Inventory Your Pantry for Free with These 4 Printables
Keeping track of what’s in your pantry doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab these free pantry inventory printables and start saving money, time and food!
I have been in an organizing mood here lately. Which is good for you – because I’ve been making all sorts of handy printables that I can offer for free! After I finished organizing my freezers using these free freezer inventory printables, I knew I had to get started on the pantry.
So today, I’ve got 4 different options for you to keep track of exactly what’s in your pantry.
Affiliate disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate this means I will earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through my links. This is at no extra cost to you! Read full disclosure here.
How to Organize and Inventory Your Pantry
Before you grab your pantry inventory logs and run off, let’s talk about how to best use this resource. Because I really want you to reap the benefits of a well-organized pantry as well!
Out With the Old
First, you’re going to need to take the time to clean out your pantry. It seems like I always find some granola bars that have been at the bottom of the snack bin for several months too long. This is also a good time to wipe down all your shelving.
Organize
I like to spend a little time grouping my items together. So, I organize my canned goods, dry goods, snack bars, etc. This makes the inventorying step easier and keeps the items more easily accessible going forward. Be sure to put your oldest items near the front of the shelf so that you grab those things first and don’t allow them to expire!
Take Inventory
Now you can start writing down exactly what you have. You can be as detailed as you want in this step. This is why I included multiple printables. You can just list items and quantity, or grab a more detailed printable to create categories, track expiration dates and package sizes.
I recommend using a pencil so you can update the log easily. You can also laminate the page and use a fine tip dry erase marker to update it. I grabbed this little laminator years ago and I love using it for little projects like this!
You’ll also have to choose exactly what items are worth taking inventory of. I don’t list out all of the snack items that my kids regularly work through. That would be a waste of time since I’m not going to update my inventory list every time a snack bar is eaten. However, I do list ingredient type items or items that I buy in bulk. So, things like canned goods, sauces, condiments, and dry goods all make it on my inventory log.
Keep it Handy
Okay, this step is important. You have to keep this inventory sheet somewhere that you’ll frequently update it!
I choose to keep my inventory logs in my planner, since that is where I go to meal plan. As I meal plan, I can check the inventory sheet to see what I have and remove quantities that I’m planning to use. Having the act of updating my inventory sheet tied to the habit of meal planning means I’m far more likely to keep it up.
But you could also keep it in your pantry or on the cabinet door if that works better. Wherever you keep it, just be sure to make a habit of updating it!
By the way, I have menu planning printables you can grab as well. Combine these meal planner printables with your pantry inventory, and you’re on the way to having a household management binder!
Print Your Pantry Inventory Log
Alright friends, here’s the link to the free printables you came for. I hope you find them useful. Be sure to pin the image below so you can come back to this post in the future. And don’t forget that these printables are for personal use only and shouldn’t be resold.
Click Here to Download Pantry Inventory Logs
Why You Should Inventory Your Pantry
Cut Down on Food Waste
I know I’m not alone in having those items go bad in the pantry because honestly, they just get lost. And I absolutely hate it. Nothing is more frustrating than having to throw out food because I poorly managed something. Which is probably the number one reason for why keeping an up-to-date food inventory log makes sense.
Saving Money
This goes hand in hand with cutting down on food waste. If you’re not throwing food out, you’re saving money. But also, having a well-organized pantry means you can confidently stock up on bulk foods and on sale items. No more fearing items going bad. So take advantage of those sale and bulk food prices!
Meal Planning
Having my pantry (and freezer) well inventoried makes menu planning so much easier! I can see what I already have the ingredients for and easily come up with meals. I can also quickly see what I need to pick up at the grocery store that week.
Cut Down on Overwhelm
When you know that something in your life is organized and under control, it’s a relief. And I’ve found that this also applies to my kitchen management. So having a log with my pantry and freezer items helps me know that things are okay in there. I don’t have food spoiling and I’m not wasting money. And that feels good.
