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In this blog post, I am discussing how I organized my pantry, as well as sharing some tips and ideas. Home decor and organization is something that I am very passionate about, so I really hope that this post will fill you with inspiration and tips. Are you ready to upgrade your existing space into a pretty, practical pantry? If, so keep reading!
When I moved into my home almost two years ago, I knew I wanted to install custom shelving in my pantry. I used The Container Store to install the Elfa shelving system in my previous home; however, this time, I wanted something that better fit the aesthetic of the new house. I also wanted a system that would maximize all of the space in the pantry, including the 9″ ceilings.
My first start at organizing my pantry was a mix of baskets, jars, containers, and chalkboard labels. It worked for a short time; however, it lacked cohesiveness and overall function.
I decided to take advantage of the pantry sale The Container Store was having at the beginning of the year, and I purchased all new baskets, labels and some other OXO containers to get started with my project as known as operation pretty pantry!
“Organization isn’t about PERFECTION. It’s about EFFICIENCY. Reducing STRESS and CLUTTER, saving TIME and MONEY, and improving your overall QUALITY OF LIFE.” – Christina Scalise
Pantry Organization: Tips for a Pretty, Organized Pantry
Most of us are very busy in our lives, so having an organized pantry helps to eliminate the stress of preparing meals, reduce overspending on duplicate food items, and help with meal planning/grocery shopping.
Below are my 8 steps to achieving a pretty, practical pantry:
1 – The Big Clean Out
The first step is always to remove everything from the space. If you’re doing this over several days (or weeks), it may not be possible to remove all of the contents from your pantry. I do recommend a complete clear out, especially if you plan to replace existing shelving or do a deep clean of your space.
2 – Assess, Assess, Assess
This is potentially the hardest part of organizing! I would recommend you set aside a large block of time to categorize your items by type and discard expired and unwanted items. Categories could include: breakfast, dry goods, can goods, beverages, snacks, paper goods, and dinner items, to name a few.
3 – Install Shelving
If you do not have shelving or would like to replace your existing shelves, I would recommend either a closet company or a handyman (or a handy spouse). The prices vary depending on the materials used and the size of the pantry.
This is what my pantry looked like during the building of my new home. I knew I wanted to rip everything out and design my own pantry to meet my needs.
You could also do a DIY pantry using shelving and brackets from your local home improvement store. Ensure that the depth of the shelves is sufficient for the types of items you will need to store.
I opted for the white, built-in shelves so I can maximize the space from floor to ceiling. I do not have a picture of my empty custom pantry since I was so excited to fill it up!
4 – Use Clear Containers
These are some of the most popular choices when it comes to pantry storage. Although they may appear dull and simple, adding pretty labels can be a great way to turn ordinary into extraordinary. Great for holding nuts, flour, sugar and practically anything in your pantry, containers are a more durable form of storage for your pretty pantry. Another reason to choose containers is that they can be airtight, which helps to prevent spills, reduce moisture, and maintain the freshness of your food items for more extended periods.
5 – Contain the mess with baskets and bins
Baskets and bins are an excellent way to add a sophisticated yet rustic aesthetic to your pantry. Big or small, plain or colorful, it is really up to you the way you choose to incorporate these into your pantry. If you want to play it safe and choose a set of the same baskets that is still brilliant but do not be afraid to mix things up and dance between the border of turbulence and order! There are no rules when it comes to organization, just go with what you think is pleasing to the eye.
6 – Want a quirky, cute organizational hack, choose jars.
Jars are such an excellent way to fast track the process to a pretty pantry. I love that there are so many different sizes and types to choose from and that using a variety can lead to a gorgeous form of organization. Use jars for containing dry goods such as sugar, flour, cornstarch, coffee, or any other dry products that you need to keep fresh.
Jars are often less expensive than the clear containers, so this is an excellent choice for someone who has a tight budget, or you want the more rustic, country look in your pantry. These were
7 – There’s nothing lazy about a Lazy Susan!
A Lazy Susan is one of the best ways to contain pantry items such as small jars and bottles. The turntable, non-skid surface allows easy access to the contents and keeps them from falling over. I use them to store small glass jars such as pickles, relish, oils, almond butter, and sauces. If you want to maximize the space in small pantries, you can even purchase the two-tiered Lazy Susan. If space is no issue, opt for the larger ones that can contain all of your small pantry items.
8 – Have fun with the labels
A pretty pantry is a must for a kitchen, which is why labels are a great way to achieve optimum organization. Adding labels to containers, jars, and bins is an excellent way to add a bit of personal flair and encourage tidiness within the pantry. Labels are also great as they provide you with the opportunity to write the expiration date and any other necessary information, which removes any unwanted uncertainty when people are scavenging through the pantry.
So there you have it – simple ways to organize your pantry. I really hope that these tips, combined with a peek in my pantry, have inspired you and take on your own pantry redo.
Make sure you check out the other content on my blog, as I am continually sharing home decor and organization tips, as well as keeping you up to date with the house that I am currently working on.
Happy organizing!
Sources:
Hyacinth Basket || Script Pantry Label (Amazon) || Pantry Label (Etsy) || Black Bin Clip || Tosca Basket || Lazy Susan || OXO Square .3 Quart || OXO Square 1.5 Quart || OXO Square 4 Quart || OXO Square .9 Quart || OXO Cereal Dispenser || OXO Good Grips (10 Piece) || Glass Jar with Lid || Kitchen Aid Mixer || Drink Dispenser || Bread Box
