Organized Cupboards... is that possible?

I don't know if I am alone on this or not, but it seems like every time I look through my cookbooks to plan a few meals ahead I never know for sure exactly what I have on hand and what I don't. It never fails that I end up buying something I already have one (or even two) of in my cabinets. When I was cleaning out my cupboards this week I decided to try something different. 

As I was putting things back in the cupboards I wrote down on notecards what was in each. When I need to know if I have something all I have to do is check the notecards. When I use something I simply mark it off the card. By adding marked out items to my grocery list preparing for shopping trips is just a tad easier.   

Excuse the crappy picture all I have to work

 with right now is my phone. :0)

Another thing I did was put baskets on the higher hard to reach shelves so that when I need something I can just grab the whole basket down. This way things stay a little neater instead of being thrown haphazardly back in*. 

 

{ *Hypothetically, they have only been there a mere 24 hours or so,

 time will tell if things stay neat. :0) }

I also am keeping frequently used recipes that I reference often on the inside of the cupboard boards, as well as directions to cook the oats that I transfered to a plastic storage container.  

These is just small changes I made to make my life a smidge easier. What about you? Do you have any tips or tricks to share with me?