To decant or not to decant...
Nearly every time we organize a kitchen or pantry, the conversation comes up about decanting things like baking, dry goods, spices, cereal, etc. There are definitely pros and cons so read on to see what the professional think!
Pros of Decanting
Decanting 101:
There are many great reasons to decant but not all the things really need it – it all depends on your needs, your lifestyle, and your willingness and interest in maintaining. The look is what most people go for which is why we’ll post some of our fave products below!
The good part...
We honestly love decanting for so many reasons, not just because it makes your space look fabulous with the consistency of the canisters & labels but also keeping products fresh and easy to see.
Creating zones in your storage spaces is key to organization and by decanting – you are creating clearly delineated groups of like items which makes keeping things tidy so much easier.
- consistent canisters mean your space feels streamlined and put together plus the visual component can instill a sense of calm and order
- a good canister will have an airtight seal meaning the contents stay fresh
- clear canisters mean you can see the volume of what you have left so you can prepare for restocking
- no more half open bags of stuff spilling or getting hidden at the back of the pantry
- clear labeling makes it easy to see what you have at a glance - and you can pop a dry erase label on the back with expiration dates or directions
The decanting upkeep...
There's some work involved:
Keeping up with the decanting process can be challenging for some people. It’s not super difficult but it does take some planning, time and attention. Things like spices need refreshing much less frequently than cereal or baking might which is why sometimes we decant certain categories rather than all the things.
Pro tip: if you have kids, we typically recommend BPA free plastic rather than glass for safety
What are the cons of decanters?
- if you identify your items by the color or style of the bag or can, decanting can make this a challenge
- the upkeep can be daunting for high turnover products
- remembering to check your back stock before buying new sometimes throws people off (we always set up a back stock/refill zone for decanted items)
Pro tip: when replenishing any canister, empty the older contents into a bowl, fill with the new (wash & dry if needed first), then add the old on top. This way you don’t end up with a bunch of stale stuff at the bottom!
Choosing the right containers for Decanting
How to pick the right decanter?
- If you have kids, plastic is safer than glass
- make sure they'll fit-measure the shelves where they will live
- does your aesthetic run more to simple and functional or are you looking for glam?
- a gasket seal on the lid keeps things fresh
-
clear is better than opaque so you can see the contents
Check out our favorite decanter products below --->
Decanting or not?
It’s a matter of personal preference so if it calls to you, go for it! Check out our favorite products to help you make the decision – and use the info above to see if it makes sense for your and your lifestyle!
