9 Things To Toss From Your Pantry Right Now
Cleaning out your pantry can refresh your kitchen and help you make room for what really matters.
Your pantry is one of the most used (and most neglected) spaces in your kitchen. Over time, it becomes a catch-all for expired products, barely-used items, and things you once planned to cook but never did. Giving your pantry a seasonal clean-out not only frees up space, but it can also reduce food waste and make everyday meal prep easier and more enjoyable.
We spoke with professional organizers from across the South to get their best tips. Here are nine items you should toss from your pantry right now—plus, a few bonus tips on what to do next.
1. Near-Empty Snack Bags
If you find nearly-empty bags of chips, crackers, or cookies that have been opened for weeks (or months), it's time to let them go.
“More than likely, they’re stale or too small to be useful,” says Stephanie Worinkeng, founder of A Time to Organize in Greenville, South Carolina. These bags take up valuable space and create clutter, especially if no one in the family intends to finish them.
Quick Tip: For snacks that are still fresh but almost gone, combine similar types into a resealable container and label it “snack mix” for a quick grab-and-go option.
2. Impractical Storage Decanters
While storage containers can look great, they’re not always practical. “If you struggle to refill decanters after every shopping trip, they may just add unnecessary work,” Worinkeng explains.
The goal of an organized pantry is function, not just aesthetics. Keep containers that help streamline your cooking and eliminate the ones you find yourself avoiding.
Try This: Use decanters for frequently used staples like rice or flour—but skip them for niche items or single-use ingredients.
3. "Someday" Ingredients
That trendy sauce, exotic spice, or gourmet flour you bought for a recipe you never made? It's time to evaluate.
“We all buy ingredients with big cooking dreams in mind,” says Caroline Van Natta, founder of Tidyish in Richmond, Virginia. “But if it’s been untouched for six months, it’s probably not coming off the shelf anytime soon.”
Instead of letting those items collect dust, make peace with letting them go. Keep your pantry aligned with your real-life cooking habits—not your Pinterest board.
4. Old Party Napkins
Do you really need those four mismatched napkins from a birthday party three years ago?
“If you haven’t used them by now, you probably never will,” says Libby Huffines, founder of Libby and Labels in Dallas, Texas. “These one-off items tend to pile up quickly.”
Keep only the napkins you actually use for holidays or entertaining. Donate or recycle the rest.
5. Expired Oils and Stale Nuts
You may not think of oil and nuts as perishable, but they absolutely go bad—and can even become harmful if consumed past their shelf life.
“If your olive oil smells bitter or your walnuts taste stale, they’re past their prime,” Van Natta warns. Rancid oils not only ruin the flavor of your food but can also cause digestive discomfort.
Shelf Life Tip: Most cooking oils last 6–12 months after opening. Nuts should be stored in airtight containers, preferably in the fridge or freezer to extend freshness.
6. Outdated Spices
Spices lose their potency over time, even if they don’t technically “expire.”
“While old spices won’t make you sick, they won’t contribute much flavor either,” says Eryn Donaldson, founder of The Model Home in Washington, D.C. If you can’t remember when you bought it—or if it no longer has a strong scent—it’s time to toss it.
Refill Rule: Ground spices last 1–3 years; whole spices, about 3–4 years.
7. Old Baking Powder and Yeast
If your baked goods don’t rise like they used to, your leavening agents may be the culprit.
“Baking powder and yeast lose effectiveness over time, especially after opening,” Donaldson says. Check the expiration dates and replace anything older than a year.
Test It: Add a spoon of baking powder to warm water. If it bubbles, it’s still good. If not—toss it.
8. Worn-Out Shelf Liners
Pantry cleanouts shouldn’t be limited to food—check your shelf surfaces, too. “Shelf liners can tear, discolor, or become sticky over time,” says Caroline Dockery, founder of Categorically Caroline in Northern Virginia.
Replacing them gives your pantry a fresh, clean appearance and helps protect your shelves from spills or damage.
Bonus Tip: Use wipeable, non-adhesive liners for easier maintenance and replacement.
9. Old Plastic Containers
If your dry goods containers are cracked, warped, or no longer seal properly, it’s time to upgrade.
“Plastic degrades over time and can affect the taste and freshness of your ingredients,” Dockery explains. Look for BPA-free options with tight-fitting lids to maintain freshness longer.
Better Choice: Consider glass containers with locking lids for better durability and visibility.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Fresh, Simple, and Realistic
Cleaning your pantry isn’t just about tossing expired items—it’s about reclaiming space and simplifying your daily life. By letting go of what no longer serves you, you make room for better habits, clearer choices, and more enjoyable cooking.
Try doing a mini clean-out every 3 months to stay on top of things—and use labels and categories that fit your lifestyle. Whether you cook gourmet meals or rely on quick weeknight dinners, your pantry should work with you, not against you.