Transform Your Pantry: The Best Tools and How to Use Them Right
We're in a spring cleaning mood, so we decided to tackle a space that is always in demand. Clients are constantly asking us, "What's the best way to organize my pantry?" A pantry can feel tricky because no two pantries are alike, and so many of the decisions you make when you're tackling food storage are so personal to what you specifically need. But this also makes pantries one of our very favorite spaces to organize because we (and you) can get creative with it. Let's face it, your pantry does some heavy lifting, so let's make it the best it can be.
To start, the first part is easy: take everything out. Yep, everything. This is the perfect chance to check expiration dates and toss those long-expired cans of tuna. If you find some food that is still good but you don't think you will eat soon, we love posting on a local Buy Nothing group to see if a neighbor can use it. This can help you feel better about being sustainable and letting go of things you're not realistically going to use. Another option is to contact a local food pantry and donate there. Don't get too down about having to toss expired food or donate food you're not realistically going to consume. What's done is done, and you're actively taking steps to reduce your food waste from here on out. No one is perfect, and you're doing your best. Really!
Once you've made sure everything left is fresh and something you and your family will use, now is a good time to give those shelves a good clean. Wipe them down, whip out the vacuum if you really are feeling inspired, and prepare to start this pantry organization project with a fresh space.
Next, ask yourself what was working for you before and what wasn't. Were you constantly looking for the pasta that was impossible to locate so you usually just got fed up and bought it again? Do you wish you had a grab-n-go snack situation for the kids? Is your pantry shelving so deep that things get lost in the back? Do you want to be someone who decants their baking ingredients in labeled canisters? Everyone's needs will look a little different. But, the overall goal is the same: create a beautifully organized storage space that is functional to avoid repeat buying and increase your enjoyment in the kitchen.
Once you've decided how you want to use your pantry, you're going to want to measure your shelves before purchasing anything (unless you like to be frustrated and return things). Remember to focus on useable space, aka how much width, depth, and height you have available on each shelf or in each drawer. A little hack we like to use is to open Instagram, take a picture like you're going to post a story, and then type the measurements directly on that picture. After that, just save it (just make sure you don't post, we definitely do that by accident sometimes) and you have an easy reference photo when you're sourcing the perfect pantry product.
To assist you in your shopping journey, here are some tried-and-true staples that are sure to transform your pantry this spring. And as a bonus, a lot of these items can double up as kitchen storage too.
DECANTING If you decided that you want to be someone who decants their baking ingredients (or anything really) in pretty labeled canisters, then we have options for you! We love to use these TurnCo jars with a walnut lid. Also these Anchor Hocking Jars are a classic look. Or for a vintage vibe these Bormioli Jars do the trick. And finally a more modern take from Neat Method. Hot tip: don't forget to put the expiration date on the jar too when you're labeling (we love popping it on the back or bottom of the jar)!
LAZY SUSANS We LOVE a good lazy susan around here! They're perfect to fill a corner or otherwise hard-to-reach spot. We often group items on them like oils & vinegars or sauces & condiments on each turntable. Clients are always asking us if they need to invest in fancy can organizers, and we honestly prefer a lazy susan for those too, but do what works for you and your needs. This beautiful acacia turntable is a go-to for us. Or for slightly smaller spaces, there's this bamboo option. And if you're worried about items falling over, this one has some containment.
BASKETS + BINS There are A LOT of options when it comes to baskets and bins but here are our faves! Our mantra is this: mix materials. We like to have some baskets that conceal the contents + some that are see-through. This keeps it from looking too busy + also so you don't have to be perfect all the time. Some examples of natural weave baskets are these hyacinth ones that come in several sizes. Also these Albany Rattan Cane bins. And even these budget friendly bamboo open-front ones. When it comes to the more transparent ones, Neat Method Grid Baskets are great! Or the classic All Purpose Bin never disappoints.
SNACK DRAWER/PULL-OUT The easiest way to transform a drawer or pull-out is with these tension drawer dividers. Line up those snack bars + watch the kids become self-sufficient when it comes to snack time. Just don't forget to measure. There are lots of options available for dividers to fit different spaces
LABELING Last but not least, you must label! This is how you are going to keep your hard work looking + functioning beautifully! Not only will it help you but it helps everyone in the family find what they need + put items back in their homes. The type of bin clip will depend on what type of basket/bin you chose, but here are some options based on our above selections. These neutral bin clips are fantastic in a myriad of spaces. Or, if you went with the metal grid baskets, you'll need these magnetic labels. To wrap it all up, our trusty PTouch Label Maker will print any label your heart desires! And voila! Now you have the pantry you've always dreamt of but thought was out of reach. Nah... you just needed a little help from Space Camp!