This post is all about pantry organization!
I’ll be sharing my favorite tips on kitchen organization. A well-organized pantry can transform your kitchen. An organized kitchen can save so much space and give you extra time in your own home!!
Organization posts like this are my dream LOL!!! With these pantry organizers, you can easily put your items away after grocery shopping or cooking
This pantry organization project reminded me that I can do a lot on my own, for little to no money. If you’re willing to make a few mistakes and spill a little paint, you can too!
I have dreams and I mean DREAMS for our kitchen! Visions of tearing walls down and demolishing the 1990s builder-grade kitchen that we currently have. Our home was built in 1890 and I would love to one day renovate our current kitchen to match the grandeur of the architecture of the house.
Attached to the kitchen is a small informal dining room that connects to a formal dining room. This is just not conducive to modern living. One day I want to open the walls and connect both spaces. The dream is to modernize the space by taking the wall out, at the same time returning it to the Victorian aesthetic with the cabinetry and design. These are all huge plans that are honestly a bit far down the road.
Luckily for me, we have a little pantry in the kitchen. This is where I realized I could lean into my dream kitchen by tackling this small space. On a late night when I couldn’t sleep, I decided to organize the mess of a pantry. This project exploded from there! It reminded me not to get overwhelmed and just DO IT!
Tackling this little pantry was a small stepping stone to these someday plans. I can’t even tell you the difference this pantry, now coffee closet does for me! It is now a small oasis and a reminder of dreams to come. And while I definitely made a mess and it’s not perfect, it’s enough to change the vibe and aesthetic.
You start your day in the kitchen. It is (well at least for me LOL) the jumping-off point. It’s where everyone gathers, coffee is brewed, and the day’s tone is set. We purchased this Victorian House about five years ago. While most of the house was kept original and in good shape, our kitchen and pantry is a 1990s builder-grade special of cherry wood and hunter green. While I have grand designs for the future, they are huge big projects that aren’t going to be able to come completely to fruition for at least a few years. Yet, I still wanted a place, or space, that at least in the meantime felt like the vibe I want, and pantry organization seemed like a great and doable project.
1. Just Do it!! Really just get started… you might make a mess… you probably will and that’s ok!
So, one day at about midnight when I couldn’t sleep, I decided to tear apart the pantry and at least organize it into a pantry and coffee bar. This is really such a great space and we honestly are blessed to have it in our kitchen and we really weren’t taking advantage of it. It basically became a catch-all/dumping ground
2. Take everything out
Take everything out! literally everything! I take everything out and place them in categories. I separated all dry goods, serving pieces, coffee accessories, etc. Sorting as you go into small bins or card board boxes.
3. Purge!
Purge! Purge! Purge! This is key! More than often the reason why spaces get so out of hand is because of clutter. We hold on to things we rarely (if ever) use. If this scares you you don’t have to actually gid rid of the stuff just yet. Remember Christopher Lowell?? In the 90’s I lived for his show! The King of can lights LOL!! Uplighting baby!!
Well, I remember him suggesting getting a box, putting everything in there that you rarely use, and putting it in a basement or closet. If you don’t go back in a few months to a year get rid of it! Donate! Sell! whatever is appropriate. I have actually made $1000 this past month from posting on eBay things I don’t use. Seriously! $1000!
4. Look at your space and see what needs to be adjusted
When I went to put the coffee maker back in I realized a shelf needed to be raised. This simple thing of looking at the current layout and adjusting blew open what possibilities the pantry could hold. Hopefully, for you, your shelves art is nailed and built in like mine is! Luckily for me, my construction friend was at our house doing work on another project and left his handy dandy cordless oscillating multi-tool!! This thing is awesome, so awesome I had to go buy one for myself (I ran to Home Depot the next day LOL) I simply cut the braces of the self and that was it! Shelf Gone!
5. Ask yourself what your dream pantry looks like
Where my immediate thoughts are cosmetic; organizing is probably more important to the functioning of our pantry and our family but the truth is they go hand in hand. I can’t imagine having one without the other. Making the space visually appealing makes me want to use it (not have it be a catch-all that I can close the door on) and keep it clean and organized. Having it organized makes the space easy to use and easy to maintain. Take a look on Pinterest for example at what others are doing and see what inspires you and what you’re drawn to.
6. Paint! Paint is probably the easiest way to transform a space, and cheapest too ( in my case free LOL!)
It was now 2 am and I realized it really now OBVIOUSLY lol needs to be painted!! of course! I became manic and unhinged at this point! I was in a ZONE!! I did no prep, I just started painting. To no surprise, I managed to get paint spray all over the floor.
Now, while this may have seemed like a big setback, it was actually one of the greatest gifts I have given myself. (Yes, I’m serious.) Seriously, it was. This project in which I made a mess, reminded me of the ‘take charge’ woman I used to be, that for whatever reason, allowed nerves and indecisions to get in my way.
7. Shop your house!
With the hard labor out of the way, now is the time to add the details to your space. One of the main things you need for pantry organization is (obviously lol) pantry organizing containers and tools. You might be scared here, organization containers can be just so costly. Don’t go shopping first! Look around your home, and you’ll be surprised at what you already have. I looked around in drawers and closets… the basement and found a lot of items. Things I bought and forgot about, things that could be better suited in the pantry. From there I assessed what I did need to purchase. These spice jars are just so cute and functional, what I love best is you can sprinkle out a little or scoop out a tablespoon since they are wide enough to fit a spoon, unlike standard spice jars. These shelf tiers are so awesome because they expand to fit your shelf.
8. Group in colors- helps make the space feel intentional
Now, of course, you can’t group everything in colors in a pantry but if you have an area that’s visible pull out some items that can be more decorative in nature. They really highlight the space and make it feel special and intentional.
9. Don’t forget the wall space or the back of a door!
A Pantry door organizer can fit the bill! This plastic bag organizing bin is so great too!
We can often forget the vertical space when it comes to pantry organization. These spaces can provide an easy and convenient space to hang brooms or even hang a narrow rack.
10. Storage containers can be costly but they save you big time!
lazy susans are a great way to maximize pantry space. I also love clear containers for small items. Clear bins are also great for dry ingredients, just don’t forget to write what the item is and the expiration date. A label maker is great for this. Clear Food storage containers keep cereal boxes not only looking much better than the boxes they come in but they keep cereal from going stale.
Don’t forget to keep bars within easy reach for young children on a lower shelf!!
Wire shelving is perfect to add shelving that can be expanded to hold tall water bottles or narrowed to hold small glass jars
Clear storage containers can save shelf space by eliminating bulky packaging of cardboard boxes. Don’t forget the bottom shelf! Its often forgotten about in pantry storage and it’s a great storage space. I bought large cloth bins to hold items for a more finished look.
Here are a few of my favorite pantry organization items from Amazon!! Links for these great ideas and storage solutions
I encourage you to take that space that you want to update and make it your own. JUST DO IT!! You might not be able to do everything that you want but you will do something and it’s going to be great!!!
Glass spice jars with bamboo lids
This post was all about easy and simple ideas to change a small closet into the pantry organization project of your dreams!