How to Reset Your Pantry: A Step-by-Step Guide

A pantry reset isn't about perfection or picture-perfect shelves. It's about restoring ease. When the ingredients you rely on are visible, fresh, and within reach, cooking feels lighter - and the daily question of "What's for dinner?" becomes far less weighty.

This step-by-step guide is meant to be practical and unrushed - something you can return to on a weekend afternoon, mug of tea nearby (of course), and no pressure to finish it all at once.

Why a Pantry Reset is Essential for a Peaceful Kitchen

We often think of organization as a chore, but in the kitchen, it is actually an act of hospitality-both for our guests and for ourselves. When your pantry is cluttered with expired boxes and half-empty bags, the ‘mental load’ of cooking increases. Every time you open the door, your brain has to filter through the chaos to find what you need.

A pantry reset is about more than just straight lines and matching labels; it's about clearing that mental clutter. When you can see exactly what you have, meal planning becomes effortless, and the kitchen once again becomes a place of creativity rather than a source of stress.

31 Daily Pantry Reset Checklist

Save this list to your phone or print it out for your next rainy afternoon in the kitchen!

• The “First Glance” Sweep: Remove everything from the shelves. Yes, everything! A clean slate is the only way to truly see what you have.
• The Freshness Check: Check expiration dates on spices, baking powder, and dried goods.
  • Pro Tip: If those dried beans have been lingering since last year, they likely won’t soften properly-it’s time to compost them.
• The Grouping Strategy: Organize by “Action.” Group your baking supplies together, your “Quick Dinner” pasta and sauces together, and your morning tea/coffee essentials in one spot.
• The Vessel Hack (Stephanie's Favorite): You don’t need a professional organizer’s budget to have a beautiful pantry. While I love a new set of jars from Crate & Barrel as much as anyone, I also use cleaned and sanitized glass jars from store-bought marinara or fruit. Soak them in warm, soapy water to remove the labels, and you have a uniform, eco-friendly set of storage for free!
• The “Eye-Level” Rule: Put your healthiest, most-used staples (like oats, lentils, and quinoa) at eye level. If you see them first, you're more likely to cook with them.
• The Inventory Note: Keep a small notepad inside the pantry door. As you finish the last of the olive oil or flour during your reset, jot it down immediately so your next “Weekend Preview” shopping list is already half-done.

Want to print the checklist?

Click the button below to save the checklist on your phone or print it for the next time you want to organize your pantry for easy meals and snacks!

PANTRY RESET CHECKLIST

How to Clean and Sanitize Recycled Glass Jars

One of my favorite secrets for a beautiful pantry doesn’t involve a trip to a high-end home store. It involves looking at your recycling bin with fresh eyes! A beautiful pantry doesn't have to be expensive - it simply has to be intentional. I love reusing glass jars from store-bought marinara, olives, or fruit. They are durable, eco-friendly, and-best of all-free. Here is how I prep them for the pantry:

• The Soak: Submerge the jars in hot, soapy water for about 30 minutes. This usually loosens the glue on the labels.
• The Label Hack: For stubborn adhesive residue, a simple paste of baking soda and a little vegetable oil works wonders. Rub it on, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub it away.
• The Sanitize: Run your clean jars through a high-heat dishwasher cycle or wash them in very hot, soapy water and allow them to air dry completely before filling.
• The Finishing Touch: Use a chalkboard label or a simple paint pen to mark the contents. A row of mismatched but clean glass jars looks incredibly intentional and elevated.

Essential Pantry Staples to Keep on Hand

These are the quiet workhorses of everyday cooking - the ingredients that make weeknight meals, simple soups, and spontaneous baking feel possible without a special trip to the store.

To keep your kitchen ‘ready for anything,’ I recommend keeping these versatile basics at eye level. These are the building blocks for the recipes we share here at 31 Daily:

• Grains & Pastas: Long-grain rice, quinoa, farro, and at least two shapes of dried pasta.
• Legumes: Dried or canned black beans, chickpeas, and red lentils (which cook so quickly for weeknight soups!).
• Baking Essentials: All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and high-quality sea salt.
• Hearty Basics: Old-fashioned oats, chicken or vegetable stock, and a good extra virgin olive oil.

Resetting the pantry is just the first step in reclaiming the heart of your home. Once your shelves are clear, the next joy is filling them with intention. If you are looking for a place to start, see our guide on Mediterranean Diet Pantry Staples for exactly what to stock for healthy, flavorful meals.

Pantry Recipes to Inspire Your Next Meal

Some of the most memorable and comforting meals are made from humble, unfussy staples like beans, pasta, or canned tuna. Stocking these ‘essentials’ is the ultimate help for busy weeknights-not only are they convenient and affordable, but they are the building blocks of the stories we share around our tables.

Here are a few pantry-friendly ideas to get you started: