Before times of uncertain weather or utility interruption, it is wise to use pantry storage areas to stock up on foods that can be used after a power outage or severe weather. Knowing that you have food to last is also a good feeling if you face job interruption or illness, when money might be tight. A well-stocked pantry can also keep you from having to make extra runs to the store to pick up something you missed on your last trip. Everyone will benefit from storing items that they like in their pantry, so that they won't waste food. You can rotate your pantry items too, so nothing will get old enough to be unusable.
If you are just building up a storage area in your pantry, do it slowly. Otherwise, everything you have purchased may be closer to its expiration date. Buy items when they are on sale, to add to your stores, so that you can save money by buying items when they are offered at lower prices. The expiration dates you see on food packages now are always quite conservative. Dried food and canned items will last for years, as long as the can or packaging is intact.
If you normally cook with fresh foods, use some recipes that will call for your canned items. You will be able to find lots of ways to use the food you have in pantry storage, especially if you're looking for a meal that is easy to fix. You are also safer in storing food when there are food recalls, because you won't have eaten recalled foods yet, and you can take them back.
To clear out your pantry and prepare it for more food storage, you can follow a simple plan. Empty all your shelves by putting everything into boxes or on countertops or tables outside the pantry. Then clean off each one of the shelves and wipe them dry. Plan how you will now use your pantry, planning to place the most-used items where they are easiest to get to. Eye level is a good place to put food items you'll use a lot. Then categorize your food storage by the item. Stock all the pasta and rice together, and canned goods with like vegetables or fruits together, and baking items together. You can use sticky-notes on the shelves, so everything will end up in its proper place.
Start refilling your pantry by putting items on their new proper shelves. You can be writing on two lists while you restock. Make notes of what you still need, and also what kinds of storage containers you can use to better store your dry goods. Put small envelopes of mixes in a small plastic box or container, so that they'll be together when you're looking for them. Stock all your plates, paper towels and napkins together on a paper storage shelf, and keep your heaviest items, like soda pop, on lower shelves. Extra wall space can be used for hanging brooms and mops, or a bulletin board. Efficient pantry storage will make cooking and shopping easier.