~ from my home to yours, living the Working Pantry lifestyle ~ surviving today's economy ~ a can-do spirit and attitude ~

When I Talk About My Pantry

When I talk about my pantry, I’m talking about more than just food.  I consider everything that I need to keep my household running smoothly as part of my pantry. 

This is what ‘my pantry’ consists of …

Food ... this is the most obvious and what most people think of when they hear the word pantry.  This includes home-canned food, frozen foods, dehydrated foods, bulk purchased foods, and food purchased from a grocery store.

Medicinal Items ... herbal remedies, prescriptions and first aid supplies.

Toiletries ...  shampoo, hair conditioner, deodorant, razors, make-up, personal hygiene items, etc.

Stationary ...  writing paper, thank-you notes, spiral notebooks, composition notebooks, post-it notes, pens, pencils, markers, etc.  I try to shop for these things once a year during the back-to-school sales.

Cleaning ...  since I make most of our cleaning supplies, including laundry detergent, this category includes ingredients to make those cleaning supplies as well as the few 'cleaning' items I do purchase.

Fabric and Notions ... I buy almost all of my fabric (and notions) when they're on sale or when I have a 40 - 50% off coupon.  I do this whether I need it or not at the time and bring it home and add it to my stash.  When I want or need to sew something I shop in my stash.  I also include buttons, zippers, etc that I have removed from worn out or badly stained clothing as well as fabric cut from outgrown clothing that still has lots of wear.

Paper Products ...  paper towels, toilet paper, aluminum foil, wax paper, cling wrap, etc.

Emergency Lighting ... oil lamps, lamp oil, candles, batteries, etc.

Food Preservation ... freezer bags, vacuum sealer bags, canning lids, etc.

I'd love for you to share what you consider your pantry to be!

patsi
A Working Pantry

3 comments:

  1. Having whatever you can set aside for use is such a comfort isn't it. I am sure you also include a deck of cards and some games etc to keep the kids..and adults! happy. Also books they can enjoy plus many informational books on preparedness and such. And Bibles. Extra clothing for each person. Paper products..plates, cups, napkins and towels and TP! Plus plastic utensils and such in case there is little water for washing up. And other things I cannot think of just now! :-)) I wonder if you ever give tours for your close friends to further explain it all? Hopefully your friends already do the same as you do so more of your community is prepared. Sarah

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  2. I am so glad I found your blog today! Everything I'm reading is exactly what I aspire to become. Major goals!! Thank you for sharing your wisdom & knowledge - I'm gonna need it on this journey :)

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    1. Heather, you can do it. Baby steps will get you there!

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