Whether you’re building your first pantry or just updating your old one, it’s important to make it as organized as possible. The right storage system will not only help you find what you need when you’re in a hurry, but it will also make the space look more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing.
The first step in pantry organization is to empty the area. This means sorting and removing any expired or unexpired items that you no longer use or eat, and getting rid of any trash or unwanted items.
Once the area is clear of everything, start by putting away and organizing the things you have. Then take a fresh look at your pantry and see if you can tweak any of the systems that are in place to better suit your needs.
Labeling is a great way to keep the space organized. Whether it’s bins, baskets or the shelves themselves, labeling will help you remember where to put things when they’re not in use and help you avoid clutter when you do need to use them.
Containers are another key storage tool and can be used to store small items like spices or candy bars, as well as larger ones like dried beans. You can also choose containers that stack easily for better organization and to maximize the amount of shelf space you have.
Consider how much you need to store and how often you’ll use it. For example, you may only need a few cans of soup or pasta in your pantry every week. Keeping the food you don’t need so frequently at eye level and the stuff you use daily higher will save you a lot of shelf space.
If you don’t have a large pantry, try re-purposing a closet or adding shelving in a smaller area of your kitchen to hold canned foods and dried goods. This type of arrangement can be especially helpful if you’re looking for ways to declutter your home, and it’ll free up space in your kitchen too!
Transparent Bins and Containers: The best storage containers for pantries are transparent and have flat lids. These are easier to mix and match, and they can help make your pantry feel more uniform.
Organizing by Type: When it comes to dry foods, storing them in bins and baskets that match the type of item is a simple and effective way to organize. You can also group similar dry goods, such as pastas or cans of soup, together for easy access and to save on space.
The best containers for this task are square or rectangular, with flat lids that stack to save space. They also come in a variety of colors and designs, so you can match them with your decor.
Sliding trays and turntables are another option for organizing sauces and other liquids, while deep woven bins are an ideal way to store items that you don’t need in a timely manner.
The best way to stay organized is by taking the time to sort your pantry items before you put them away and re-organizing them as you need them. This process will make your pantry much easier to use and keep in top shape. It will also make it easier to see if you’re running low on something so that you can make a plan for replacing it.