The pantry is a fundamental part of many family kitchens, storing everything from canned goods to baking ingredients. However, for households with kids, the pantry can also become a space of curiosity, learning, and the key to healthier eating if organized correctly.
A kid-friendly pantry can foster independence, encourage healthy eating habits, and promote organizational skills in your child, all while making your life as a parent a bit easier. Here’s how you can create a kid-friendly pantry in your own home.
Step 1: Assess Your Current Pantry and Needs
Begin by assessing your current pantry space and your family’s needs. Consider the ages and heights of your children and the types of foods they typically eat. The goal is to design a pantry that’s easy for them to navigate, safe, and fits their dietary needs. If your children have dietary restrictions or allergies, plan for a separate, clearly marked area for their foods.
Step 2: Clear Out and Clean
Next, empty out your pantry completely. It’s a good time to check expiry dates and discard any items past their prime. Wipe down all surfaces with a non-toxic cleaning solution to ensure your pantry is clean and ready for reorganization.
Step 3: Sorting and Grouping
Group similar items together to make it easier for kids to find what they’re looking for. Common categories might include: cereals, canned goods, pasta and rice, baking ingredients, snacks, etc. For younger children, consider a separate “lunchbox” area where they can easily grab components of their lunch.
Step 4: Kid-Friendly Zones
Designate the lower shelves for items that are intended for kids. This way, they won’t need to climb or reach for things, reducing the chance of accidents. In these zones, store healthier food options, snacks, and drinks.
Step 5: Choose Appropriate Storage Solutions
Now it’s time to think about the containers. Here are a few options:
a) Clear Bins: Clear, stackable bins like the iDesign + The Spruce Crisp Stackable Refrigerator and Pantry Bin are a great choice. They’re durable, easy to clean, and transparent, so kids can easily see what’s inside.
b) Lazy Susans: Perfect for canned goods and jars, lazy Susans like the Copco Non-Skid Pantry Cabinet Lazy Susan can make these items more accessible.
c) Can Organizers: Organize your canned goods with simple, stackable can organizers like the SimpleHouseware Stackable Can Rack Organizer.
d) Snack Organizers: A snack organizer like the mDesign Plastic Food Packet Organizer Bin can be used to neatly store individual snack packets.
Step 6: Label Everything
Use labels to help kids (and adults!) know where everything goes. You could use a label maker or even chalkboard labels for a rustic touch. If you have young kids who can’t read yet, picture labels can be a fun and practical alternative.
Step 7: Implement and Educate
Once you’ve set up your pantry, introduce your children to the new system. Explain how it works, what goes where, and why it’s important to maintain the organization.
Step 8: Regular Maintenance
Lastly, remember to regularly maintain your pantry organization system. As you shop and add new items, make sure they’re going in the correct place. It might also be helpful to do a big “reset” every few months to keep things tidy.
Why Organize a Kid-Friendly Pantry?
Creating a kid-friendly pantry has several benefits:
1) Encourages Independence: When kids can easily access and identify foods, they’re more likely to serve themselves, which fosters independence and self-reliance.
2) Promotes Healthy Eating: If healthier options are placed at eye-level and in easy-to-access containers, kids are more likely to choose them over less healthy options tucked away in harder-to-reach places.
3) Reduces Mess and Waste: An organized pantry means fewer spills and less food waste, as everything is easy to find and properly stored.
4) Teaches Organizational Skills: By involving your kids in maintaining the pantry’s organization, they learn important skills like sorting, categorizing, and tidiness.
5) Eases Meal and Snack Prep: When everything has its own place, meal and snack preparation becomes a more streamlined process. It’s easier for kids to help out, and you’ll spend less time searching for ingredients.
I know that for lots of busy families, creating and organizing a kid-friendly pantry may seem like a daunting task. You may find it challenging to decide where to begin, what products to choose for your unique pantry space, or how to maintain the system. That’s where I can step in.
As a professional organizer and principal at Just Organized by Taya, I’m here to take the stress out of your home, office, or life organization projects. Let me apply my expertise to your unique situation to transform your pantry into a kid-friendly zone. Not only will your pantry be functional and orderly, but it’ll also become a space that empowers your kids and makes your life easier. Reach out today, and let’s start organizing together!
Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608
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