Don’t you even think for a minute that I have it all together. I might post about my freezer meals and my super-power shopping trips, but I’m not perfect, not even close. Here’s some embarrassing proof – my spice cabinet. Shocking, I know. To say it’s a workplace hazard is an understatement.
In my quest to become better organized I had to prioritize this disaster. It’s been on my “to do” list since last November. My impetus to get ‘er done is the upcoming baking season – which I know will be much more pleasant if I can actually find the supplies I need. And seriously, I don’t know if I can handle another cooking session where I’m trying to “guess the spice” before adding it to the recipe. I like to buy my spices in bulk and I always have the best intentions to get them home and labeled – but then they end up being thrown into the mix and I end up googling “fennel seed pictures” trying to spot the fennel in the cupboard. Disaster!
Here’s how I went about things. . .
A COUPLE WEEKS BEFORE
Pick your spice container –Β About a month ago I shopped around for spice containers. The jars I currently have I purchased at IKEA about eight years ago and they have a very wide base and a narrow neck. Not good for making the most of space, not stackable. I found some nice straight sided glass jars at World Market for $0.99 cents but the size was small.
Being that I value utility over nearly everything else, I opted for the Zak Designs Pop Mini Stackable Canister Set, 4-PieceΒ (I didn’t buy them from Amazon). They are square and stackable. I’m not a big fan of the bright colors, but if down the road I want to change things up, they would work perfect for office or Lego storage. π I ended up paying about $1 each throughΒ HomeSav using a 50% off voucherΒ about a month ago. I wanted something that was versatile, stackable, sealable and sturdy.
Amazon has a ton of selection when it comes to spice containers. I also recommend checking out Bed, Bath & Beyond (and don’t forget your 20% off coupon).
These Copco 2555-0191 Non-Skid Cabinet Turntable, 9-Inch are also great, it’s what I use in my cabinet. This is $6.93.
THE NIGHT BEFORE
Wash your spice containers – I washed all my new spice containers in hot soapy water and set them out to dry overnight. You don’t want these to be moist when you put your spices in them.
I picked up a small turn table for the cabinet from Target. Similar to this turntable it was about $7 or $8 I think.
THE DAY OF
Clean out current cabinet – I took EVERYTHING out of the cabinets and set it on the counter. Wipe out the cabinets and get them all clean and shiny before you start putting things back in.
Toss. Toss. Toss. – I went through my spices and threw them in the trash if:
- I was unable to identify it. Even with Google’s help.
- If it didn’t have an expiration date and I remember having it in my old house, which we haven’t lived in 1.5 years.
- If it was expired.
- If it was a spice that I hadn’t used in the last three years.
I’m not saying be wasteful. But be mindful of your space. Make sure it makes sense to hold on to it. A big part of being organized is being intentional about the things in your house – if it doesn’t make sense to keep it, don’t.
Consolidate, repackage – I had a lot of duplicates. I consolidated spices together. And I put them in their new containers. I put Sticky Notes on the containers to serve as the label until I was all done and could make labels.
Take an inventory – Make a list of the spices that you’re running low on or that you’re out of. Think of recipes you plan to make in the next few weeks or months and write down what spices you’ll need for those recipes.
Go shopping and stock back up –Β Take your inventory list and head to Winco (or your local co-op) and buy your spices in bulk. They are dirt cheap compared to buying them pre-packaged.
I made an “extras” bin which I tucked on the top shelf for extra bulk spices that I have hanging out in bags. When I have room in my containers, I can add to them with the extras, when available.
Label –Β Don’t do what I did and throw nameless spices into the cabinet. It’s not a good idea. Label all your containers so you know exactly what you have. Make labels for the spices you know you’ll be adding. I used Avery White Repositionable Address LabelsΒ – I like these because I can peel them off without leaving a residue. I printed two extra sheets and stuck them in the cabinet, so if I ever need to wash a container I can peel off the current label and have a back-up. I wanted to do cutesy chalkboard labels but could not find them anywhere. This was much cheaper (because I had it on hand) and much more practical.
What do you think? I feel like a new, spicier lady. π I’m ready to get cooking and baking this fall.
Confession time: Do you have a cabinet or drawer in your kitchen that resembles a natural disaster? What project could you tackle to make your life easier?
This post is part of my ongoing quest to become more organized. Recently I tackled my calendar situationΒ and shared with you my tips for organizing your bills/paperwork. Next on my list is my office and pantry. And I have plenty of other organization opportunities after that. . .so stay tuned!Β
Annette says
It’s very pretty but are those containers BPA free? Spices can be today’s Medicinal healing Cupboard if they come from reliable clean sources/Organic. Also, I don’t think you are going to have much luck storing your garlic in an air-tight container as it holds moisture and is likely to Mold. Previous experience. lol I cleaned out my spice cabinet last year of all the old stuff, made in China stuff, etc. I try to use some spices daily like Ginger & Tumeric & Cayenne in my fresh Chicken soup to help the Family get over Colds. Try not to be afraid of Spices….they indeed Spice up your life and many have healing qualities. I also buy mine in bulk at my favorite Health food store then take the label off the bag, trim it and put on a clean glass container bought at Bed,Bath & Beyond with my 20% off coupons. Thank you Heather for all your tips…I live in NY and love your stuff. We don’t have all the same stores but love reading your posts esp your travels.
Celia says
Can I pay you to organize my house AND life? π
Vee says
I ALWAYS add the name of the spice to the product number on the twist tie for Winco spices. Since they don’t always get put away right away, it makes sense to do. My husband even knows about this when he shops with me π I still keep mine in older bottles that I reused, but was sure to make the onion and garlic powder lids different colors.
Heather says
Vee – Good thinking! I need to be better about that.
Jocelyn says
Inspiring! We don’t have a cabinet in our tiny kitchen that works for spices, so I bought a metal index card filing cabinet with a drawer at a thrift store that works great for organizing the flat, resealable bags we get our bulk spices in!
Heather says
That’s a brilliant idea Jocelyn! Of course, I wouldn’t expect anything else from you. I’m always amazed at your ideas and creations.
Erin @ Simply Frugal Mom says
Are you sure you didn’t sneak into my kitchen to take that before picture? I am soooo jealous of your newly organized cupboard. This has been on my to-be-organized list for a while. Thanks for the suggestions!
Heather says
Erin –
You can do it! It will feel so good when you’re done. π
Heather
Melinda Brooks says
That’s awesome! I love it when things are organized. It makes me happy. I recently started buying my spices in bulk at Winco also. So much cheaper! They have empty spice jars there which I bought but they are not nearly as cute as yours. Also, did you realize they have labels there so you can stick it on the bag when you buy it? It took me awhile before I noticed them.
Loving my new hobby of couponing!
Melinda
Heather says
Melinda – Yes, Winco is the place to get your spices, for sure! I didn’t see they had labels, I’ll have to look for those next time. I think I’ve only seen the tags, which i use to write the PLU number down – which doesn’t do me any good once I’m home. π
Holly R(garlic enthusiast) says
It looks great. I do however have a constructive comment. You might want to keep an eye out for a different jar for your garlic. Garlic should never be stored in something airtight, the moisture in it can cause it to mold. The preferable way to store it is in a dry, dark place that has ample air circulation.
Heather says
Holly – Thanks for the insight into garlic. I had it in a bowl before, so it sounds like that’s where it needs to go back too. π I don’t want my garlic getting moldy, I love it too much.
Candace says
Pampered Chef also makes a spice turn about that will hold all of your pampered chef spices.
Heather says
Oh yes! I used to sell Pampered Chef, I really do like their spices.
Aimee says
Heather If you need anything from Pampered Chef and need a consultant let me know… I am local to Olympia π I am just starting to get my business going so I can always use more hostesses π
https://www.facebook.com/AimeesPamperedChefPage
http://www.pamperedchef.biz/aimeedanielson
Heather says
Hi Aimee – Thanks! I do love their stuff. What team are you working with?
Aimee says
My Director is Kathy Gerchak out of Shelton…. She is so Fantabulous and I am LOVING these parties ….. π
I can not wait for the Pantry organization That is a ONGOING Hassle!!! I REALLY need those spice organizers…. tell me if you still love them after a few months!!!!!
Celia says
Woot, thanks! π
Aimee says
Can you explain how you got these for $1 a piece…from what I see they are quite spendy….. Thanks so much!
Heather says
Aimee –
They were a daily deal on HomSav.com which had a SET OF 8 for sale for $14.90. To make it an even better deal I had a $40 HomeSav gift certificate that I had purchased from another daily deal site (Mamasource) for only $20. I used my $40 voucher to buy two sets of $8 – so I ended up paying $20 out of pocket for 16 canisters. Does that make sense?
They are expensive if you buy them from Amazon. But by finding them as a daily deal offer from HomeSav and using basically a 50% off coupon I was about to save a lot on them.
Heather
Kayla says
I went to order the Queen Bee News Tribune deal today and was told that they’re no longer doing it anymore. Did something change?
Heather says
Kayla – No, they are still offering it. This person didn’t know what they were talking about. I’m sorry for the hassle. I would call back and ask to speak with someone else if they don’t know what you’re referring to. Jus tell them promo code QUEEN BEE
Kayla says
Ugh. I was using it, getting 3 newspapers and suddenly they stopped, but I had surgery at the same time so I couldn’t deal with it. And then I called today and asked and he said my subscription was cancelled when the deal expired.
Dawn Rosner says
Heather,
I got a cabinet that looks exactly like your BEFORE picture – baggies, multiple-layer stacks of bottles and candles and coffee filters…a mess!
Thanks for the inspiration.
Heather says
Dawn – Thank you for making me feel better. Glad I was not the ONLY one.