Sort phase · 5S Method
Pantry Declutter Checklist
The Sort phase is the first — and most important — step of the 5S method. Remove everything that doesn't belong before you organise anything. This checklist walks you through the pantry Sort systematically.
The Sort rule
For every item: Is this item necessary in this room? If yes, it stays. If no, it leaves — to another room, to donation, or to the bin. If you're unsure: red-tag it (or use a box). If you haven't retrieved it in 30 days, it goes.
Do the sort in a single session. Stopping halfway leaves the room in worse shape than before you started.
Your Pantry Sort checklist
SORT · 整理 🥫 Pantry
- ○ Remove everything from the pantry completely
- ○ Check every item for expiry — toss anything expired
- ○ Toss anything opened that has been sitting for 6+ months
- ○ Consolidate duplicates: multiple open bags of the same thing get combined
- ○ Remove anything that doesn't belong in the pantry
- ○ Check spice rack: toss spices older than 2 years or that have lost their smell
Build your custom checklist →
The interactive version lets you select multiple rooms, add your name, and print a formatted card.
What Sort is — and isn't
Sort is
- Removing items that don't belong in the room
- Tossing expired, broken, and worn-out items
- Consolidating duplicates
- Returning items to their correct room
- Deciding — not rearranging
Sort is not
- Organising — that's Set in Order (phase 2)
- Cleaning — that's Shine (phase 3)
- Moving items around within the room
- Buying storage
- Making the room look tidy temporarily