5 tips to making your pantry more organized, functional, and efficient
There are a few things you can do to make your pantry functional and easy to navigate. This isn't going to be a pretty post because there's a lot to unpack (no pun intended), but hopefully this will give you enough ideas no matter how small or large your pantry is.
The secret behind a good pantry is zoning. Said another way, categories the items that will be in your pantry and make sure to keep similar items together. I tend to over buy (something I'm working on), which means my pantry is always full and I have to get creative in order to maximize storage space. These are the steps I recommend to help you successfully zone and organize your pantry
Step #1 - Map out your space
Think about what you typically buy and what you plan to store in your pantry. Then, shelf by shelf map out. This may be common sense, but items that you use frequently should be easy to reach.
Bulk items can be stored on a higher shelf. You have to map this out to ensure you're leveraging the space properly.
I recently re-organized my pantry because a good amount of syrup spilled on the floor. It also spilled on the shelves so I decided to take everything out. I read about zoning in The Home Edit book and recently used it when syrup spilled on the shelves Pasta and floor of my pantry.
I tried to think about the type of items I typically keep and group them in a way that made sense for me. I also try to keep all of the kids items together. Those little hands love to grab lollipops and chips so now they are on a shelf that they can't reach.
Step #2 - Group your items
Group the items in a way that makes sense to you and your family's needs. Maybe you make tacos frequently so you want to create a mexican section. I usually group similar items together (condiments, canned goods, pasta, etc) but I realized a breakfast zone made more sense.
I have a variety of breakfast items that used to be scattered, but now they are all together. The mix was in one section and the syrup used to be in a deep corner in the back of my pantry. Now those items are at the front so I can easily access. Figure out what works for you. From there you can quickly figure out what type of storage will work best for that particular zone.
Step #3 - Pick A Storage Type
Figure out the storage type that works best to organize that zone. Baskets and clear bins will most likely be your best friend. For condiments, I love using lazy susans.
I also like to unbox items and didn't realize how much space you can save. For cereal, I decided to go with the OXO containers. I like symmetry so I also tried to create balance by using the same items throughout the pantry.
Baskets & containers - an absolute must when dealing with wire racks. Wired shelves are a pain because items can slip in the gaps. They also look unbalanced and don't provide any kind stability.
Step #4 - Find and Assign
Assign a designated spot in your pantry for each zone. I'll admit this was a little bit of a trial and error process for me. Like I said, I tend to over buy and Costco is one of my favorite places to shop. I am working on changing the way I think about stock piles.
Step #5 - Labels
Labels just make life easier. If you decide to use containers, you can quickly identify the contents of each. It can help you save time. This is super helpful when you have a variety of items stored in similar-looking containers.
Organizing your pantry can help you save time and reduce stress when cooking meals. Here are some steps to follow for effective pantry organization:
Clear out your pantry: Start by removing all the items from your pantry shelves. This will help you see what you have, what you need, and what needs to be thrown away.
Categorize items: Group similar items together, such as canned goods, pasta, spices, baking supplies, snacks, etc.
Evaluate expiration dates: Check the expiration dates of each item and discard anything that is expired or close to expiring.
Determine storage solutions: Decide what storage solutions will work best for your pantry. Consider using clear containers, baskets, or labeled bins to keep items organized and easy to find.
Establish zones: Create designated zones for each category of items, and make sure to keep similar items together.
Label everything: Label containers, bins, and shelves to make it easy to find what you need quickly.
Use vertical space: Utilize the space on the back of doors or install additional shelves to maximize vertical space.
Maintain regularly: Regularly check and reorganize your pantry to ensure it stays organized and functional.
Remember, the key to successful pantry organization is to create a system that works for you and your family's needs.