Hot temperatures and sunny weather call for a rearrangement of your wardrobe. Well, you probably don’t need a reminder for that. What most people forget is that their pantry also needs some editing once the warmer months arrive. Today we are talking about what you need to add, keep and remove from your pantry in the summer.

What to Remove from Your Pantry

Let’s start with the items we can get rid of for the season. Summer is a good time for detoxing and cutting on some comfort foods you probably enjoy in colder times. That said, leave less space for pasta, highly processed snacks and cereals. You can also get rid of some teas that are associated with winter. If you normally keep your eggs in the pantry, now is a good time to take them out and store them in the fridge. This will help you avoid nasty infections and serious stomach problems.

While you are removing stuff from the pantry don’t forget to clean up. There might be some spills or crumbles on the shelves. You won’t find a better time to wipe and disinfect this space. If you use labels on containers, replace those that are worn out with new ones.

What to Keep in your Pantry in Summer

Obviously, all your condiments can stay right where they are. Salads are very popular during summer, as well as seafood dishes. Your pantry is a good place to store some salad dressings, cooking sauces and canned fish. Check the best before date on all items. Those that expire sooner bring forward. If something is already gone, just toss it in the bin. It will create space for the new things you need to add.

What to Add to Your Pantry in Summer

Remember we said it’s a good time to get rid of foods with high carb contents? Well, if you chucked your pasta out, you can add quinoa. It is a fantastic ingredient for a variety of salads and light meals. Brown substitutes are also a good idea - brown sugar, brown rice, brown pasta. Detox tea can make a new appearance in your panty, along with some cold brews. Tinned coconut milk is an invaluable addition to any summer fruit smoothie.

Since it is also the season of garden parties, you may want to get a few more bottles of your favourite spirits or cocktail mixers. They can be safely stored in the pantry.

Last but not least, if you like growing or collecting herbs from fields and green areas, create some space in your pantry to keep and dry your natural health gems. Towards the end of summer you can put them in jars or paper bags and prepare for autumn and winter when hot herbal tea is almost a daily essential.

What do you currently have in your pantry? How do you organise the items? If you need help with bringing some structure to your storage space, give us a call. We are specialists in home organisation.