Aurelia Butler

There are aspects of historic kitchens that not many people would want to return to. Tuscan themes and orange-hued cabinetry are just two examples from the past, but there’s another one that design experts say deserves a second look—sculleries. Yes, sculleries, or prep kitchens, are making a major comeback.Common in 19th century aristocracy as an area for doing chores like washing dishes and laundering clothes, a scullery can be thought of as a zone where the more hard-earned tasks of running a home take place. A scullery was often adjacent to a main kitchen, keeping that area clear of the scrubbing, dunking and general water-logged quality of the room. “Essentially, they were a ‘dirty’ utility space subservient to a kitchen,” says architect Nicholas G. Potts. “It wasn’t a place where food was stored.” Related StoryRecently, the term has reemerged as a prep kitchen, a term Potts says is more flexible to how homeowners may use this space today—without any of the complicated class implications. “The archaic use of a scullery as a dishwashing-only room is not something that’s relevant to us given that we now have dishwashers and far fewer specific pieces of tableware,” he says. “But a prep kitchen is a great solution for homeowners with a lot of available space who entertain frequently. Because a prep kitchen can be sealed off, it’s also a nice fit for pickling, canning and so on.” Here’s why more and more homeowners are investing in prep kitchens. Design: Dunham Robinson; Photo: Nicholas VeneziaWhy Prep Kitchens Are Popular NowRachel Robinson, architect and founding partner of Dunham Robinson, says that the trend of finding extra square footage for this prep space makes sense given how many tasks modern kitchens oversee. “Today’s kitchens almost invariably do double duty,” she says. “They’re workhorses for daily cooking while often serving as the heart of the home: for entertaining, hanging out as a family, or decompressing and catching up after work. And that’s a lot to ask of one space. I would hypothesize that sculleries, or prep kitchens, have re-emerged because they take off some of that pressure.”This secondary kitchen could be used to store items that only come out for a crowd, as well as specialty pieces that emerge from cabinets every so often. “It’s a modern twist on a traditional idea—separating private working spaces from public entertaining spaces—that just makes life easier. In that sense, a scullery is like the backstage of a home: it holds all the supporting cast so the main kitchen can be the star.”Melissa Oholendt, founder and design principal at Oho Interiors, agrees that prep kitchens have staying power, even if it’s a room from the past. “It’s highly functional and can serve a larger purpose in a home,” she says. “We don’t see this trend dying in popularity but rather taking the shape of a modern family’s needs, and that is exciting!”Design: Oho Interiors; Photo: Judith MarilynHow to Know If a Scullery Is Right for YouTrends are not for everyone, particularly if they involve construction. But if you think a scullery should be a part of your home, here’s what you should consider:Planning is key. A prep kitchen won’t necessarily need as much space as, say, a dining area, but it does usually require precious square footage to make it worthwhile. More so, it has to be very functional—otherwise, you likely won’t use it. “Space planning is critical here,” Potts says. “It should be easily accessible (with direct garage or hallway access), have a sink, adequate counter space (with power), refrigeration and some closed or shelf storage if it’s also used for bulk ingredients.”Cooking must be a passion. If your calendar is routinely booked with events at home where you’re the chef, this is likely the right move. “If our clients are big on hosting—especially for the holidays—or if the client really wants a simplified kitchen, we will encourage a scullery for function,” Oholendt says. “But if we have clients who order more takeout than cook, a scullery would drive construction costs up in a way that doesn’t feel productive!”It can work for apartments, too. While a scullery harkens back to an era where a large estate’s staff worked behind the scenes, a modern take on this space can be introduced into a smaller home. “We recommend a scullery when clients love to entertain or have a treasured collection of glassware, serving pieces or appliances that can overwhelm a single kitchen, especially in a city apartment,” Robinson says. “It’s also ideal when the main kitchen is meant to feel open and minimal. Having a separate zone for storage and prep ensures that look is easy to maintain.”More Kitchen Design InspirationKelly Dawson is a writer, editor and marketing consultant. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Travel + Leisure and other publications.  More

If you own a home, you know how much goes into maintaining it. No one gets to every last item on the to-do list. (Seriously, who lubricates their door locks and hinges once a year, the way manufacturers recommend?) We get it: home maintenance can be a little tedious. But there are some upkeeps that you absolutely must stay on top of, since skipping them could lead to catastrophe, including fires, floods, mold and more. Our experts in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute pulled together this essential to-do list, aimed at keeping your home and everyone in it safe throughout the year.Clear the dryer vent. Of the nearly 3,000 home dryer fires that are reported to fire departments each year, the leading cause is inadequate cleaning, since it allows the buildup of combustible lint inside the machine. Cleaning the lint screen on a regular basis is important, but at least once a year you also need to clear the vent.Start by turning off the power to the dryer at your home’s electrical panel. To access the vent, you’ll probably need to pull the machine away from the wall. Separate the vent from the dryer, then use the crevice tool on your vacuum to suck up lint and other debris from both ends of the duct. Our cleaning experts are fans of the Hurricane Lint Lizard, which saves you from having to move the dryer. Instead, simply attach the plastic contraption to the end of your vacuum, insert it into the dryer through the lint screen compartment, and it will suck lint from deep inside the vent.Insulate water pipes. A single burst pipe in your home can cause upwards of $5,000 in damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Many homeowners think frozen pipes only happen in cold parts of the country, but the truth is they’re a bigger threat in mild regions. That’s because pipes in these areas tend not to be insulated, making them susceptible to freezing and bursting during unexpected cold snaps. Pipes in unheated spaces like basements, attics and garages are vulnerable, as are water lines that run through cabinets or exterior walls. Wrap these pipes in foam insulation sleeves, available at home centers and plumbing supply stores for less than $1 per linear foot.Check smoke alarms. Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or none that are working, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. For maximum protection, alarms should be placed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Once a month, make sure the alarms are working by pressing the test button.Carbon monoxide is another danger that claims about 400 lives every year in the U.S. Known as “the silent killer,” it’s an odorless gas that can escape from faulty gas-fired equipment, like clothes dryers and water heaters. Our experts recommend combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that protect against both threats. Most of the devices are interconnected, meaning you’ll be alerted to danger in one part of the house when you’re in another. Keep gutters clean. Clogged gutters lead to a host of problems, including leaky roofs, damaged foundation walls and mold outbreaks. Climbing up on the roof is dangerous work, so this is a good project to hire out, at an average cost of around $150.If you decide to clean the gutters yourself, make sure your ladder is on firm, level ground and at a safe angle from the house. Wearing work gloves, scoop out leaves, pine needles, and any other muck that’s preventing rainwater from reaching the downspout. Then spray water from a garden hose to remove smaller debris, and to check that water is draining freely through the downspout to the ground below.Our experts say that installing gutters guards is a great way to prevent clogs from occurring in the first place. In our tests, micro-mesh screens were excellent at keeping debris out of the gutter while withstanding even the heaviest of rainfall.Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter GuardNow 20% OffCredit: Raptor FlowGuard Gutter Cover SystemCredit: FlowGuardA-M Gutter Guard Aluminum Leaf & Debris ProtectionCredit: A-M Gutter GuardSweep the chimney. If your wood-burning fireplace gets a lot of action in the winter, a smoke residue called creosote will start to form on the chimney walls. Left unchecked, it can block the flow of smoke up the chimney, and even release carbon monoxide back into the home.Sweeping the chimney is not a DIY project, since it involves a lot of specialized equipment, like cameras and long wire brushes. The website of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) lets you search its online directory of some 2,000 members by zip code. The service will likely cost around $250.Chimney sweeps get busy during the winter, when fireplace issues arise the most. So take advantage of their downtime by scheduling your tune up during the summer or early fall.I’VE GOT MORE ADVICEHaving written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids. More

Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is a lush garden, but there are certain plants that can bear fruit in as little as two months. Depending on the fruit, you don’t even need a whole lot of space. As long as you have a sunny part of your backyard, patio, deck or porch, you can plant fruits like strawberries and blackberries in small containers. With the right amount of watering and care, you’ll have a mini farmer’s market right outside your door before you know it. Ahead, discover the best fast-growing fruits that can grow in small containers. StrawberriesMe 3645 Studio//Getty ImagesStrawberries have shallow roots, so they can flourish in small containers. “Plant the ‘crown’ (where the leaves meet the roots) just above the soil line to prevent rot, and ensure they get at least six to eight hours of full sun daily,” says gardening pro Dagny Kream. Be sure to regularly water this fruit to keep the roots moist. All in all, strawberries are a great option for beginners looking to plant a fast-growing fruit. You’ll be ready to make strawberry jam before you know it. Fruit growing time: 2–3 months from seeds or 2–4 weeks from a transplantUSDA zones: 4–9Container type: Wide and shallow; ideally with at least a 12-inch diameter and 6-inch depth or 1–2 gallons per plantSun exposure: Full sunSoil: well-draining, moist and rich Gooseberries Adél Békefi//Getty ImagesFans of tart, mildly sweet and a bit sour fruits will love gooseberries (plus, they’re great for pies and cakes). “[Gooseberries] are fast-growing plants that can thrive in containers but benefit from staking and pruning to keep them compact and productive,” says Brian Brigantti, founder of Red Leaf Ranch and author of Gardening for Abundance. Keep the container in full sunlight to partial shade with well-draining soil. Brigantti recommends using a medium to large pot and suggests pruning the plant regularly “to encourage upright growth and abundant harvests.”Fruit growing time: 2 – 3 years from seeds and one year from a transplantUSDA zones: 3–8Container type: Medium to large potSun exposure: Full to partial sunlightSoil: Well-draining, slightly acidic (pH 6–6.5) soil with organic matter Dwarf blueberriesCathérine//Getty ImagesDwarf blueberries are an even tinier version of the already tiny fruit, but they’re just as sweet and delicious. They grow as a compact bush that fits into small containers and spaces and they take just a few months to begin bearing fruit. For the best results, Kream suggests using a potting mix specifically designed for acid-loving plants and keeping a second blueberry bush nearby. “Plant at least two different varieties for better cross-pollination and a more abundant harvest,” says Kream. Fruit growing time: 5 to 6 months from seeds or at least 10 weeks from a transplantUSDA zones: 3–7Container type: Well-draining, large container (some dwarf blueberry bushes can grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide) Sun exposure: Full sunSoil: Well-draining, rich, acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5) Meyer Lemon TreesBusà Photography//Getty ImagesNothing beats a glass of homemade lemonade — and you can take it one step further by growing your own lemons, too. Meyer lemon trees produce fruit quicker than other lemon trees and fit in a container (albeit not the smallest container, but small enough to fit on a patio). It’s low-maintenance for a tree. If the tree is in a small pot, you only need to water these trees every two to three days, or when the soil begins to dry out. “To check if your plant needs water, insert your finger 1–2 inches into the soil and if it feels dry, water thoroughly,” says gardening pro and content creator Carmen Perr. She also suggests amending the soil with compost at least twice a year. Fruit growing time: 6 months to 2 years from a transplant and 3–7 years from a seed USDA zones: 8–11Container type: A well-draining, 15-gallon containerSun exposure: Full sun (at least six hours of sunlight per day) Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH of 5.5 to 6.5) or a premixed soil for citrus trees RELATED: How to Grow a Lemon TreeGround cherriesAlbert Fertl//Getty ImagesGround cherries appear vastly different than your traditional cherry. “Ground cherries are small golden fruits that look like tiny tomatoes wrapped in papery husks with a sweet-tart flavor,” explains Kream, who also says they “are very prolific and easy to grow.” Ground cherries need well-draining soil and full sunlight, but they can thrive in a variety of climates and are relatively easy to grow. “They are relatively low-maintenance but can benefit from a tomato cage or support ring to keep branches from sprawling,” Kream says. In as little as two months, you can harvest these fruits and enjoy the mildly tropical flavor.Fruit growing time: 2–3 months from seeds and around 2 months from transplants USDA zones: 4–8Container type: 5–7 gallon potSun exposure: Full sunSoil: Well-draining soilDwarf blackberriesIuliia Bondar//Getty ImagesWho doesn’t love a blackberry tart? Brigantti says you can grow blackberries in containers, but he specifically recommends more compact or dwarf varieties. Consider Baby Cakes or Little Black Prince blackberry varieties. Brigantti says dwarf blackberry plants are easy to maintain and while they thrive in full sun, they can still grow in partial shade. “This is a great choice for balconies or patios if someone doesn’t have access to a spot with lots of direct sunlight,” he says. For a faster growing time, consider starting with a smaller plant rather than from seeds (two years sounds like a long time, but in the grand scheme of things, this is fast for growing fruit!). Fruit growing time: Five to six years from seeds or two to three from a transplantUSDA zones: 5–9Container type: 1 gallon potSun exposure: Full sun to partial shadeSoil: Well-draining, loose, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5) soilHoneyberriesNetPix//Getty ImagesIf you live in a colder climate, honeyberries may be your new best friend. They are cold-tolerant and thrive in USDA zones two to eight. Kream says they’re one of the earliest fruits to ripen and they “aren’t as fussy about soil pH as blueberries” or soil types. For small containers, choose a compact variety like Blue Moon or Blue Velvet. “While you can start with a three-gallon pot, honeyberries are long-lived and will eventually need larger containers,” explains Kream, who recommends transferring the plant to at least a 15- to 20-gallon pot for when it matures.Fruit growing time: 3–5 years from seeds and 1–2 years from transplant USDA zones: 2–8Container type: 3-gallon pot to start and then increase to 15–20 gallonsSun exposure: Full sun to partial sunSoil: A variety of well-draining soil, but ideally a loose, slightly acidic or neutral soil (pH 5–7.5)Meet the experts ✔️ Brian Brigantti is the founder of Red Leaf Ranch and author of Gardening for Abundance.✔️ Dagny Kream is a gardening expert and content creator✔️ Carmen Perr is a gardening expert and content creatorIsabella (she/her) covers commerce and product-related content in the home, lifestyle, fitness, technology and beauty. She graduated from Binghamton University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in English: Literature & Rhetoric. Before joining GH, she was an editorial assistant at Prevention, where she covered health topics and celebrity news.  More

Your coat closet is probably one of the most overlooked spaces in your home. Consider donating coats you no longer wear. “While [organizations] may be reluctant to take coats in warm weather months, they do love them when the weather cools, as that’s when good quality, warm fall and winter coats come back into demand,” Richmond says. Just remember to check the pockets for any belongings you’d like to keep and look out for any stains or tears. “If the coat is in good condition but needs a fast wash or an even faster trip to the dry cleaner for a stitch-up, please consider doing so, even if it costs a bit for the repair,” she says. “An upcycled coat is a true treasure to those in need, and your kindness will go a long way this winter.” More

Nostalgia decor involves using design elements from the past to evoke comfort.Interior designers share their favorite examples, plus how to get involved in the trend. Whether it’s a piece of artwork, charming knick knack or antique glassware that’s been passed down, we all have decor that reminds of us of a simpler time — think trips to grandma’s house, Sunday dinners or even holiday parties as a child. For me, evoking that sense of familiarity through design is what makes my home feel, well, homey. My space just wouldn’t feel the same without the couple of elephant figurines my grandmother lovingly gave me or the cozy throw blankets from my childhood home.Related StoryTurns out there’s a name for that desire in the interior design world: nostalgia decor. And it’s not just about aesthetics. “It’s about feeling. It’s the art of surrounding yourself with pieces that spark memory. It taps into the places, people and rituals that shaped you,” says Ellie Christopher of Ellie Christopher Interior Design.Still, nostalgia decor isn’t about simply recreating the past. It’s about designing a home that reflects who you are today, shaped by the styles and moments that have influenced you. Interior designers share their thoughts on the trend, plus how to put it to the test without making your space feel dated. What Is Nostalgia Decor?”Whether it’s a bold retro wallpaper, an antique gallery wall or a funky mid-century lamp, nostalgia decor helps you tell your story. The best part is that no two nostalgic spaces look the same,” says Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories. “It all depends on when you grew up and how you mix old memories with fresh style.”More personal than simply incorporating past interior design styles into your home, nostalgia decor is about bringing what makes you, you into the present day. Decorate your kitchen with patterns that remind you of home, incorporate antiques from relatives into your living room or go for a wallpaper that takes you back to afternoons at grandma’s. What’s most important is how the design makes you feel. Nostalgia Decor Inspo From the ProsAlthough it all depends on what makes you feel nostalgic, design pros offer a few popular examples of the trend that they’re seeing across the industry. C2Design / Eric Lucero Photography”Nostalgia decor can include floral or geometric wallpapers from the 70s, mid-century modern furniture or vibrant 80s colors.” — Corinne Ekle of c2 Design”You’ll often see cozy prints like toile or chintz, rich textures like corduroy and chenille or charming accents like embroidered pillows.” — Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design”As someone born in the 80s and raised by boomers, I’m naturally drawn to things like floral prints, warm wood tones and a little pattern play.” — Ellie Christopher of Ellie Christopher Interior DesignHow to Experiment With the TrendSeamlessly blending the old with the new can be a difficult task, especially when you’re working with heirlooms or antiques that might not necessarily suit your current design style. Here’s what designers recommend when getting started. Ellie Christopher Interior Design / Mary Margaret Smith✔️ Start small: “Start with a pattern that reminds you of your grandmother’s house, then layer in trim or contrasting fabrics to give it a modern twist. If full draperies feel like too much, try incorporating it into a pillow or an upholstered bench. Reframe antique prints with a fresh mat, recover that heirloom chair in something bold or give an old chest a new life with a coat of paint,” says Christopher.✔️ Don’t rush it: “Curating nostalgic pieces slowly over time helps your home feel personal and lived-in, not staged or overly thematic,” says Jay.✔️ Mix and match: “Homeowners can mix vintage pieces with contemporary elements, use nostalgic textures as accents and incorporate modern lighting or accessories to create balance and freshness,” says Ekle. Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

Bees are essential to our ecosystem, yet they’ve been on the decline for years.Without them, our yards would lack many of the fruits and flowers we see today.Learn how to attract bees to your garden with tips from experts. Bees are incredibly important to our ecosystem, aiding in the production of fruits and seeds through pollination. Yet despite the significant role these insects play in our gardens and beyond, honey bee colonies have been on the decline for years due to habitat loss, pesticides and climate change, among other causes. Over the past decade, honey bee colony annual losses have ranged from 40-50%. This year, according to entomologists at Washington State University, colony losses could reach 60-70%. “Without bees and other pollinators, we wouldn’t have much of the floral or fruit diversity that we see in the world,” says Laura Leger, who has her Ph.D. in Entomology from UC Riverside. “Our diets would only consist of wind-pollinated products like grain. And our backyards would not be nearly as vibrant with all of the beautiful and diverse colors that flowering plants produce.” By creating a welcoming environment for these essential creatures, you’re not only helping your garden thrive, you’re supporting the entire bee population. We spoke to experts for their best advice on how to attract bees to your garden. Read on for more on how you can do your part from the comfort of your own backyard. 1. Plant diverse flowers. Eva-Katalin//Getty ImagesThink flowers of all shapes, sizes and colors. The more you can plant, the better. “Flowers are food for bees! The more diverse your garden is, the more diverse your pollinators can be. Some flowers, like sunflowers, have even been shown to be helpful in preventing or treating certain diseases in bees,” says Leger.2. Go native. “Bees need nectar and pollen to feed themselves and their babies. Plant a variety of native flowering plants — trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials — that bloom throughout the growing season. In the spring, native oaks, maples and fruit trees can be a beautiful choice. One tree can have a meadow’s worth of flowers! In the late summer and fall, locally native asters and goldenrods can provide beautiful colors for your garden and food for many bees,” says Laura Rost, national coordinator at Bee City USA.If you’re not sure which flowers to plant, Rost suggests checking out Xerces Society’s pollinator plant lists for every area of the country. 3. Garden with wildlife in mind.By Eve Livesey//Getty ImagesOf course, you should feel proud of your garden and enjoy spending time out there, but it’s important to consider the bigger picture, too. Your garden should also serve pollinators and other wildlife as best it can, even if that means planting a few flowers or trees you wouldn’t normally choose. Related Story4. Limit pesticides. “Pesticides are one of the leading causes of bee declines. Pesticide residues can persist on plants and can affect bees long after their application,” says Leger. Still, it can be frustrating to see pests eating all of your fruits and veggies you worked hard to grow. Luckily, there are natural pesticide alternatives you can try instead.”Embracing alternative pest control practices like encouraging natural enemies (ladybugs, praying mantises, etc.) and using insecticidal soap or cayenne pepper can help deter pests while keeping your plants safe for bees to feed from,” she says.Related Story5. Provide a safe habitat. Patrice Skrzynski / 500px//Getty ImagesWhile you might think all bees come home to a large nest after a long day of foraging, experts say that isn’t always the case. “Bees nest in a diversity of ways. Some make nests in the soil, some in tree cavities and some are cavity nesters and use hollowed out branches or twigs to make their nests. Many of these bees are also solitary, meaning they do all the work of laying eggs, as well as providing shelter and food on their own. Providing bee hotels or leaving that pile of scrap wood in your yard can promote nesting. If they nest in your garden, they are likely pollinating your garden too,” says Leger.6. Get your community involved. While your own garden is a great place to start, spreading the word is the next step. “In order to save the bees, it’s important to get your community involved,” says Rost. Share your favorite native flowers with neighbors or put a yard sign encouraging others to create a pollinator habitat on their own property. More Gardening AdviceLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

Now that you know what works with onions, it’s time to cross these plants off your list. Chastain discourages gardeners from planting the following alongside onions:Legumes: “Legumes, like peas and beans, don’t like some of the compounds that onions release. It keeps them from properly absorbing the nitrogen in the soil so they just won’t grow well.”Aromatic herbs: “Even though onions are aromatics, aromatic herbs like sage, rosemary, basil, oregano and lavender won’t thrive near onions because they compete for the chemicals in the soil they need to grow.”Asparagus: “Asparagus and onions are terrible bedfellows because their roots fight for space under the soil. They are also both nutrient hogs. It’s best to just give them their own bed with their own blanket of soil.” More

When it comes to decluttering your pantry, professional organizers always have a lot to say — but what bad habits are they begging us to break? Out of curiosity, I asked three pro organizers what they NEVER do in their own pantries.Aside from the obvious (like storing perishable foods and expired items in the pantry), pros are sharing the biggest pantry mistakes they notice when working with clients. From storing cleaning products too close to food (yes, I need to rearrange my setup asap) to going too far with the label maker, here’s everything we should all stop doing. Declutter Your PantryStoring cleaning productsExperts agree: Cleaning products should never be stored in the same place as food. “I would never store toxic products, like household chemicals or cleaning supplies, in the pantry,” says Ashley Hines of Thee Tailored Life. Cleaning chemicals can contaminate nearby food through spills, leaks or fumes, which can pose a serious health risk. “The pantry is a food space that should feel safe and nourishing.” Implementing very specific systems Overly complicated systems are hard to maintain and will inevitably lead to clutter if they don’t work for your lifestyle. “Skip overly rigid systems,” says Hines. “Your pantry should be flexible enough to handle everyday grocery swaps and changes in taste. If you live with others, keep it simple and easy for everyone to use.” Try to streamline your storage systems (clear containers work best, so you can see what’s inside). “Too many bins or mismatched storage solutions can confuse your pantry’s flow,” adds Lindsay Melvin, owner of Orchid Organizing.Going overboard with labelsMost organizers recommend labeling bins, baskets and decanted containers, but don’t go overboard. “Labels should make sense for your household,” says Melvin. “Stick to wide categories like breakfast, grains, snacks, baking and canned foods. This offers you a category yet flexibility.””I’ve seen clients try to label EVERYTHING, and this is counterproductive because no one wants to read 50 labels when they’re hungry,” adds Cheryl Russo of Organizing by Cheryl.Keeping food they don’t like”I never keep food we do not eat,” says Hines. Food, snacks or ingredients you don’t plan to eat are taking up space in the pantry and will eventually expire and turn to waste. “Do not let guilt convince you to hang onto items that do not serve your family. If it is unopened and still good, pass it on to a neighbor, friend, family member or local food pantry.” YinYang//Getty ImagesStoring any non-food related items”I believe that only food and food-related items (think lunch boxes and small appliances) should be stored in a pantry,” says Russo. You can get away with storing serveware, paper products, grocery bags or kitchen tools, but don’t let your pantry turn into household storage. Certain items, like toxic cleaners, batteries and lightbulbs, could pose contamination risks. Leaving bags and containers openThe biggest rule of food storage: Never leave bags or containers open. Everything should be properly sealed to preserve freshness and prevent pests from getting inside. Many organizers choose to decant everyday food items into glass jars and containers, but you don’t have to. “I personally, do not decant my food,” says Melvin. “I use clips or rubber bands to secure the food. I feel like my foods ebb and flow, and I may not always have brown, long grain rice, so I don’t need a glass jar for it.”Buying bins for aesthetics Style matters — even inside the pantry, but never sacrifice function for a beautiful storage bin. “Avoid bins that do not fit your shelves or have textures that are hard to clean or prone to shedding,” says Hines. Clear bins or mesh baskets work best, so you can see what’s inside. Advice From Pro OrganizersAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More