Decanting is a term used to describe the practice of removing foods from their original, disposable packaging and placing them into permanent jars or containers, typically clear to easily identify the contents. And who doesn't love looking at pantry staples like rice, pasta, cereal, or spices in beautiful containers? It is the ultimate sign of a fully organized pantry.
But, even if this is a storage solution that often does work, it isn’t practical for everyone. Decanting can be exhausting and very time-consuming. It adds difficulty to the already tedious job of putting the groceries away. And if you have an active lifestyle, decanting your everyday pantry items may not be the best use of your time.
The better tip: Be realistic. Remember that there’s no need to add stress to your day because something might look nicer in a different container. If you don’t enjoy the idea of decanting or want to make better use of your time, find some middle ground to keep your pantry looking great without getting yourself overwhelmed
.Just choose the essential items to transfer into large, clear containers, such as rice or pasta, so you can better keep stock of your inventory. Other items, such as snack foods, are better left in their original packaging to be arranged in baskets. Just eliminate their outer box to save more room in your storage.
If you're a busy home cook who loves your herbs and spices, you might want to only decant the ones that you use often so you can display them on your counter. For others, you can leave them in their original packaging and store them away. Or simply store them in the jars that they come in, instead of transferring them into matching display containers.