Cleaning your home is one thing, but ensuring that your supplies are neatly organized and in order is a whole other ordeal. Keeping track of household supplies is essential when maintaining a well-stocked and organized home. From cleaning supplies to pantry items, it’s important to have a system in place to manage inventory and make sure you never run out of essential items.

Here are some simple hacks you can implement to keep track of household supplies and avoid last-minute shortages efficiently:

Create a Master Inventory

A master inventory list of all the essential household supplies in your home is key. You can categorize the list by room and function, such as bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, cleaning, and maintenance. Include details of the quantity, expiration dates, and preferred brands. You can maintain and update this list regularly by using a digital spreadsheet in Google Documents or Excel. Having a master inventory list will help you quickly assess what needs to be replenished and make shopping and restocking an easier process.

You can also use smart home devices, barcode scanners, or apps on your phone that are specifically designed for inventory tracking. These tools allow you to scan items and add them to your inventory list as you purchase them. Some apps even give you automatic restocking reminders that you can integrate with online ordering platforms.

Have a Storage System

A clear storage system makes it easy to keep your household supplies organized. You can achieve this by using labeled bins, shelves, or baskets to keep items easily visible and accessible. Arrange products by frequency of use or categories that make it easy to locate and track inventory. Invest in clear containers for pantry staples so you can easily monitor stock levels with a glance. A well-structured storage stem keeps items in order and helps you know when it’s time to restock.

Use Color-Coded Labels

Color-coded labels make it easier to track household supplies. Assign each category or room in your home with a color code. Use those color-coded labels or tags for corresponding containers or shelves. This can look like using red labels for kitchen supplies, green for bathroom essentials, blue for cleaning products, and so on. This system simplifies inventory management and allows you to identify which supplies need replenishment quickly. It also helps other members of your home easily understand and adapt to the organization system.

First-In-First-Out (FIFO) System

Avoid wastage and expiration by using the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) system. This works great for perishable items like food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. Organize products so that the oldest items are used first. You can rotate items by placing newly purchased items at the back of the storage area. Make it a habit to check the expiration dates and move items that are approaching their expiration date to the front of the inventory. This ensures that items are used before they expire. It also ultimately helps reduce waste and maintain a fresh and well-stocked supply of household supplies.