Simple Pantry Edit Routine
Before the holiday season arrives, there’s something deeply satisfying about taking a few hours to refresh your kitchen. “Pantry Edit Day” is one of my favorite quick wins — a fast, easy project that helps you clear expired items, make space for what you actually use, and set the tone for a calm, effortless holiday season.
We often guide our clients through this very process — especially before big hosting seasons or moves. It’s amazing how such a small step can bring both visual clarity and peace of mind.
I’ll walk you through how to make a Pantry Edit Day simple and enjoyable, using the same thoughtful, practical approach we use with our clients in their homes.
Why Pantry Edit Day Matters
As a professional organizer, I’ve seen how kitchens become the heart of the home — especially during the holidays. Between cooking, baking, and gathering, your kitchen works overtime. When the pantry and shelves feel cluttered, it can add unnecessary stress to what should be the most joyful time of year.
That’s why I always recommend scheduling one Pantry Edit Day before the holidays begin. It’s one of those rare organizing projects that gives immediate satisfaction. You’ll toss what’s expired, condense what’s duplicate, and create room to move easily through your routines.
When we guide clients through this process, they often say how much lighter and calmer the space feels — even before we’ve styled a single shelf. It’s about creating a kitchen that supports how you live right now, not how you used to.
Start with Spices
If you’ve ever wondered where to start, begin here. Spices are small, manageable, and oddly rewarding.
Even in the most beautiful kitchens we organize, we almost always find one mystery jar that’s been hiding in the back — usually nutmeg. (It’s always the nutmeg.)
Here’s what I do both in my own kitchen and when working with clients:
1. Pull everything out. Seeing your full spice collection laid out makes it easier to assess.
2. Check expiration dates. Toss what’s expired or no longer smells aromatic.
3. Rotate seasonally. Bring your favorites — cinnamon, cloves, ginger — to the front, just as you’d rotate your wardrobe for the season.
4. Group and label. Arrange spices by type or cuisine, and use clear jars for a polished look.
Clients love this part because it’s quick, visible progress. It’s a small shift that instantly elevates how your kitchen feels and functions.
Move to Oils, Vinegars, and Condiments
Next, check your oils and condiments. These are staples in almost every home, but they don’t last forever.
When we guide our clients through this step, we often find half-used bottles of olive oil or specialty vinegars tucked away “just in case.” If you haven’t used them in a year, it’s time to say goodbye.
Here’s how to make it easy:
Test freshness. If an oil smells sharp or bitter, it’s past its prime.
Simplify. Keep your most-used oils and vinegars front and center, and let go of anything you no longer reach for.
Create order. Use a lazy Susan or small bin to corral bottles — it keeps them tidy and easy to access.
This step alone can transform your cooking zone into a space that feels open and intentional. It’s what I call “editing with purpose” — letting go of what no longer serves you to make room for what truly does.
Tidy the Pantry and Baking Supplies
In hundreds of homes, we’ve found duplicate bags of flour, half-used sugar, and forgotten baking mixes that expired long ago. It’s incredibly common, especially in busy households. And while we’re there, it’s not unusual to find leftover holiday treats or candy from last Halloween still tucked away in the back of a bin. Snacks, chips, and sweets can quietly pile up too — so it’s worth checking those shelves and drawers while you’re at it.
While you’re editing your pantry, take a moment to check your tea and coffee as well. Most people are surprised to learn that both have expiration dates and can lose flavor over time. Toss any that are stale or that you know you no longer enjoy — those herbal tea blends that sounded great at the time but have been sitting untouched, or a flavored coffee you’ve moved away from. Keep only the ones you truly reach for.
When we organize a client’s pantry, we take a systematic approach:
1. Empty one section at a time. This avoids overwhelm and gives you a clear workspace.
2. Check dates and quality. Nuts, seeds, pasta, sauces, snacks, candy, and even protein or snack bars are some of the biggest culprits for hidden expiration surprises.
3. Condense duplicates. Combine open bags into airtight containers (and label them).
4. Edit for lifestyle. Ask yourself, Do we still eat this? or Does this fit how we cook now?
5. Donate extras. Anything unopened and unexpired can go to a local food pantry.
Clients are often shocked at how much space they gain — and how peaceful their kitchen feels once it’s organized for how they actually live today.
Rotate, Refresh, and Make Space
Once the expired and unused items are cleared, it’s time for a quick reset. At Ethereal Edits, we use the same principles here that we use in every project: clarity, function, and ease.
· Seasonal rotation: Move your current ingredients forward — baking supplies, spices, nuts, and extracts — so they’re within easy reach.
· Defined zones: Group similar items together (baking, breakfast, snacks, canned goods). Labeled bins can make a world of difference.
· Breathing room: Don’t feel like you need to fill every inch. Space helps your kitchen flow better and makes it easier to maintain.
When clients see their pantry reimagined like this — open, calm, and functional — it’s often the moment they realize how much of a difference thoughtful systems make. It’s easy to take inventory, restock, and find what you’re looking for quickly.
Make It Fun and Quick
One thing I always emphasize to clients: organizing doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
To keep it light (the Ethereal way) and enjoyable:
Play your favorite music or a cozy podcast.
Set a timer for 20 minutes per section.
Invite a family member to help.
End with a small celebration — a cup of tea, a quiet moment to admire your work, or even lighting a candle in your refreshed space.
It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Every small edit brings ease.
The Emotional and Practical Benefits
What I love most about projects like this is how visible the transformation is — not just in the space, but in how clients feel afterward.
When your kitchen is clear of clutter and filled only with what you actually use, there’s a shift. Cooking feels easier. The space feels lighter. And suddenly, preparing meals or hosting guests becomes something you look forward to rather than something that feels stressful.
A refreshed kitchen gives you a sense of calm control in a busy season. It’s one of those small steps that makes everything else flow better — and it’s often where lasting habits begin.
Extend the Refresh to Food Storage Containers
Once everything in your pantry and fridge is fresh and organized, take a moment to look at your food storage containers — especially with holiday leftovers coming.
If your lids and containers are mismatched or overflowing, it’s the perfect time to reset. For ideas, visit my blog post Simplifying Food Storage Container Organization. It walks through practical, realistic ways to streamline what you have and store them beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I check expiration dates in my kitchen?
Once or twice a year is ideal — usually before the holidays and again in spring. It keeps things fresh and prevents waste.
2. Can expired spices still be used?
They’re not unsafe but lose flavor over time. Replace them when they no longer have a strong scent or color.
3. What’s the best way to organize a pantry after clearing it out?
Group by category, use clear bins or jars, and label zones for easy access.
4. How do I dispose of expired oils or condiments safely?
Seal them in a container before tossing. Avoid pouring oils down the sink to prevent plumbing issues.
5. What if I don’t have time for a full Pantry Edit Day?
Start small — pick one drawer or shelf, set a timer for 15 minutes, and focus on quick wins. You’ll still feel that sense of satisfaction and progress.
Final Thoughts
A Pantry Edit Day may be simple, but the impact is powerful. It’s one of those organizing projects that instantly makes your kitchen feel more open, fresh, and ready for the season ahead.
When we guide clients through this process, the goal is always the same — to create calm and clarity that lasts long beyond the holidays.
If you’d like support bringing that same sense of ease into your home, reach out to us. We’d love to help you create a kitchen that works beautifully for you every day.
Until next time,
Elissa
About Ethereal Edits
I’m Elissa Giwner, the founder at Ethereal Edits, a home organizing studio that specializes in beautiful, high-quality, and practical homes in Los Angels, CA. I believe in the power of smart systems to bring more joy into your life — soothing your routines, inspiring calm, and nurturing more of what you love most.
Together, we’ll discover the look, feel, and functionality that create your happiest, most organized home.
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