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Tips for Organizing a Pantry for an Instagram-Worthy Setup:
1. Clear out the pantry and declutter. Remove expired items and donate unwanted ones.
2. Sort items into categories (e.g., canned goods, snacks) for easier access.
3. Invest in clear storage containers to keep items visible and organized.
4. Label containers and shelves to maintain order and make finding items easier.
5. Use shelf dividers to maximize space and prevent items from toppling over.
6. Utilize vertical space by installing hooks or racks for hanging items like aprons or utensils.
7. Arrange items based on frequency of use, placing frequently used items at eye level.
8. Store bulk items in airtight containers to maintain freshness and save space.
9. Use lazy Susans or turntables for easy access to items at the back of shelves.
10. Consider using baskets or bins for grouping similar items together.
11. Install adjustable shelves to accommodate items of different sizes.
12. Use a step stool to reach higher shelves and utilize all available space.
13. Store snacks and small items in drawer organizers for quick and neat access.
14. Hang a whiteboard or chalkboard to keep track of grocery lists or meal plans.
15. Keep a small vacuum or broom nearby for quick cleanups.
16. Use the back of the pantry door for additional storage, such as spice racks or hanging organizers.
17. Install proper lighting to ensure visibility and showcase the pantry’s organization.
18. Consider adding a touch of decor, such as artwork or plants, to make the pantry visually appealing.
19. Regularly maintain and reorganize the pantry to keep it looking Instagram-worthy.
Keeping your kitchen organized is a challenge, as shelves tend to get cluttered with time. This makes it challenging to find what you need, and it’s easy to consume expired products without realizing it. Furthermore, some people don’t have ample pantry space or shelves deep enough to store their dry goods and containers. However, getting an organized pantry with an efficient layout is easier than you think. Follow these steps to reclaim your food storage (or your kitchen cabinets that serve as a pantry) and make it neat and tidy. Let’s get started!
How to Plan Your Pantry Organization
Image Credit:
Emily Henderson
Before you start organizing your pantry, you need to declutter your space. This will help you understand what you have and what you need to work with. Also, consider how much pantry space you have and how to optimize it.
1. Deep clean your pantry first.
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One Happy Housewife
Begin by clearing everything out and discarding expired pantry items. Clean the surfaces by wiping them down. If you’re worried about using chemical-heavy cleaning solutions near edible items, you can create a vinegar spray. Once your pantry is clean and empty, you can start strategizing.
2. Use shelves to increase storage space.
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The Home Edit
Take a look at your shelves. Do you have too many or too few? You can add undermount shelves or risers to increase your storage surface. Visualize how you want your pantry to look and what it should contain. Search online or browse through your favorite decor books and magazines for ideas.
‌Our recommendations:‌ Simple Houseware Under Shelf Basket (set of 2), $24.99; Simple Houseware Expandable Stackable Kitchen Shelf Organizer, $19.99
3. Prioritize easy-to-reach shelves.
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The Home Edit
Place the items you use frequently on the shelves that are easiest to access. An organized pantry can become chaotic quickly if you have to sift through everything to find what you need. Keep the items you use daily at eye level so you can spot them quickly. Even if those shelves get a little messy from time to time, the rest of your pantry will remain organized.
4. Categorize the space.
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Neat Method
After clearing and cleaning your shelves, divide the space into categories. Place the things you use every day in front and center, then assign specific categories to the rest of the shelves, such as “baking supplies,” “snacks,” and “canned foods.” With each item in its proper place, finding that bag of microwavable kettle corn will be a piece of cake. Bonus: Use labels to make things even easier.
5. Incorporate Pull-Out Shelves into Cabinets
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The Home Edit
Avoid the hassle of reaching to the back of cabinets or shelves by installing pull-out shelves. They are perfect for cabinets and pantries, allowing you to easily access items.
‌Our recommendation:‌ LOCVCDA Expandable Pull Out Cabinet Drawer Organizer, priced at $53.66
6. Make Use of Doors
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The Container Store
Utilize your pantry door for extra storage space, especially for items such as salts or spices. You can also use it to store baking accessories.
‌Our recommendation:‌ Elfa Utility White Wire Kitchen Over The Door Rack, priced at $150.50
7. Tiered Shelves Work Wonders
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Instagram @riorganize
Deep shelves can be difficult to navigate, but tiered shelves make it much easier to find items. They are especially helpful for locating smaller items like tomato paste.
‌Our recommendation:‌ Copco Non-Skid 3-Tier Pantry Organizer, priced at $11.59
Where to Find Pantry Organization Accessories:
- ‌The Home Depot‌: The Home Depot offers a wide range of pantry organization items in addition to their hardware products.
- ‌Pottery Barn‌: In addition to decor, Pottery Barn offers stylish and functional kitchen organization items.
- ‌Organized Living‌: If maximizing kitchen storage is a priority, Organized Living has baskets and shelving systems for every pantry size.
Creating a Cohesive Pantry
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Monika Hibbs
Consider the style of your pantry in addition to its organization. Do you prefer a minimalist look with matching containers or a mix of old and new pieces?
1. Replace Packaging with Pretty Jars or Stackable Containers
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Just a Girl and Her Blog
Replace food packaging with your own containers for a uniform and stylish look. Clear containers also make it easy to keep track of inventory and prevent over-buying. Cut out nutritional information and cooking instructions from packaging to tape onto your containers for future reference.
‌Our recommendation:‌ OXO Good Grips 8-Piece Baking Essentials POP Container Set, priced at $67.95
2. Use Baskets and Bins for Organization
Image Credit: Emily Henderson
Baskets and bins are a game-changer for organizing your pantry and cabinets. They come in various stylish options and sizes and are great for grouping items together. Make sure you have a designated “miscellaneous” basket or bin for items that don’t have a specific place to go.
‌Our picks:‌ Vitever Wire Storage Baskets (set of 6), $39.99; Control Kitchen Clear Plastic Storage Bins (set of 4), $29.99
3. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
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Instead of buying new containers, consider reusing items you already have at home. Use lidded jars for fruit canning or refill empty spice containers with loose herbs and salts.
4. Color Code Your Items
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If you want an IG-worthy pantry, group your items together by color. It’s not only organized, but also visually appealing.
5. Consider Size
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Think about what you’re storing and choose container sizes accordingly. Bigger containers are great for items like rice, pasta, sugar, or flour, while smaller containers are better for limited portion items like saffron or vanilla beans.
Where to Find Pantry Containers:
- ‌The Container Store‌: The Container Store is a great choice for cohesive kitchen storage. They offer rattan, plastic, and metal baskets and have an unmatched inventory.
- ‌OXO‌: For clear bins, jars, and lazy Susans, OXO has you covered. Their products are affordable and high-quality.
Ways to Optimize Your Pantry
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Now that you’ve planned out your pantry, it’s time to organize it. Here are some tips:
1. Label Everything
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Create tags for everything using a label maker or dry-erase markers. Use containers with a smooth surface for easy labeling.
‌Our pick:‌ mDesign Home Organization Labels, $7.49
2. Use lazy Susans or turntables to group similar items together.
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The Home Edit
Despite their name, lazy Susans are hard-working storage solutions for organizing similar items. These rotating trays are commonly used to store spices in kitchens, but they can be used for a variety of products such as condiments, tea, canned goods, vinegar bottles, and coffee.
‌Our pick:‌ Uralfa Lazy Susan Cabinet Organizers (set of 2), $19.59
3. Create space for cookbooks and wine.
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Stephen Paul for Hunker
If you are a foodie, you probably have a collection of cookbooks and wine bottles that can take up valuable counter space in a small kitchen. Consider storing them in your pantry. You can add a cookbook shelf or a wine rack to an empty square of cabinetry.
4. Hang your pots and pans.
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Dwelling
Finding your favorite skillet is much easier when your pots and pans are hanging on a dedicated wall in your pantry. This way, you can turn up the heat in the kitchen anytime you want.
5. Make it accessible for kids.
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@thetidybee/Instagram
Store healthy snacks and art supplies on the bottom or lowest shelves to make them easily accessible for your little ones. The pantry can be multipurpose for everyone in your household.
6. Use containers on wheels.
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Image Credit:
Wayfair
When space is tight or you need additional moveable storage, consider using a multitiered cart like this one from Wayfair. You can even store daily necessities like bottles of wine and a wine opener.
‌Our pick:‌ Ktaxon 4 Layers Rolling Utility Cart, $31.60
7. Keep certain items stocked.
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Bright On The Day
Having items with a long shelf life on hand makes it easy to whip up a meal. Keep a stock of your favorite beverages, especially soda and drink cans, and find a system that allows you to see your inventory at a glance.
‌Our pick:‌ Simple Houseware Stackable Beverage Soda Can Dispenser; $29.99
Where to find additional pantry essentials:
- ‌Wayfair‌: Wayfair is a comprehensive destination with everything you need. Whether you require shelf risers, baskets, or clear food storage containers, this is the ideal place to order in bulk online.
- ‌Target‌: We prefer Target for its broad range of options, and you can easily visit the store to inspect the products before purchasing.
- ‌Amazon‌: If you require quick pantry organization items that you need urgently (within two days or less), Amazon has got you covered.
- ‌Michaels‌: In addition to being an arts and crafts retailer, Michaels also offers affordable baskets and containers. And the best part is that you can save even more with a coupon (available on the Michael’s website).
- ‌IKEA‌: Although IKEA is known for its excellent Scandi furniture, it also has fantastic food storage options. Whether you want glass jars with stylish wooden lids or a trendy bin to store all your snacks, you will find the most adorable options here.
FAQ
1. How do I start organizing my pantry?
To start organizing your pantry, begin by decluttering and removing any expired or unused items. Sort similar items together, such as grouping all canned goods or baking supplies. Use clear bins or containers to store loose items and label them for easy identification. Consider using adjustable shelving or stacking shelves to maximize space. Utilize the door and wall space by installing hooks or racks for hanging utensils or spices. Lastly, make a habit of regularly checking and organizing your pantry to maintain its neatness and functionality.
2. What are some tips for arranging items in my pantry?
When arranging items in your pantry, it’s helpful to group similar items together. Keep frequently used items at eye level for easy access. Place heavier items on lower shelves to prevent them from falling or causing accidents. Use clear containers or jars for storing dry goods like pasta, grains, or snacks, as they make it easier to see what you have. Consider using storage solutions such as lazy Susans or pull-out drawers to maximize space and make items in the back more accessible. Lastly, label everything to ensure items are returned to their proper place.
3. How can I maintain an Instagram-worthy pantry setup?
To maintain an Instagram-worthy pantry setup, regular maintenance is key. Keep an eye on expiration dates and remove any expired items promptly. Clean spills or crumbs immediately to prevent pests or odors. Take advantage of storage solutions like clear bins or containers to maintain a visually appealing and organized look. Regularly check and adjust shelves or storage solutions as needed to keep everything in place. Consider adding decorative touches such as chalkboard labels or pretty jars to enhance the aesthetics. Lastly, share your pantry organization journey on Instagram to inspire others and stay motivated to maintain your beautiful setup.