Happy Friday to you! I am writing this post in advance as I’m not taking my laptop to my mini vacation in Toronto for the U2 concert. I will fill you in on Monday with an update on how it went.
I was asked by a reader about posting some ideas on how to organize a pantry! I thought it was a timely idea as I have been thinking about pantry design for the new house.
Now of course you will likely have more ideas, so let me know what you consider to be the most crucial tips that you cannot live without when it comes to organizing your pantry.
1. Shelf Assignments
Plan pantry use by categorizing into prime and non-prime storage. If possible, prime storage at eye level should be for the most often-used items. Further categorize storage by item. For example, use one shelf for baking items, another for tomato canned goods and another for pasta and rice.
2. See the Label. Watch Expiry
This is self explanatory, however keep a rotation of oldest to newest to ensure you are eating the oldest food first. Do make a note if you remove the packaging by labeling the best before date for the product.
3. Reduce Dead Space
Be sure these shelves don’t have too much “dead space”. Dead space is unused space. This space can be found even above what you are storing. Adjust the shelf up or down a few inches to create the ability to stack the like cans. This will make a tremendous difference – and get all canned foods on one shelf rather than scattered throughout the pantry.
4. See Through Containers
This is one of my favorites. Find canisters or other holders for noodles, flour, sugar, rice, popcorn, or other foods that come in flimsy plastic or paper bags. I used to store the bag of rice right in the open bag, which always lead to spills, not to mention the possibility of insect infestation! Now I use canisters, empty coffee cans, glass jars and other containers to hold these items.
5. Use Lower Shelves
Whether you want to create a “kid friendly” shelf or just use it to store heavier items such as soda bottles or water bottles – this is a great way to maximize your use of space.
6. Clean Regularly
This is common sense but often forgotten. Be sure to wipe the shelves down regularly and keep the dirt and grime to a minimum. The time you spend cleaning your pantry will help you find stuff you didn’t know you had and hopefully reduce costs on your grocery bill as you are more in tune with the products you have.
Well there you have it, a fun post to hopefully help you keep the pantry presentable. I will be sure to show off my pantry once it gets built! Have an awesome Friday and a great weekend. See ya on Monday.
Take care
zesty
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
OH my thank you for this. I end up re-organizing every sunday, because by week’s end everything is just throw back in the pantry in a giant mess.
Great tips! Item 4 is my favorite too. I have all of my baking supplies like flour, sugar, and chocolate in see through containers. It makes my pantry look much more neat and tidy.
Great post and have fun at the concert!
Great advice, Zesty! I bought Tupperware containers for all of my baking goods…wheat flour, oats, powder, soda salt. I’ve had them for years. Great investment. Makes my life easier.
Reducing dead space is a huge plus. We discovered, upon moving into our new house that the pantry shelves allowed way too much space between, but not accommodating enough to stack anything higher than the height of one can. We bought wire shelving with adjustable widths and placed them in the back of each shelf. Smaller, shorter cans and other items go onto these shelves, creating a wealth of extra room and storage options.
Ah, you’ve inspired me to rearrange. Thanks.
Would you like to reorganize my kitchen? Please + Thank you
I collect 1/2 gallon canning jars and use them to store all sorts of things, pasta, rice, beans, flour, sugar, coffee, tea, etc. I also use them in the frig for juice, milk, iced tea, pickled eggs, etc. I think things taste better stored in glass and you and see things better too. I am a pantry freak. Could you share with us all the staples that should be in our pantries and why we should have them?
I am actually in the process of reorganizing my kitchen and pantry. I bought some wire shelves from The Container Store and have used it to store more of my plates in an open cupboard, making room for food stuff in the shorter shelved, closed cupboards. So much nicer looking. Sigh. yay for pantries! (and nesting that makes you want to organize everything)
This is really helpful! I just got my first pantry in my new apartment, and I can definitely see how things can get out of hand if you don’t keep up with organizing it
I just cringed thinking how horrible my shelves are!
oh and PS – how do you like Toronto (my hometown!)?
I wish I had a pantry to organize! Seriously though, this is a great post that will help me organize the cabinets I do have
Thanks for the tips! I’m currently trying to figure out how to maximize space in our pantry in our house we just bought! Its got 3 useless shelves and large amounts of dead space below and above so I guess I gotta find some wire shelving system to install!
I <3 OXO Good Grips POP storage containers! They are super expensive but they are modular and stackable so they save a TON of space!!!! plus they save your food and keep it fresh as can be
Hello Zesty: I’m new to your website and am already loving it. We moved into our house 10 years ago (it was built in early 50′s – they didn’t build kitchens very big in those days) and have re-purposed the closet near the kitchen into a pantry. We put a wire rack in it and hanging shelves on the back of the door. It suits our needs. And the dog thinks that every time we open the door we’re getting her a treat.
Outstanding site, where did you come up with the info in this piece of content? Im happy I found it though, ill be checking back soon to see what other articles you have.
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