Abundance - the prequel

Last summer (last fall? I don't remember exactly) James helped me sort through some stuff in our kitchen cabinets and clear it all out. Then we gathered our opened cans and bags and boxes of various items and we transferred it all into the gallon-size rubbermaid canisters I mentioned a couple of days ago. All the containers have the metal gripper lids that make them air-tight.

This is the result and I have to say it's a much more efficient use of space. In this small space I have the following:

• lentils
• pinto beans
• instant potato flakes
• brown rice
• cornmeal
• white rice
• semi-sweet chocolate chips
• white chocolate chips
• dry milk
• black beans
• egg noodles
• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• brown sugar
• rolled oats
• quick-cooking brown rice
• fruit drink mix
• red winter wheat
• white wheat
• green split peas

That's a lot of food stored on only TWO kitchen shelves! It's all organized in the canisters, and they fit two deep on the shelves. I can see exactly what's there and how much of it I have. I don't have to go on any sort of expedition to the back of the pantry to see if I have chocolate chips and I don't have to buy yet another pound of lentils because the tiny plastic bag they come in is hidden behind a can of soup. Maybe you can imagine what it would look like if all that food was in its original containers stacked neatly, or not, onto two shelves. The best part is that there isn't any more possibility of bags or boxes breaking open spilling food all over my pantry shelves and floor. It's all right there, safe and contained, and out in the open.

I really love this set-up in my kitchen! I did have to clean out this cabinet to accomplish this. I remember that there was all sorts of stuff in there. I don't remember what any of it was and I haven't missed it at all. So if you feel inspired to organize your food storage or to start putting some food aside in case of a rainy day, don't let the lack of cabinet space deter you. Undoubtedly you have a lot of stuff you don't need taking up valuable kitchen real estate.