Tips for Organizing Your Pantry

Even though people normally refer to cleaning in relation to spring, there is something about winter and the new year that makes me want to reorganize.  I'm taking a detour from our binder series, because as I was reviewing all my menu planning and cleaning ideas, organizing a pantry was a natural combination of the two. When we move into our new house in March, one thing lacking in my floorplan is the large pantry I currently have.  When you are working with a smaller space, utilizing every square inch is crucial.  I find I save tons of money by keeping my pantry organized, because I don't end up with expired food shoved in a corner that I forgot I had.  Here is a list of 10 handy tips for organizing your pantry.

1. Get nice containers and label them- The dollar store is a great spot to find random clear jars, canisters and containers.  Labeling everything will make it easy to find what you are looking for.  Find these labels here.

Photo from The Social Home

Photo from Design, Dining and Diapers

2. Organize your pans and cutting boards with vertical storage- Tiny expandable curtain rods work great for this, along with office containers meant for storing papers.  This is a great way to open up some cabinet space as well.

Photo from Martha Stewart Living

 3. Use the space right under the shelf-  These wire under the shelf bread holders are a great way to make use of otherwise under utilized space.

  Photo from Better Homes and Garden

4. Consider storage that maximizes your space-  These fold out spice shelves are a great way to help you see all your many spice or canned goods up high, but easy to access.  I use these double tiered lazy susans for my canned goods and LOVE that I have the ability to see all my cans easily just by spinning!

 Photo from Houzz

 Photo from Happy Organized Life

5. Do find cute labels for your storage containers-  Labeling items helps you locate items easily so it is a crucial step.  This is one of my MAJOR goals in my next pantry (along with beautiful containers). Here are just a few sites I found that have some adorable printable labels to inspire you.

 Photo from Ellinee

Photo from Elephant Shoe

6. Don't underestimate the power of paint or wallpaper-  Even though it's tucked away, this is a great place to use a pop of color of pattern.  I love how this pantry has a graphic design in the back that really makes it look stylish.

Photo from The House of Smiths

Photo from Houzz

7. Repurpose old items from other areas of the house-  Just a touch of chalkboard paint on this IKEA wooden storage bin and this item as new life in the pantry.  

Photo from Honey & Fitz

8. Use empty side wall space for packets and snacks-  These under the sink storage containers also work perfectly to hold sauce and seasoning packets, drink mixes and more.  If you have more space, try small metal pails to the wall with cute chalkboard paint labels to hold lightweight items such as bags of goldfish for the kiddos.

 Photo from Make, Bake, Celebrate

9. Use plastic baskets for bulky items:  I store all my boxed goods, baking tools, condiments, snacks and large sauce jars in large plastic bins.  They hold a lot and make the pantry look more streamlined.  

 Photo from Being Brook

10.  Purge unused items and line 'em up- There is just something about neatly lined up evenly spaced storage that makes the whole pantry look more organized.  Even when you mix and match bins and containers or don't have everything labeled, make sure that you keep only what you need and that it is all in nice, neat rows.

Photo from Sunny Side Up

Like what you see or have anymore tips to share! Love to hear your ideas.  Try to challenge yourself this weekend to start getting your own pantry organized.