The Single Most Important Thing You Need to Organize Your Pantry Costs Just $7

When it comes to organizing your pantry, one of of favorite tricks is decanting your staples into uniform containers. It’s a great way to save space in your kitchen (no more bulky cardboard boxes!) while creating a clean, uniform look on your shelves. One potential problem? When you swap out a decanting container for a product’s original packaging, you may end up missing out on crucial information about the food, like its expiration date. 

In a recent post on TikTok, Canada-based professional organizer Cheryl Ross shared a simple-but-brilliant tip for dealing with that common decanting concern: Use a wine glass marker to label your containers!

The beauty of this trick is that you can write whatever details you want on the container (in whatever pretty color speaks to you). It’ll work on any type of decanting container, although it’ll be easiest to see on a clear one (plus, clear containers show you how much is left, an important cue for your grocery list). 

In the TikTok, Ross labels the flour and writes its expiration date, a smart way to ensure you know exactly when to toss and replace something. But you could also add relevant nutritional facts or even preparation instructions if needed.

If you’re displaying your container on an open shelf or counter and worried about aesthetics, no worries! Follow Ross’ lead, and just scribble the info on the back or bottom, where no one but you will see it. Then, when it’s time to refill the container, simply wipe it off and re-write the new information.

To make sure you actually keep up with this organizing habit, keep the marker accessible. For example, tuck it in a nearby drawer or buy a magnetic pen holder and hang it on the side of your fridge! Now that we’ve found this hack, we’re totally out of excuses not to decant.

Let us know your favorite decanting or pantry-organizing hacks in the comments!