Pantry Organization Ideas

Begin your pantry organization project by clearing out the pantry completely. As you work:

• Group similar items together to make it easier when you restock the pantry. That way you can see how much space you’ll need for each grouping.
• Take the time to get rid of items you no longer use and to discard food past its expiration date.
• Identify any part of the pantry that needs to be repaired or replaced, such as broken hinges and wobbly shelves.

Thoroughly clean every surface in the pantry.

• Dust and clean shelves.
• Wipe down walls and doors with a damp towel.
• If needed, oil any hinges and tighten any screws that may be loose.
• Sweep and clean baseboards and floors.
• For wire shelving, pop out the wire shelves and scrub them with a brush.
  

Below are some of the best, most efficient ways to break your pantry space into organized sections:

• Stackable shelves make the most of vertical space in your pantry. Measure well to make sure that the shelves you choose will fit in your pantry.
• If you’re starting from scratch, wire shelves are versatile, inexpensive and easy to install. Wire shelves are a quick and easy solution to pantry shelving.
• If you have a walk-in pantry, a steel rackcan give you extra storage space. There are a variety of both decorative and utilitarian racks to choose from.
• To maximize your space, use a pantry door organizer to hold small food items, spices and snacks.

• Woven storage baskets are a practical and pretty way to organize the sections in your pantry. Shallow baskets let you group items and see what you have. Plus, there are stackable basket systems that give you even more organizational.
• Choose deep storage bins to hide messy or infrequently used items.
• Pull-out drawers are a smart addition to any built-in cabinets in your walk-in pantry. They provide easy access and a neat look when not in use.

To keep everything in its place, use different types of food storage containers and products.

• Food storage containers make it easier to see what food items you have on hand, especially if you buy in bulk. They also keep food fresher longer, since many are airtight.
• Lazy Susans take advantage of storage in hard-to-reach corners. Some can be installed so they don’t move. Others are portable and can be moved from shelf to shelf. Tiered Lazy Susans are ideal for storing spices and condiments.
• Spice racks come in all shapes and sizes. Some are mountable on walls while others sit directly on shelves.
  

Now that your pantry is clutter-free and organized, try freshening up the outside with a new door. Popular door choices include louvered doors or pocket doors. For an of-the-moment look, replace your pantry door with a sliding barn door. This type of door also makes it easier to access your pantry since it slides out of the way.

Now that your pantry is beautifully organized, here are tips to keep it clutter-free:

• Store snacks on a lower shelf if you have small children.
• Periodically check the sections. Return any stray items to their rightful place. Once a month, toss out expired or stale items.
• Wipe down shelves and bins to remove crumbs or spills as soon as they happen.
• Once a week, take note of anything running low and add it to your grocery list.
• Place large bottles and other items on the floor.
• Group small kitchen appliances and equipment together in one area.
• Place items that you use infrequently on top shelves.