[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Many of us have been stocking up on staple items for our families as we spend more time in our homes. It’s important to keep organized when adding items to your space, so you and anyone else can easily find what they’re looking for.
Below are a few tips to organizing your pantry, and space-saving design techniques that we utilize for our customers.
Poulin Pantry Pledge
First thing’s first—take the pantry pledge: I pledge to keep my pantry clean and vow that everything has it’s place. I won’t be lazy and put it on the wrong shelf, or stuff it into a place with an open space.
All fun aside, organizing your pantry is an ongoing process, especially if you live with anyone other than yourself! Realize that this is not a one- time fix, but actually a lifestyle change for better ongoing organization.
Now that you’re sworn and committed, let’s get to business.
Basic Organization
Here are a few basics of what to do when organizing your pantry.
First, get rid of expired foods and donate the food you won’t eat. Clean the shelves and decide where you would like your pantry goods to be placed and how they will be displayed.
Next, decide how you’d like to store your staple foods. There are many options including jars, baskets, pullout trays, lazy susans, spice racks, can dispensers and more! Having the same type of containers will give you a uniformed look making your pantry user-friendly.
As a general rule of thumb, place your goods with similar items, such as having a place for canned goods, snacks, and spices. You can even subdivide your sections by prioritizing your most used items, or even from “healthy” snacks to “junk” food. Then date and label accordingly to help maintain organization- chalkboard, decals, label maker, dry erase labels, or whatever your creative mind comes up with!
Add Drawers
To maximize your space and to make good use on items “in the back” of the pantry, install drawer slides. These are very convenient and super functional for a smaller space.
Tip: when storing spices or jars with drawers, label the tops on the containers, so you can easily identify the item you’re looking for.
Check out this slideshow to be inspired by what can be done in your pantry.
Pantry Pull-Out Cabinet
Pantries come in many shapes and sizes, including a PULL-OUT CABINET! By pulling it out, you make your space more functional with easy access to all your goodies. You can even install specific adds one to hold your jars or other necessities. Save yourself a backache with this style of pantry.
Add a Countertop
This is the latest trend for a closet style or open pantry. Consider adding a coffee or smoothie bar to this area since you will have quick access to all your goods. If this is your style, be sure to have a plug installed in your pantry to experience the full benefit.
Jars Away
Many dried goods will last longer and be protected from pantry pests. This is where you can go “jar” crazy and organize your heart out—if only to preserve those foods you purchased. The foods you’ll want protect are flours, cereals, cake mixes, spaghetti, beans, spices and other dried goods.
It is also good practice to clean up after any spills in your pantry to ensure you won’t attract any of those unwanted pests.
Photo: Katrina Lee Chambers
Sliding Barn Door
This is all the rage right now, and can be added to nearly any application, given the right amount of space. You can add a barn door for your closet, bathroom, entertainment center…AND even your pantry! This will add a focal point in your space as well as “secretly” hide your closet pantry.
Appliances
Depending what your pantry space, consider storing a few appliances—either to pull out for later, or install your wine fridge or an extra freezer. storage looks like in your kitchen, consider if storing a few appliances in your pantry makes sense.
Store Behind Your Door
Let’s not forget the use of space behind your pantry door. This is so useful in a smaller pantry, and can give you easy access to spices, drinks or your favorite snacks.
Organizational Add-Ons
Add a few lazy Susans—double stacked or single, a stackable track, canned goods organizer, plastic drawers, baskets, or whatever other container that fits your fancy!
Get Ready, Get Set, Organize That Pantry!
We hope that you have been INSPIRED to organize your pantry and keep it organized, per the Poulin Pantry Pledge.
Happy organizing![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
