Ah, spring! The season of fresh starts, blooming flowers, and the realization that your pantry is a chaotic abyss of expired spices and mystery cans. It’s time to roll up those sleeves, grab a trash bag, and embark on the great pantry purge of 2025. Don’t worry—I’m here to guide you through it (and provide moral support)!

Step 1: Mentally Prepare Yourself

Before you even open that pantry door, take a deep breath. Remind yourself that you are strong, capable, and not emotionally attached to that half-used bag of dried cranberries from 2017. You can do this!

Step 2: The Great Expiration Hunt

Start by pulling everything (yes, everything) out of your pantry. You will inevitably find at least one can of soup that expired during the last presidential administration and a spice jar so old it predates your current cellphone. If you’re not sure whether something is still good, follow this rule: if you can’t remember when you bought it, it’s probably time to say goodbye.

Step 3: The Mystery Ingredient Game

Ever bought an ingredient for a recipe you swore you’d try, only to have it sit on your shelf untouched for years? Now’s your chance to either use it or lose it. If you can’t figure out what it is or how to pronounce it, it’s probably safe to say it’s not essential to your cooking routine.

Step 4: Organization is Key

Once you’ve tossed the expired and the unidentifiable, it’s time to put things back in a way that makes sense. Group similar items together—grains with grains, canned goods with canned goods, and snacks in a designated snack zone (because let’s be real, you’re going to want easy access to those). Clear containers and labels can be your best friends here!

Step 5: The Emotional Goodbye

As you throw away that ancient box of cake mix or the rock-hard bag of marshmallows, it’s okay to feel a little nostalgic. But remember, you’re making room for fresh ingredients, easier meal planning, and a pantry that doesn’t make you cringe every time you open the door.

Step 6: Celebrate Your Success

Step back and admire your beautifully organized pantry. Snap a picture. Do a happy dance. Treat yourself to a snack (from the unexpired section). You’ve conquered the pantry beast, and that deserves a reward!

Spring cleaning your pantry might seem like a daunting task, but with a little determination and a lot of humor, it’s totally doable. Plus, now you have room for new goodies—just maybe double-check those expiration dates next time!