PANTRY GOALS
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
I am anything but a one-tick pony - However, I am often limited by local inventory levels for quick turn projects. So I had a few recent pantry transformations with similar styles.
Our goal for both clients was to bring in product that provided more structure for their pantry areas. We did this through a mix of bin styles which tied in aesthetically through the common wood and white theme.
BINS WE USED
TOP TO BOTTOM
The Metal and Rubber Wood Lazy Susan was a perfect way to group beverages and condiments. It tied in both the white metal and wood for our complimentary closed bins.
Since I had two rows that would be using the wood baskets, I utilized the Small Wood Bin by Brightroom on the upper row. Non-transparent bins are a great way to hide “visible clutter” for pantry staples like open bags of chips, bags of beans and pastas.
Row 3 we utilized Rectangular Wire Natural Wood Handles Basket - Brightroom™ which allowed visibility for what I call “visual inventory” since it is easy to see if staple items are running low.
Finally, we finished with the Large Wood Bins which corralled meal prep items like smoothie bottles, Tupperware and other essentials.
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We loved this combination so much, we repeated a similar setup in a pantry space at another client’s home, which I now call “snack heaven”. It was the perfect balance that allowed visibility for easy inventory of their go-to snacks.
We used pretty similar products but added just a few and changed up our turn table game! Swipe to see how this pantry started.
Want more pantry organization tips?
10 Tips for Perfect Pantry Organization
Organizing your pantry can transform your kitchen, makes cooking more enjoyable and reduces stress long-term. Imagine finding everything you need at a glance. No more searching through cluttered shelves. With the right pantry organization inspiration, this dream can become a reality (especially if you hire us!).
To get you started, here are our practical tips for perfect pantry organization. These tips are easy to implement and maintain. With options to cover various kitchen organization needs.
Whether you have a small or large pantry, we cover it all. Get ready to revolutionize your kitchen space. Let's dive into the world of pantry organization.
Start with a Clean Slate:
Declutter and Empty Your Pantry
Before organizing, start with a fresh slate. Empty your pantry entirely. This gives you a clear view of what you have.
Decluttering is the next crucial step. Discard any expired items and anything you no longer use. This step reduces clutter significantly and sets the stage for a functional pantry.
As you declutter, categorize your items. Group similar items together:
Grains and pasta
Snacks and canned goods
Spices and baking supplies
This grouping will aid in efficient pantry organization. By seeing everything laid out, you can plan your storage solutions better.
Categorize and Group Similar Items Together
Once you've decluttered, focus on grouping similar items. This helps in maintaining order. It also ensures easy access to what you need most often.
Think about logical categories for your pantry items.
For example:
Breakfast cereals and granola
Baking supplies and spices
Canned goods and sauces
Grouping items this way makes it simple to locate products and restock as needed. It reduces the time spent searching for specific items during meal prep.
Creating sections or zones in your pantry not only keeps it orderly but also maximizes the available space. Use baskets or bins to keep each category neat.
Invest in Clear, Labeled Containers for Dry Goods
Clear containers are crucial for pantry organization. They help you see what you have and ho much is left (“Visual inventory”). This prevents over-buying and food waste.
Choose containers that seal tightly. This keeps food fresh and deters pests. Airtight options are best for items like flour, sugar, and grains.
Label each container for quick identification.
Consider using:
Permanent markers
Label makers
Chalk labels
Paint tape and a sharpie
The only wrong way to label is to skip labeling. Labels support the organizing systems that have been instituted. Empty spot? You know what is missing/ what to buy.
Clear, labeled containers add uniformity to your pantry, can also be an aesthetic play, creating a streamlined look.
Maximize Space with Adjustable Shelving and Stackable Bins
Adjustable shelving transforms your pantry's storage capabilities. Shelves that can be moved cater to various item sizes. Taller bottles or larger containers fit snugly, maximizing every inch.
Stackable bins are your best friends for optimizing space. They add layers of storage. This method is perfect for grouping similar items together.
Here are some ideas for effective stacking:
Stack canned goods by type or use
Place snacks in tiered bins
Organize baking supplies vertically
These approaches create a tidy, high-functioning pantry. Combining adjustable shelves with stackable bins helps maintain order.
Use Door Racks and Pull-Out Organizers for Small Items
Maximize every corner of your pantry by using the back of the door. Door racks and organizers are perfect for spices, condiments, and small items. They help you use space that often goes ignored. Pull-out organizers make reaching items easy, even in the back of cabinets or even the front of low-cabinets. They allow every inch of your pantry to be accessible without much hassle.
Consider these benefits:
Easy access to frequently used items
Efficient use of narrow spaces
Reduced clutter in main pantry sections
Utilizing these tools can declutter and streamline your pantry, making small items easy to find and grab.
Implement a First-In, First-Out System
Avoid food waste by using a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) system. Place new groceries behind older items. This ensures older food items are used first.
Track expiration dates and arrange products accordingly. This easy method maintains freshness and reduces unnecessary spoilage.
Benefits include:
Less food waste
Better monitoring of expiration dates
Efficient use of pantry supplies
Adopting this method creates a seamless cycle of grocery usage, saving time and money in the long run.
Label Everything for Easy Access and Maintenance
Labels create order and clarity in your pantry. Clearly marked jars and bins make locating items simple and quick. This helps all household members find what they need effortlessly.
Consistent labeling supports easy inventory and prevents misplaced items. A well-organized pantry saves time and reduces frustration during meal prep.
Suggestions for effective labeling:
Use waterproof labels
Consider color-coding for categories
Keep label designs simple and legible
Make Use of Vertical Space and Under-Shelf Storage
Vertical space is often neglected in pantry organization. Using height effectively creates more room for essentials. Introduce stackable bins and tiered shelves to maximize storage.
Under-shelf baskets are perfect for additional storage without cluttering surfaces. These solutions keep your pantry organized and tidy. They are efficient for both small and large pantries alike.
Helpful ideas include:
Install stackable bins
Utilize tiered organizers
Add under-shelf baskets
Add Lighting and Accessibility Features
Good lighting transforms a dim pantry into a welcoming space. Install LED strips to illuminate shelves and corners. This ensures every item is visible and reachable.
Accessibility is essential for efficient kitchen organization. Consider using door-mounted lights or motion sensors. These features enhance both convenience and aesthetics.
Ways to improve lighting and access:
Install LED strips
Use motion-sensor lights
Add door-mounted lighting
Maintain Your Pantry: Regular Reviews and Quick Clean-Ups
Maintaining pantry order requires diligence. Conduct regular reviews to check for expired items once a quarter. This helps prevent waste and keeps your pantry organized.
Quick clean-ups also aid in maintaining structure. Dedicate a few minutes weekly to tidy up and rearrange maybe as you audit your pantry and make your grocery list! This small effort goes a long way.
Steps for maintenance:
Regularly check expiration dates
Rearrange misplaced items
Schedule weekly quick clean-ups
Consistent upkeep of your pantry leads to a functional and appealing kitchen space.
Did we miss anything?
What do you struggle with when it comes to pantry organization? Let us know in the comments.
