While there are certainly many different things that you need for a kitchen to operate efficiently, I have found that certain things need to be kept in stock all the time. However, something people tend to overlook until the last minute, is deciding on what to do about storage, a practical consideration in every kitchen. Unfortunately people often pay more for storage systems or containers than is necessary. We all need safe and secure storage containers in our kitchen to preserve food both in cupboards and in the fridge, but we don't often need the latest most expensive 100 container set as seen on television morning shows.

I could go into detail about the storage container brands that can be bought, but it should be stressed that What is important is that they are airtight, keep moisture out, are relatively easy to open and close properly (particularly if you are elderly and find wrist work a bit difficult), and don't need to be replaced with new ones after only a few uses.

Personally, I have experimented with several different brands and styles, and have found that what you buy depends very much on your needs. I look for price, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. I feel that if you can buy containers that are all in the same good working order and also ones that look good in your kitchen, by blending in with your decor, then you will be quite happy to have them out on display when you need to store things, instead of rummaging about looking for something that will "do the job".

This brings us to the next point ... you really need to choose a set of storage containers that will handle large, medium and small quantities of food. Also, consider the consistency of the food that you will be storing - this will range from liquid soups and milk, gravy, sauces and anything else that you have partially used, but want to keep airtight for future usage, to half chickens, bags of rice, pre-prepared vegetables, grated cheeses and left-over casseroles to mention just a few. So you will need something that is easy to open and is deep or shallow enough. You really need a wide range of containers and the best way to keep these is to fit them into one another with the lids nearby and keep them in an easily accessible place your storage areas in the kitchen - the pantry, fridge, freezer etc.

One thing that is an essential part of the pantry is a food sealer. The brand is not as important as some other features. The most important thing is how easily available the bags are. When you are shopping for a food sealer, check to see what kinds of bags are available for the sealer. It is a good idea to ask the salesperson how often they restock the bags. While most sealer units encourage you to buy their brand of bag, often the generic bag works just as well, and is usually quite a lot less expensive. You have to think about what kinds of bags you are going to need before you buy. If you have a small family, or only one to two people to cook for, then the quart-sized bags are usually adequate. Some people find that buying a roll that can be cut to length is much more convenient because you only use what you need.

Armed with a food sealer and a set of good storage containers, you ought to start storing the basic essentials needed in your kitchen on a daily basis. Your day to day basic items will vary depending upon the kind of cooking you do most frequently. Try to keep up a plentiful store of these items because if you run out unexpectedly, you'll have to get to the shops at an inconvenient time in order to prepare dinner or worse, breakfast! Some of these items for many people would include sugar, salt, pepper, coffee, loose teas, flour, rice, pasta, biscuits, fruit and vegetables in various forms, custards, yoghurt, cheeses, salads, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado etc.

In addition, you'll want to include some items that you use regularly, but perhaps not as frequently. In my kitchen this would include food colorings, coconut, baking powder and other staples for baking, which I do from time to time. Also I keep a wide range of dried herbs and spices in my cupboard, for different sorts of cooking. Then there are the 'treat' items ... popcorn, special oils and sauces, etc.

Before you buy sets of storage containers, look inside your pantry and fridge to see what it is that you consistently want to store in airtight containers, and then decide on the sizes and shape of containers that you may be looking for.

Everyone's kitchen is different according to what they like to cook and eat. So it would seem that once you have worked this out, you should buy enough to keep you going for about a week or more, so that you don't have to make unnecessary trips to the shops at inconvenient times. This will save you wasting extra money on fuel, and wasting your precious time.

Of course, a freezer is very useful so that you can buy in bulk and store things such as meat, packets of vegetables and many more foods that can be successfully stored for periods of time until they are needed. This saves you bothering about planning and buying food each day... simply take the frozen food out and leave it to thaw while you are out at work. Less trouble and less expensive!

And - don't forget to label and date items stored in your freezer - much easier to find when all iced up and frozen, and to discern the use-by date...