I write on each item the expiration date with a sharpie in a prominent location. On canned goods, I put a piece of blue masking tape and write the date on it. Lady, you are right about the seeds. I have a large supply but buy new ones every year as the germination rate goes down as they age. With the older seeds, I typically increased the number planted to compensate for the germination loss. Plus I try and plant some every year just to harvest seeds.