She thought she had already done a good job on her pantry. A year earlier, TikTok creator @alishamarie had cleaned it out, labeled clear containers and felt pretty proud of the result. Then a professional organizer named Bailey walked in, pulled every single thing out onto the kitchen, and the creator learned a hard truth: about seventy percent of what she owned in that pantry had expired.
This is part four of a series in which she hired Bailey to organize and declutter her entire house. The creator has ADHD, and she calls Bailey her saving grace when it comes to keeping her space in order. Today’s job was the pantry, and the lessons go well beyond one kitchen.
@alishamarie
Taking everything out
The first step was the most revealing one. They emptied the pantry completely and set every item out in the kitchen so they could see exactly what was in there. She admits there were things she had totally forgotten she owned. The shelves themselves were stained, which she says she suspects came from the drawers she used to have, and she is quick to reassure everyone it was not mold.
Then came the number that made her laugh and wince at the same time. She estimates that seventy percent of the contents were expired. Part of the problem, she says, is that her pantry is very deep, which makes it easy to lose things at the back. And with ADHD, out of sight really is out of mind. If she cannot see something, she forgets she owns it.
A system built around one person
One of the biggest takeaways she shares is something Bailey taught her: every client is different, so the system should be built around your own habits. The fridge is a good example. The creator keeps a lot of drinks there, so Bailey suggested turning that into her own little vending machine with drink dispensers. She was delighted by how fun it made her fridge and joked about the satisfying boost she got from seeing it.
In the pantry, the before and after is dramatic. The creator had tried to do the right things the first time, including labeled clear containers, but she discovered that she had stored many items she never actually used and had expected to. Now she says everything has a spot, and for the first time she knows what she really uses and which bins she needs more of.
What changed in the new pantry
- Clear containers stayed. She still relies on them, because being able to see everything helps with ADHD. Everything is labeled too.
- Bulk bags were divided up. Instead of keeping one bag of chips, items were split into smaller portions.
- A big bucket for popcorn. Knowing what she really uses told her where bigger bins were needed.
- A movie theater snack area. She created a little candy station she calls her obsession.
- Wire baskets you can see through. They keep things grouped while staying clear enough to spot what is inside.
- Covered baskets on the top shelf. These hold party supplies that she only needs when she is hosting.
What does expired really mean?
Seventy percent is a startling number, but it helps to understand what the dates on food packages mean before you start tossing everything. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, most date labels reflect quality and not safety. A “Best if Used By” date marks when a product will have its best flavor or quality, and a “Sell-By” date is meant for stores managing their inventory. The one notable exception is infant formula, which the agency says should not be used after its date.
The agency also says food that shows no signs of spoilage can still be wholesome after the date, while food with an off smell, flavor or texture should not be eaten. Improper storage can allow harmful bacteria to grow before or after a labeled date, so how you keep food matters as much as the number printed on the box.
In other words, a pantry audit is less about panic and more about judgment. Stale crackers, flat cereal and old spices may not hurt you, but they are not worth the space. Dented cans, swollen packaging, rancid oils and anything with a strange odor should go straight to the trash.
Run your own pantry audit
You do not need to hire a professional to try the same approach. Here is a simple way to do it over an afternoon.
- Empty one shelf at a time if the whole pantry feels too big. The goal is to see everything in one place.
- Sort into groups. Baking, breakfast, snacks, canned goods and pasta are good starting categories.
- Check dates and condition. Toss anything spoiled and anything you know you will never eat. Donate unopened items you will not use, if the food bank accepts them.
- Wipe the shelves. A damp cloth and a mild cleaner give you a fresh start.
- Put the oldest in front. Place new purchases behind older ones so you use things in order.
- Keep what you use within reach. Save the high and deep spots for rarely used items.
The creator ends with a note that it was bring your dog to work day, and she invites her audience to suggest which space to organize next. For anyone who has ever lost a can of soup in the back of the cupboard, her story is a reminder that a clean sweep, even a year after the last one, can turn up surprises.