How to Organize a Small Pantry
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image used with client permission
If you have a pantry, no matter how big or small it is, chances are it’s the true workhorse of your kitchen. Most likely it is holding your bulk purchases, unopened foods, small kitchen appliances and so much more. If you do have a small, closet style pantry, then it’s imperative to make it work for you. How do you make your pantry work for you and your family? Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to a functional pantry.
Step 1: Empty the pantry. Yes, remove every items in the pantry. Take a moment to wipe down the shelves and vacuum the floor.
Step 2: Declutter expired items. Dispose of expired foods, items your family no longer eats, and any items that don’t really belong in the pantry.
Step 3: Organize items by category. Gather like-items together into categories such as baking, breakfast, and snacks.
Step 4: Purchase organizing bins. Once you have decluttered items from your pantry, you will know exactly what to store inside. Now is the time to decide if you want to use bins to corral your items, or add in specialty organizers such as shelf risers and lazy Susan’s. Be sure to label your bins so everyone knows what’s inside.
To make your small pantry work really hard for you and your family, you’ll need to think creatively to maximize the space that you have. Here are some ideas to consider as you get ready to fully organize the space.
Lazy Susan. These help access tight corners.
Shelf risers. Help to take advantage of the height in between the shelves.
Door organizer. Gives you added shelving by attaching an organizer to the back of the pantry door.
Bins on wheels. To help maximize the space on the floor.
Once you begin to work on organizing your pantry, you’ll quickly be able to determine what it is your family eats and doesn’t eat, which will help you know exactly what you need to shop for. And if you have very limited storage space, it might be time to stop buying items in bulk.
More Organizing Ideas
Need even more ideas on how to organize your home? Living. Simplified. is ready to help. Take a look at these blog posts or send us an email at lauren@livingsimplified.net and we can work together to reach your organizing and decluttering goals:
The 6 Best Laundry Room Organizers