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!
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