The NEAT Guide to Decanting

What is Decanting?

Decanting is basically transferring something from its original container into another. When it comes to organizing, we only decant when it improves both the function and look of a space. So, we’d never suggest decanting if it’s not something you’re willing to maintain. But if you are, there are a lot of benefits that go beyond looking pretty. 

Why Should You Decant?

• Your Food Stays Fresh Longer
  • Perishables go a lot further when stored within a food safe, air-tight canister. Look for lids with gaskets and say goodbye to stale crackers. 
• You Can Actually See What You Have
  • How many times have you started cooking only to discover you're completely out of something? Clear canisters solve this problem instantly. One glance tells you what's running low.
• Perfect for Small Item Control
  • You can use canister bases to subcategorize within any basket or drawer. This gives you the ability to separate and provide boundaries for small items like snack bars, first aid supplies, tech cords and more. 
• It Looks So Much Better
  • Okay, yes – canisters are known for their elevated visual. They allow you to store essentials out in the open without compromising style. In short, they support your decor, rather than fight against it. It’s just one of the many reasons we love them. 

What to Decant

• Anything That Won't Stay Closed
  • No more hunting down bag clips, spilling ingredients, or tearing boxes. Simplify your life and opt out of the struggle – think flours, sugars, rice, grains and cereals. Beyond the kitchen, craft supplies, laundry staples and 
• Things You Use Every Day
  • Canisters make accessing daily use items simple for morning coffee or smoothie prep that won’t slow you down. Select a canister with a wide opening and stop struggling with pouring and scooping. 

What Not to Decant

• Stuff You Go Through Fast
  • If something is consumed very quickly, you might find yourself decanting more often than you’d like. The exception to this might be if you are combining multiple bags of the same item (like pasta) into one large canister.
• Things You Buy Once in a While
  • There’s no need to buy and label a canister for something that’s not in your regular rotation. Stick to your typical essentials unless you don’t mind cleaning and relabeling with every switch. 

Selecting The Right Size Canister

Buy canisters that meet your needs, not the other way around. Assess the package size of each item you want to decant, and purchase a canister large enough to accommodate the entire package – if you can. It’s also a good idea to measure the height of items like craft supplies and clothespins, to make sure your canister is tall enough with the lid on. 

• NEAT Canister Size Guide
  • XL: 5 lb. flour or sugar, 18 oz. cereal, 30 oz. crackers
  • Large: 2 lb. rice, 3x wool dryer balls, colored pencils, markers
  • Medium: 32 oz. powdered or brown sugar, 16 oz. nuts
  • Small: 16 oz. baking soda, crayons, cotton swabs, clothespins

The Case for Labeling

Even when you think it's obvious what's in a canister, label everything. Trust us, trying to tell different types of flour apart gets confusing fast. Labeling keeps things clear to everyone in your household and makes it obvious what needs restocked when a canister empties. We designed our label sets to include the most common household categories for the pantry, closet and bathroom. Grab a blank set for custom categories. Bonus: when you need to adjust your system, they can easily be removed without leaving residue behind. 

• Add Dates: Use Pantry Label Set date stickers or a chalkboard marker, to record expiration dates on the back of each canister. Update as needed.
• Save Instructions: When it comes to decanting things like oatmeal or pancake mix that require cooking instructions, we suggest cutting them out of the original packaging and taping them to the back of the canister. For an even cleaner look, print and attach a QR code that links to the online instructions. 

Best Practices

• Dealing with Leftovers: Avoid storing extras if you can by waiting until a canister is empty before you fill it. If you do end up with some overflow, we suggest placing all those half empty bags in a separate basket labeled “Backstock” (you can find this label in our Pantry Label Set). 
• Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. We’ve used canisters to store everything from hair accessories and karate belts to dog treats and Legos.

GET THE LOOK

xx,

the NEAT team