Organizing a kitchen pantry might sound like an easy task, but only those who actually put in the effort know that it is not as simple as it sounds. Usually, not knowing where to begin turns out to be the toughest part of this task. Regardless of how big a kitchen pantry may be, there are a few simple tips that one can use to get through with organizing it.
Declutter
Generally, when organizing a part of the house, decluttering is the right way to start. Often, individuals forget to throw out ingredients and perishables that have already expired. These items eventually end up taking up the space in the pantry, making it look messy. Getting rid of these things first would be a great way to clear up space and get an idea about how to proceed with organizing.
Also, a simple tip that individuals can consider for pantry decluttering is to work in sections. Pick one section (a shelf or a cabinet) of the pantry, remove all the items from it, and then check which ones are useful and need to be organized. Check the expiration dates on the food items and throw out everything that has surpassed the limit. Apart from food items, one must also consider getting rid of containers, utensils, or cutleries that no longer serve a purpose. If those are in good condition, donating them is better than holding on to them.
Create theme-based zones
An effective idea for DIY pantry organization is dividing the pantry into theme-based zones. Instead of keeping different items, such as snacks, spices, canned goods, etc., all mixed together, assign separate category-based zones for them. So, for instance, all the items, such as baking powder, flour, sugar, etc., can be stored in the zone for baking goods. Likewise, chips, crackers, granola bars, etc., can go into the snack section. This way, the pantry will look much more organized and one won’t have to struggle and sift through different things to find a particular item.
Use baskets
To keep the pantry shelves tidy and organized, avoid keeping the packets and boxes loose. Instead, invest in baskets or storage bins. Assign a separate storage bin for related items, such as baking goods, condiments, spices, etc. For added convenience, also label the bins, mentioning the category of the products inside them. This is a simple yet effective storage solution for the kitchen pantry, which will make it look more uniform, organized, and easier to navigate. Moreover, storing the items in baskets or storage bins will keep them from toppling over and spilling out, further preventing mess.
Get transparent containers
Choosing the right kind of containers can also make the pantry more organized. But, to specifically make cooking easier and the pantry simpler to navigate, it is best to invest in transparent or clear containers. As would be apparent from the name, these containers enable one to view the items they hold clearly, eliminating the hassle of opening all the containers to find what is required. While labeling the containers can help avoid this hassle, in a state of hurry, one might not always place the container with the label facing in the front, leaving some struggle still in place. Transparent containers entirely remove that issue, making them one of the best containers for pantry storage. Ideal for storing dry goods like pasta, grains, and flour, these containers even enable one to quickly check the quantity of each product without the need to open them.
Utilize vertical space
A space-saving hack for the kitchen pantry that one can consider implementing is utilizing the vertical space. Usually, out of convenience, individuals prefer sticking to the horizontal space to store all essentials. But when more things come in, and there is barely any space left on the shelves, one can consider finding ways to use the vertical space. Adding extra shelves or hanging baskets can be a great way to utilize the vertical space on the walls of the pantry. This tip can especially help in the organization of small pantries, where the limited space below the shoulder level might not be enough to store everything. For efficiency, one must also consider using the upper-level shelves to only store occasionally used items. Accessories that are needed on a regular basis are best kept at an arm’s reach. One must also consider investing in a step stool so it is easy to reach and access the top shelves.
Make space for seasonings and sauce packets
Saving seasoning and sauce packets that come with food deliveries is something that almost everyone tends to do. It is also a good practice instead of throwing away and wasting perfectly good food. That being said, an issue with saving these packets is that without a dedicated drawer or storage space, one often finds them lying all around the kitchen pantry. Sometimes, they even end up getting lost in all the clutter. So, a simple way to organize kitchen cabinets and pantry is to have a dedicated shelf for these packets so they don’t add to the disorganization of the space.
