One of my very favorite kitchen-organizing techniques is to practice decanting. Decanting is the system of pouring something from one vessel into another. This term is commonly used in relation to wine making. But it definitely applies to other foods and beverages as well.

I’m speaking specifically, though, about decanting foods into clear containers. Martha Stewart recommends this as well: “Rather than keeping bulky boxes and large containers of food that take up valuable space in your kitchen, consider decanting these items into clear bins instead.”

There are very practical reasons for decanting food and beverages into see-through containers. First of all, using a clear bins and other containers makes it easy to see when you’re running low and need to restock.

And clear food canisters, containers, or jars are particularly useful if your kitchen space is small. Buy jars in different sizes, depending on the height and depth of each cupboard and shelf. If you clearly label each one and keep them stacked or lined up in a tidy fashion, you can find what you’re looking for at a glance. This means no rummaging around for what you need. Thus, this technique saves time and energy as well.

Next, getting food out of bags and boxes and into airtight clear containers will protect the food, keeping it fresher longer. This step also ensures flavors will stay vibrant and texture won’t deteriorate. In other words, you’ll be extending your food’s shelf life and it will taste the way it’s supposed to.

Also, while not necessarily foolproof, taking this step can do a lot to protect food from weevil infestation. This is especially crucial for dry goods such as grains, cereals, pastas, and other similar products.

Decanting fruit juices from their paperboard boxes into lidded glass pitchers is also a good idea. This encourages the juice is consumed in a timely manner.

While I don’t want to get into the ongoing debate over whether it’s better to store in glass or plastic, I will just say that when food is removed from boxes and bags into clear containers, the overall look is nice—even pretty. Your cupboard, pantry, and refrigerator looks and feels organized. Random bags and boxes create a cluttered look that contributes to overwhelm and confusion. Clear containers keep your spaces tidy, calm, and more user-friendly. And if you could opt for matching containers (all quart and pint glass jars, for instance), that would be the ultimate.

One caveat to storing in clear containers, however: remember that light is allowed into clear containers. That means you should keep them in a cool and dark place if possible. However, if it’s not possible to store them in a dark place, then just don’t let them sit for more than a few months. Try to use their contents even more promptly, since they’ll be exposed to light.

If decanting isn’t a habit you’re already practicing, you might consider it and start looking around at all the clear container options out there. Then when you find a set you like, perhaps consider putting them on your WANTS and NEEDS List. (I keep one of these going as a ready reference for when folks ask what they can get me for Christmas, my birthday, etc.) The decanting system has served me well over the years and I highly recommend it!