If your pantry is looking a little dingy, you might consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. Consider putting contact paper down on the shelves to protect the wood! If the interior looks good, then move to the next step.
RETURN ITEMS TO PANTRY
The bulky items need to be on the lower shelves, and the items you use the most should be on the middle shelves. As you pick up an item to return it to the shelf, check the expiration date. If it's past, it's time; toss it.
PREP FOR FUTURE SHOPPING TRIPS
Keep a small notebook or pad in the pantry. When you use your last box of pasta, make a note. Don't forget to use that information when you make up your shopping list!
ITEM PLACEMENT
If possible, put the newer items to the back of the shelves and older items in front. That will enable you to use items before they hit the expiration date.
NO PANTRY?
Note: If you don't have a pantry and use your kitchen cabinets for food storage, the same basics apply. Try to delegate certain cabinets for food storage and don't buy more than you have room to store.