Pantry

Pantry organization is one of the most difficult and frustrating tasks involved in kitchen organization. Whether you have a special cabinet dedicated for the purpose of storing food and kitchen accessories or a separate closet or room, the space is never large enough. Instead of looking to physically expand the space dedicated to your storage needs, look to maximize the space’s potential by utilizing organization tools and techniques. Furthermore, by keeping your pantry organized, you will ensure your food products do not surpass their expiration date and ensure your kitchen accessories are easily within reach.

For starters, consider your actual pantry space before you jump head first into the organization process. Do you have a special cabinet designed for storage purposes, a dedicated closet off your kitchen, or a separate room adjoining your kitchen that is dedicated to the purpose of storage? Also, identify any additional purposes this space much serve. For example, many pantries also serve as a laundry room and a mud room, so each purpose must be understood before the organizational process can begin. Once the tasks have been identified, begin by looking into the items that need to be included in your pantry, including food items, cookware, small appliances, and kitchen accessories.

Begin your pantry organization plan by separating the space into different categories.  Think of the grocery store’s organizational system in creating these categories. For example, dedicate a space to canned goods, one to staples like rice, beans, and pasta, and another to baking items. This organizational process will allow you to quickly and easily find the item you seek without having to dig through all the food items in your storage space. Also, consider purchasing multiples of frequently used products to prevent having to run to the store at the last minute to replace an item that has been used. Many individuals even include a grocery list in their panty so that they can record when items have been used and need to be replenished.

Look to special organizational tools that can be used in the process of straightening up your pantry. There are many great bins, baskets, and the like that are used to keep your space organized and your items close at hand. From special storage devices designed specifically for holding wax paper, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and storage bags to easy access bins for storing flour, sugar, and other staples without having infestations of bugs.  Also, be sure to keep your panty clean by including a broom and dust bin to keep your area spic and span.

Finally, for those individuals who have a pantry that doubles as a mudroom or a laundry room, be sure to keep your spaces separated. Work to physically provide a special spot for each purpose of the room to keep the area organized. Also, consider installing different purposes of shelving to hold items like laundry detergents and cleaning supplies for the laundry portion of the room, which is kept separate from the foodstuffs that are stored in the pantry area of the space.