How to Stock a Pantry for the First Time

Are you trying to figure out how to stock a pantry for the first time? Maybe you moved out of your parents house, bought your first home, or you did a kitchen renovation and added on a pantry! No matter why you need to stock your pantry, you’ve found a great resource! I’m here to help you figure out how to stock a pantry for the first time – with ease and without spending insane amounts of money. Here are some of my best tips:

Buy In Bulk

Buying in bulk can save you so much money when it comes to stocking a pantry (or a fridge, for that matter). Places such as Costco, BJ’s, or even buying straight from the manufacturer can save you quite a bit of money!

Keep Everything Organized

Before stacking everything that you purchase in your pantry, make sure to grab some organizational essentials to keep in all in order. See through bins and can holders are great. If you can find some inexpensive lazy susans, that is also great for spices and oils. An on-the-door rack can save you a lot of space, as well, so try to find one that works well for your individual space!

Choose Items With A Long Shelf Life

When you go to stock a pantry, it can be easy to choose things that have a short shelf life. Potatoes, onion, garlic, and more. Those things are great, but they definitely do not last that long. In order to get the most bang for your buck, make sure that you are choosing items with a long shelf life. This will help keep your pantry stocked so that you do not have to continue spending that upfront cost (when it comes to stocking your pantry for the first time) over and over again. Plus, it will keep you from having to make so many trips to the grocery store since canned vegetables, rice, or beans are such an easy side to throw together.

Make A List Of What You Need

Everyone’s list will look a bit different, but I wanted to give you a list of some of the things that you might want to purchase when stocking a pantry for the first time. Make sure you create your own list to suit your personal needs, but use this as a guide to make sure that you are not forgetting anything important! Here is a good starting list:

Baking Essentials:

Flour
Self rising flour
Sugar (coconut, white, brown, etc.)
Honey
Basking soda
Baking powder
Chocolate chips
Muffin tins
Applesauce

Grains:

Rice
Pasta
Oats
Cereal
Tortillas
Bread crumbs

Nuts:

Almonds
Cashews
Pecans
Peanuts
Peanut Butter
Almond Butter
Macadamia Nuts

Canned Foods:

Beans
Tomatoes
Tomato Paste
Pasta Sauce
Mixed Vegetables (canned)
Evaporated milk (in case of emergency)
Any soups you love
Beef Broth
Vegetable Broth
Canned tuna

Oils and Vinegar:

EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
Coconut Oil
White Vinegar
ACV
Red Wine Vinegar

Condiments and Dressings:

Ketchup
Mustard
Soy sauce
Hot Sauce
Jams and jelly
Salad dressing
Salsa

Spices, Herbs, and Seasonings:

Salt
Pepper
Peppercorns
Vanilla Bean
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Parsley
Thyme
Paprika
Chili powder
Basil
Cayenne
Cinnamon
Ginger
Nutmeg
Sage
Cumin

Have A Pantry To Fill

Last but not least, you need a home with a pantry! When I first started my home search, I knew that I absolutely needed a pantry. It was definitely a deal breaker for me. The good thing is that I had a great real estate agent that could filter through homes, flagging the ones that had a pantry, and “hiding” (so that I couldn’t see) the ones that did not. If you are searching for a new home, find a real estate agent like that. One that makes your life easier like Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty, Erin E. King MBA.

Erin King is a Ramsey Endorsed Local Real Estate Provider located out of Jacksonville. A “Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider” is a third party affiliation that he has that sets him apart from other agents in the area. He is also a Best of Zillow agent and he knows the ins and outs of the buying and selling process. If you are looking for Ortega homes for sale, he is the person to call. If you are looking for a house specifically with a pantry, make sure you tell him that! Want a big kitchen? Add that to your “must” list!

Or Do It Yourself!

If you already have a home and do not currently have a pantry, there are so many “DIY” options. IKEA has some great add on pantries, or you could even do wire shelving in your garage. Whatever works, right?!

At the end of the day, stocking a pantry for the first time comes down to personal preferences, but this is a great starting place to help you do it with ease. I know that learning how to stock a pantry for the first time can be overwhelming, but it can also be fun if you give yourself grace and just go with the flow! Did I miss any pantry essentials in my list above? Please let me know, if so!