Featured Space: Organized Pantry

We all know that an organized pantry can save us time and money, that reduces stress and makes daily routines so much easier. We also know that feeling of “it’s almost dinner time. What will I make?”. Don’t worry, I have been there and it was not so long ago. But, I believe in making life simpler, having time for what I love and I decided to start fresh. I organized the pantry, created a grocery list and planned a basic menu and I make sure I always have the ingredients for these dishes, so even if I’m not in the mood to create something new, I’ll have all I need to cover the basics.

 

Check here how to start fresh with a clean, organized pantry and enjoy dinner time all over again. I collected images to make it easier and to give you ideas of what you can do to create space in your pantry, to optimize storage and to get all its contents organized.

Step 1: Schedule Time & Get Down to It

If your pantry hasn’t been organized in the last 3-6 months I suggest you schedule time to get down to empty shelves for a fresh start. Pretend I’m coming and we’ll work together. Schedule anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to get it done properly.

Put the phone away, bring music if you’d like, your favorite tea and even better if the kids aren’t home or if your little one is taking a nap. You’ll be able to focus without distractions.

1. Start by checking due dates for each product you have in the pantry. Discard anything that’s old or that you already know you won’t use.
2. Bring every single item out and start grouping them by alike items: everybody has a family!
3. If you have been storing items that don’t belong here, now it’s time to get them out to make room for your newly organized pantry.
4. Clean every shelf and corners before you bring your items back in.
5. Take measurements of your shelves for its height, depth and width – draw your pantry and write each measurement in your drawing.
6. If you are going to shop for organizing gadgets, write down everything you need: canisters, shelf-risers, turntables, canned good organizer, shelf liners etc.
7. Be creative: many times we have the items we need right at home.
8. Start placing by groups your alike items back in your pantry.
9. Give yourself time to use it and feel if it needs tweaking.
10. Revisit your pantry to make the necessary changes or to install any product you decide to purchase.

Here are some examples of pantries that I organized with clients and that work great for their needs. Keep in mind your lifestyle, your family routine and how often you use each item to define where they should go. This first one however I found on Pinterest and liked so much I thought you’d like to see why.

 

 

First I love that this homeowner used clear containers for all her grains, cookies and pasta. She also did a great job in organizing her canned goods using appropriate storage, but if you’re like me and almost don’t use any canned goods, another solution awaits down the page. And finally she used my favorite containers of all for pantries: the handled baskets from The Container Store.

She used chalkboard contact paper, a puncher and a special chalk pen (great for homes with little hands like ours!) to label each container. She’s definitely my kind of gal! Check her cute blog here.

 

I organized this pantry recently and as my client had very deep and narrow shelves in her pantry we decided to use this great organizing tool. It made all the difference in turning it into a functional and good looking pantry.

Pullout Drawers – Pantry Organizer

 

Another pantry – that was a lot of fun to organize with this super sweet and motivated client was this one. We went through the steps I describe above and got not only the pantry, but the whole kitchen organized!

This pantry has difficult to reach spaces where we used turntables and stackable bins. We also used the open front containers where my client can now serve herself as she pack her children’s lunches and snacks. Also, all the large bottles were organized in a very large turntable making it super easy to grab and use.

I personally suggest these organizing gadgets to keep canned goods and boxes products well organized and in place. I find it becomes easier to find and to use the pantry as they create easy access and portability.

Canned Items Organizer

 

And my great helper: the turntables!

 

Keep your cereals, baking supplies and other food items all organized by type in these baskets. Even if you need to place them a little higher on your pantry you’ll be able to see and access them easily.

Boxed Items Organizer

And, if you have a lot of space between your shelves you should consider increasing storage space by making better use of your vertical space.

 

And finally, to make even better use of your pantry you can take advantage of the space behind the door(s) with these easy to install, over the door solution.

 

Download your Organized Kitchen Guide now

Would you like to have an organized pantry? Is there one you keep your eyes on online as inspiration? Leave your comments below and join me on my Facebook page.

Here you can find my favorite pantry organizing ideas. And here you will find all the free organizing printables you need to get your pantry and home organized!

Have a wonderful week!

Helena

I am grateful to be of service and bring you content free of charge. In the spirit of full disclosure, these are affiliate links, which means that I get a small commissions if you decide to purchase them. I only recommend products & systems that I use and love myself, so I know you’ll be in good hands. You will not pay more when buying a product through my links.