The "Just in Time" Pantry
Do you have a hard time resisting a bargain? Are you tempted by warehouse clubs that sell mayonnaise by the five-gallon drum and grocery stores that offer bonus discounts on boxes of crackers or cans of tomato sauce by the dozen?
Everyone loves a good deal, especially during tough economic times, but buying in bulk isn’t always your best bet. Stored away in the pantry or basement, your stash may be easily forgotten. You may even buy more of your favorite items the next time they go on sale. Before you know it, some of the canned or packaged goods have expired, and all your savings are wasted.
If your pantry is out of control, take a tip from the manufacturing world, where just-in-time inventory management is the norm. With just-in-time management, inventory is carefully monitored so replacement parts arrive shortly before you’ll use them. It’s more cost-effective and helps you keep your pantry more organized.
Here's how you can create a just-in-time pantry:
- Adopt as your mantra, "If I can't use it all, it’s not a bargain."
- Take the time to do a quick inventory before you write up your grocery list.
- Don’t be tempted by sales if you don't really need the item. Your favorite items will surely go on sale again.
- Plan your meals for the week when you make your grocery list. If, for example, pasta and spaghetti sauce are on sale, make sure you buy ground beef or sausage or have it on hand to make a complete meal. That way you’ll use your purchases right away.
- When unloading your groceries, use the same storage system as your favorite grocery store: baking items together, canned goods in another spot, snack food together in a third spot. It makes it easier to see at a glance what you need.
- Keep a pad of paper in your pantry or kitchen where you write down items that you need to replace soon.
- Pick one or two nights a week when you force yourself to make something with the ingredients you've been hoarding. Websites like Supercook and RecipePuppy can help you divine a recipe from the ingredients you have on hand.
- If you succumb to excessive bargain hunting, consider sharing what you buy with a neighbor or your local food pantry before you clutter up your pantry.
Question: How do you keep your pantry inventory under control?
