Pantry Organization Tips

A pantry can easily become an unshapely disaster zone.   Between the kids’ snacks, baking supplies, spices, paper goods, and appliances, it can be hard to figure out the best way to keep them organized. Here are some of our favorite organizing ideas.
The first thing is the storage behind the door; don’t let it go to waste.    Whether you choose an over-the-door spice organizer, mounted baskets, or a broom and mop tool holder, using this space behind the pantry door will improve your pantry’s functionality.   Don’t forget the floor space.  Suppose your pantry has space open underneath the shelves. In that case, you can either add additional shelves or bring in some rolling storage, like bins on wheels, tiered vegetable storage baskets, or even a rolling set of drawers for storing smaller items.

Use the top shelves for items you don’t use often, such as party trays, pitchers, serving bowls, and seasonal items.   Use clear bins and tall narrow canisters, or containers that can be stacked more neatly than items with different shapes and sizes.     Clear containers, like glass jars, make for fantastic food storage containers.  Canning jars are airtight when you screw the lid on, which keeps your food fresh for longer and eliminates the risk of pests getting into your snacks.  Clear containers also allow you to see your food, encouraging you to use it, and help you remember when you need to pick up more.

You can purchase clear food containers at stores that sell home goods.  Buy multiples of each size for good measure, ensuring that you’ll be able to store different kinds of foods while keeping the look of your pantry consistent.  You can also reuse your old jars, like the ones from pasta sauce or pickles.   Whether you close plastic or glass containers, be sure to label them clearly.  Try chalkboard labels or make them yourself.  A folding step ladder is a must-have for your pantry.

When it comes to canned goods in the pantry, get a system.  You can use a can rack that allows the cans to roll down when you take the first one out, a set of risers so you can easily see what you have, a large, clear standing kitchen can dispenser, or a stackable can rack organizer.   Also, for the very small cans, a 2-tier turntable is useful.

For your different papers or wraps like foil, parchment paper, Suran wrap, and extra baggies, an expandable kitchen wrap box organizer rack will keep them all in order.   Hanging baskets can be a good way to store fruits and vegetables.