3 Tips to avoid kitchen drama and keep what you need in stock.
A few weeks ago I came home from what I thought was a successful grocery store trip. I kept to my list and didn’t purchase any unhealthy snacks, woohoo! Much to my dismay as I unpacked, I realized that I already had a bottle of oyster sauce. I mean I will use them both eventually, right? Last month I moved some items around temporarily in my cupboard making space for new recipe ingredients. This is a common conundrum if you don’t always have a definitive place to store things in your kitchen and pantry. Let me give you 3 tips to help you avoid a double sauce saga.
Create a master grocery and inventory list: Whether you are old school using pen and paper or keep notes on your phone/ an app this is an easy way to avoid accidental purchasing. If you have multiple areas where you store items make sure to be clear as to what is where and if necessary tape the list to the inside of the cabinet door to keep it organized.
Make sure everyone in the house is on board: If your cousin uses the last of the ketchup and doesn’t let you know all hell might break loose at the next barbeque— just kidding! But it is important to keep track so that you have what you need and use frequently. Until it is replaced there should be a note placed somewhere visible to all, such as on the fridge or a family message board.
If it is on sale and you have the space get a second one (backstock): Now this 3rd tip only works if you follow tip #1. I am typically a minimalist when it comes to clothes (except for black shirts) however in the kitchen I always need more. Recently my local store had a sale on extra virgin olive oil and I saved over $10 by purchasing two bottles. This rule only applies to frequently used goods and always check those expiration dates to make sure it is worth purchasing.
Well, I guess it is time for me to step up my game so I can use this oyster sauce before it stares me down until 2024. How do you keep your kitchen properly stocked? What is something you ended up having a multiple of accidentally? Let me know in the comments section and share your tips and tricks to avoid any unnecessary kitchen drama.