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1. First, pull all the food out onto the counter where you can see it. (This also means you get to see all the little left-behind stuff at the back of the pantry shelves and clean it out.)
2. Then, take Sunset's advice and sort the food into 3 piles: "keep (have intention to do something with it); giveaway (canned or packaged goods that have not exceeded their expiration dates, but that you have no intention to use in the near future); and toss or compost (items that have exceeded expiration dates, or opened goods that you have no intention to use)." I like the idea of getting serious about what you're actually going to use, and taking the rest of the still-good stuff to a soup kitchen or shelter. Just because I fell out of love with Shake 'N' Bake doesn't mean someone else shouldn't eat it! And composting! Easy to forget. If you don't have a compost heap in your yard (or a yard at all), there may be a community-based compost site in your area where you can drop off your expired foods. Ask around at a farmer's market or community garden near you—they might just be thrilled to have your way-old leftovers.
Feel all fired up to get even more organized? Click over to Sunset's website to read the tips for getting your office, closet, digital desktop and entryway in shape.
Now comment away: How often do you clean out your pantry?
