. I read the label and yep, needed refrigerated after opening. It CAN go bad from being exposed to air and then we ingest the badness. Also, side note, thank you for sharing a bit of your world with us. You and your videos always brighten my day.

[@HowToGYST]

Sadly, I've had the pain for 5 years now, long before I started drinking lemon juice in my water. But I'll definitely examine the label for the best storage option so thanks for the heads up there. 🙂

[@Kansaschickie]

Maple syrup and ketchup need to be refrigerated too.

[@mimakate]

I loooooooved this Laura! I need to change my eating habits too so it looks like we're in the same boat. I really like the part about excepting things we aren't good at. I find I give myself a hard time over things I feel I 'should' be achieving. Keep up the great work. So happy you are doing Kon Marie again! Much love from a frosty Camberra🌬❄⛄

[@HowToGYST]

Hi Jem! How's the diet overhaul going? I must admit, mine is off to a poor start, but it's all about the baby steps! And yes, I think it's so important to realise that there are better things to focus our time and energy on than things we don't enjoy and aren't good at. We can't be good at everything, so I'd rather focus my time on being excellent at some things than mediocre at lots of things. 🙂

[@LittleMissVegan]

Just subscribed, already love your channel !

[@jadestar1580]

This will help with your move as well….. clean shelves! Good de-clutter job. Good luck with your move and thanks for the video.

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you! Happening in just a few days! EEP! The layout of the new kitchen is completely different though, so it will still require some work to get it right. But better to be able to do that with only the stuff I need and want than also trying to fit in a pile of junk.

[@jamiekebart377]

May I suggest lazy Susan’s in the pantry and fridge. I find it easier to spin rather than rearrange when hunting for something

[@HowToGYST]

Our new pantry has pull-out shelves so that shouldn't be a problem. And our fridge isn't usually crowded so, hopefully, we won't need them. They're great for awkward corner cupboards, though, or very deep ones.

[@michellemcmiken8952]

During my sorting/cleaning etc - what I have found works for me is to have an inventory of food. That way I can plan meals (something I've never done before!!) and realise that I have way too much food in my house. Love your videos, especially 'Blaura'...!

[@bethanycreativeside4326]

Love your show you have good tips and I'm surprised no one said anything about the baking powder & baking soda. Baking powder is just bakingsoda with cornstarch and baking soda is good cleaning agent as you know.

[@ChocolateJewels]

Well done, you! Now I need to do mine... (M&S reusable bags, love 'em. Mine are back from 2007. Love the IKEA shelf liners, too.)

[@HowToGYST]

The M&S bags are huge, aren't they? No way I could leave it behind me when we moved. Have about 5 other bags nested inside it. 😂

[@TracyLammonsPlans]

You KNOW he's going to notice the Tobasco is gone and it will multiply! My daughter got me the starter OXO set for my birthday - I'm hooked and want to work on adding new sizes in and eventually having a kitchen full of them...because they bring me joy!

[@HowToGYST]

They're lovely, aren't they? 🙂 Didn't get rid of the Tabasco sauce, just moved it out of the pantry and into the cupboard where we keep the oils and seasonings and such like. He's actually started using it since, so looks like that was a good move. 😉

[@marshaalexander2454]

I would use that little shelf for flexible ice packs to use if you got an injury. Or an eye mask for headaches, etc

[@HowToGYST]

Great idea! Thanks!

[@MOONTRIPS]

I have to fix up my cupboards and fridge/freezer LOL thanks for the motivation!

[@HowToGYST]

You can do it! Get stuck in. 🙂

[@GnpHiker]

I have been slowly trying to 'declutter' my pantry and freezer by making an effort to try to pick one or two items to use up each week and trying to limit my purchases at the grocery store to fresh fruits and vegetables as much as possible. I've almost cleared out the downstairs freezer (yep I've got two fridge/freezers) one in my kitchen and one in my basement. Your pantry, fridge and freezer looks very nice. Good luck with your new diet.

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you, Shelly. And I envy your second freezer! I've been serious consideration to getting a second one for the new house.

[@goddessnocturnas]

Mmm The smoked Tabasco is my favorite of all the Tabascos! (then green, then original). Pretty sweet pantry. I wish we had one, but we only have cupboards. That's also a pretty cool fridge. I have never seen a freezer with proper drawers like that, not to mention solid glass shelves! Now I know what to look for when I replace our piece of crap fridge... Can't wait to see the new place!

[@HowToGYST]

I happen to know where there's a large bottle of Tabasco sauce going if you want it... 😉 😂 Actually, since I recorded this video, he actually used some of it! After buying it about a year ago. 😂

[@GnpHiker]

Me to. Love the smoked Tabasco!. In the previous videos where she was complaining about all the Tabasco bottles, I thought if my spouse gave me a bad time about all the Tabasco, I would just start putting it on everything. Then I decided ... why not and I bought a couple extra bottles, so I have one for home and one for work. I think I used over a 1/4 of a bottle of Tabasco in the last few days.

[@jeanne512]

Good job! Looks very organized. I use plastic placemats on refrigerator shelves and drawers. $1 each at Dollar Tree

[@HowToGYST]

$4 for a long roll of the stuff in IKEA. 😉 I find mats tend to curl and bend over time, and they're harder to size properly. The IKEA stuff is flexible rubber.

[@AWanderingEye]

Couple of ideas on fridge/freezer: If you don't have enough to fill freezer, put containers of water and it will keep efficient. Fruit on verge? Wash, pare/remove stems and bruises then line up on a small tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer fruit pieces into freezer safe containers and use in smoothies, shakes, baking or add to oatmeal...It will help reduce your food waste and that's a good thing!

[@Laly7]

OMGosh!! The Tabasco is still there?? Thank you for this video, it will come in handy as soon as I tackle my kitchen. LOL!!

[@HowToGYST]

He bought a big bottle of it pretty soon after we moved here. It's almost 3 times the size of the old ones. 😣 BUT he actually started using it after I moved it to the cupboard where we keep the seasonings, so that's something!

[@Laly7]

How to Get Your Shit Together he only needed you to organize the Tabasco and he started to use it. That is good news! It’s not just sitting there then.

[@HowToGYST]

Exactly! I've no problem with it, really, but hate to see loads of it just sitting around going to waste. As you say, at least now it's being used. A big step! 😉

[@catherinekirby6745]

Awesome! How long do you think it took to go through everything from the fridge after it was all out?

[@byusaranicole]

I keep a few tiny things in the freezer like fresh ginger and little bags of nuts. Also, any candy you don't want Scout to get to! Lol! #momlife

[@HowToGYST]

All that stuff goes on the top shelf of the pantry. Not sure if the fridge in our new home has the same shelf but I think it might because, as far as I remember, it's the exact same fridge! I guess we'll find out soon. 😉

[@olgaortiz746]

I love your VEDIOS ,YOU HAVE GREAT IDEAS SORRY YOU ENDED IN THE HOSPITAL HOPE YOUR BETTER....

[@dzymslizzy3641]

I put my cereals, baking mixes, etc...most of that boxed stuff...into Tupperware containers not for the appearance, but because they nest, and fit better in the shelf space than a bunch of different-sized boxes and bags that take up awkward space, won't stand up, and ... bonus ...they stay fresher longer than with just re-closing the box/bag. ;-) I bet your "ice molds" would fit into that teeny top shelf, and you could get rid of its base, saving some shelf space in the main section! ;-) Shelf liners? Hmmm... I don't remove my shelves to clean them; I just reach in and wipe them down in place. But if the liners keep things from sliding around, that will be something to look into when I get my RV and hit the road... ;-)

[@HowToGYST]

My husband is the one who does the baking, and I know he'd never bother with decanting things into other containers, so I'm stuck with it. 😂Where shelf liners really shine is when there's something sticky or greasy that spills, like syrups or oils, or something that might leave a permanent stain or scratch on the surface. And, as you say, they're great for stopping things from sliding. 🙂

[@Totally_Glitched]

Great tips! I'm definitely going to look into those shelf liners for my fridge! I'm physically disabled, so thoroughly cleaning my fridge just isn't an option.

[@HowToGYST]

This is the stuff I mention in the video: www.ikea.com/ie/en/products/kitchen-products/kitchen-organisers-shelves/variera-drawer-mat-white-art-00238865/ It's IKEA's Variera drawer mat.

[@robbien.3964]

Our kitchen is small (though we do have a designer working on plans to expand it a bit!), but it does still have a small pantry- maybe a smidge bigger than yours.

[@tinabarrett546]

I need to tackle the freezer - it is that low drawer type (not a fan).

[@deltaflute03]

Baking soda is in baking powder. Baking powder also has cream of tarter in it which is a mild dry acid. Also I totally go through breakfast jags where I eat one thing for a while. Right now it’s bagels. I’ll probably switch soon because it’s getting boring. But I’ve done breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal, etc in the past.

[@HowToGYST]

Oh, that's interesting about the baking soda. And what's the difference then between baking soda and bicarbonate of soda?

[@deltaflute03]

How to Get Your Shit Together- Nothing. It’s just cultural. Europeans call it bicarbonate of soda and Americans and Canadians call it baking soda.

[@HowToGYST]

In Ireland we have both!

[@kathleenkline4622]

I have two kitchens...one huge and one small. Both could use a good decluttering, but it's too hot to even contemplate! Unlike you, I love to cook and bake, and I have the mouths to consume anything I make. I'd like to suggest you check out batch cooking, where you spend one day cooking many meals that you can then freeze for later. Saves time and money, and limits the temptations of take-out and fast food. To me, it's easier to fix one huge something and then package it into smaller meals as it is to cook many smaller meals. You might try taking classes at your local community college.

[@HowToGYST]

Yes, batch cooking has been on my to-do list for quite some time. Sadly, a lot of the food I currently consume doesn't lend itself well to freezing and re-heating, but hopefully I can expand my range a bit.

[@carolbrierley2446]

Hope you are keeping well the teeny tiny shelf will it hold ice cube boxes ??

[@HowToGYST]

It might! But we have an ice box in the freezer already (we get ice and water from the freezer door) so wouldn't have a need for it.

[@julieobrien5855]

Late to the party! And I’m sure you moved. Frozen vegetables in boxes that you can buy are probably exactly the right size for the shelf in the freezer.

[@foreverirish132]

Will you be renting or are you buying your new place? ❤️☘️

[@HowToGYST]

Buying! EXCITING! We get the keys next week. 😁

[@foreverirish132]

How to Get Your Shit Together congrats that’s great news 😊

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you! We're not looking forward to having to move everything, but it'll be nice to have a place to call our own here in the States.

[@candicewaller403]

Moving is pretty tough, even when you've been minimizing. The best gift I ever gave myself was hiring movers to move to my first house (I had moved apartments by myself 7 times!). I marked boxes for their intended rooms and labeled the doors in the new house, then just sat back and played director. Almost everything landed where it would ultimately live, PLUS they broke down and re-assembled the beds and dining table for us.

[@purpl3lina]

I wish I had a pantry.

[@HowToGYST]

As I said, the one in our new home is really just a large cupboard. But yes, they're a luxury. So much easier than having things shoved in tiny little corners.

[@purpl3lina]

How to Get Your Shit Together lol. So true. Our kitchen is...well...I don't have the words to describe it.

[@HowToGYST]

Yes, I sometimes wonder what people were thinking when they designed certain kitchens.

[@EzAnderson]

Haha Yes I definitely go through food phases. Currently in a peanut butter and jam sandwich for lunch phase and a healthy chocolate smoothie for breakfast phase. I’m a spoonie and am trying to go plant based for my health. I’m tackling one meal at a time and getting that down and then moving on. So far I’ve got breakfast down. Check out Dr Micheal Greger and his How Not To Die Cookbook and Nutritionfacts.org - he looks into the science of food. Looks at the latest studies with up to date peer reviews- no selling or ads on the website - no hidden agenda or funding.

[@HowToGYST]

Yes, I'm hoping to whip my diet into shape in baby steps too. Thanks for the resources! 😁

[@angelmcblade]

The tiny shelf in the freezer is for batteries. They last longer that way.

[@Dennise_Who]

I am tackling my pantry today for a different reason. Pantry beetles, yuck!

[@TheWhisperOfWestWind]

oof. we had those at one point; no fun. even after we cleaned out our cupboards, i had to spend several weeks catching and killing them around the kitchen before they finally disappeared. i wish you luck!!

[@HowToGYST]

Sometimes the universe likes to force us into action. It's for our own good overall. 😉 A very hard lesson to learn though. Sorry you have to deal with that. It doesn't sound fun. But think how satisfied and relieved you'll feel when it's all done! Hope it goes well for you. x

[@polly2900]

Your milk will stay better if you put it inside the fridge rather than on the door.

[@HowToGYST]

We don't have a problem with milk quality, thankfully. And most of it is almond milk so it has a much longer shelf life than dairy. But yes, anyone who finds their milk goes bad very quickly should try moving it off the door and into the fridge.

[@laurenevam6305]

I'd put ice packs or cheese in that tiny freezer shelf