The Perfected Pantry
What you need to know before organizing your pantry. A perfect pantry should be setup similar to a grocery store. The difference being it’s all FREE (well you paid for it already, but let’s not get hung up on that point and spoil the fun.) The point I am trying to make is bright lighting, grouped categories/zones, and easily accessible items are the key idea here. Everything should be displayed and user friendly to make what you are looking for easy to find.
Your first step should be to find a good staging area where you can lay everything out. I usually head for the kitchen table or island if available. Go ahead and get some supplies handy too. Here is a list of what I like to have with me.
trash can/recycling box for what you dispose of
cleaning supplies for when you have everything out, remember those floors too!!!!!
label maker or what you are going to use for labels on your bins-gift tags and black chalk scotch tape is a really cute and inexpensive option if you don’t already have a label maker
paper & pen for your shopping list and to write down measurements (remember to account for those unusual spaces)
measuring tape
Next step should be to take all items out of the pantry. I try and group them together as much as possible but if this becomes to daunting, just make that your next step. Followed by cleaning your newly emptied space! This is huge, so don’t skip this step. You will be surprised at how much splatter and crumbs ended up finding home in your pantry. A refresh is almost always needed. Don’t forget your floors too!!!!!
Once all items have been grouped, gone through, and trashed/donated if needed. Now it’s time to think about if you need/want to purchase any organizing items. Organizational products are not all created equal. I see so many organizational items that are great in my clients home, but not for that specific space or items that they have. I urge you not to purchase anything until you have gone through your pantry, so you know what you are trying to contain. To organize successfully you have to be strategic in your planning, and really think out how and what you use. Here are some of my “tried and true” items that seem to work in any size pantry…
KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE-BEFORE YOU SHOP!!!!!
1. Lazy Susans clear, wood, 2 tiered, 3 tiered, doesn’t really matter they type…they are all amazing for spices, oils, and vinegars
2. Tiered Spacing Racks Cans or spices!!!!
3. Fabric/Wicker/Non-Clear Bins Great for hiding those unsightly items such as small appliances, to-go-ware, baking accessories, etc. Just remember to label these bins so you know what is in them.
4. Clear/Wired Bins great for grouping individual chip bags, drinks, chips, crackers, packets of dip mixes, etc.
5. Jars/Air Tight Containers Decant your dry goods! Such a great way to always know exactly how much you have, no more guessing! I know this is a HUGE investment but if you are tired of buying things you already have or running out of something in the midst of a recipe, this is key. Also use a dry erase marker to write your expiration or directions for cooking on the jar.
6. Great Lighting if you don’t have it already great lighting hard wired, battery operated lights are fabulous. Get the motion sensor ones, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to turn them on and off. They go on with command strips so installing is as easy as peeling a sticker off and placing where you want them.
REMEMBER!!!! Before you purchase any items, (I know I know, I sound like I am on repeat, but only because it’s important) think about specifically what you are wanting to put in them. Don’t just purchase containers and try and get them to work. That’s when spaces become cluttered and money is wasted. Measure the shelving (height, length, and depth) making sure you are aware of any unusual shapes in the wall. Also, when shopping, take in account your pantry measurements to make sure your containers will fit. Also think about door and open wall space. I love a door system that instantly gives you more space and walls are great to have a grocery bag save attached.
This is an Elfa Shelf from the Container Store
The final step is my favorite part!!!! Putting everything back in its new home! You have your groupings, and you know what you use most often, so you know which shelf to use. Now make zones. Each zone should be a grouped. Some example of zones are canned goods, snacks, baking, breakfast, quick meals, to-go-ware, etc.
The biggest takeaway is empty that pantry out and refresh!!!! I guaranteed you will be amazed at what you didn’t know you had, and how many things you end up getting rid of. If you are not feeling up the task of cleaning out your pantry or need someone to assist, CALL ME!!!!!! Show me your BEFORE & AFTERS in comments! I would love to see them!!!!!!!!
***All pictures of products above are from the Container Store***