If you’re struggling with your kitchen pantry, keep reading. Below is a list of steps I follow whenever I work with clients. The categories and some steps may vary slightly depending on the client’s home and needs. However, the overall concept remains the same. Organizing this pantry took a full day, so keep that in mind when you tackle a space in your own home.
1. I sorted items into categories.
In this pantry we had pastas, soups, sauces, baking, beverages, snacks, light bulbs, paper goods, batteries, dishware, trash bags, plastic wrap and bags, lunch boxes, reusable bags, etc.
2. I relocated some items.
Other storage areas in the home were available so dishware, light bulbs, batteries, etc. were relocated.
3. I cleared other areas of the house.
I had room to store paper towels and water jugs that were taking up floor space in the garage. Paper towels were placed up top because they aren’t heavy and can be stacked high. Large water jugs are heavy so they are stored on the floor.
4. I considered accessibility when I put things away.
The beverages are accessed often so they are in front and on a low shelf. Baking is not a popular activity so that gets a higher shelf. Snacks are frequently eaten, so they were placed at eye level right in front.
5. I contained items using bins we had on hand.
I used plastic bins for floppy bags of chips and crackers so items don’t fall over and look messy. The client had four fabric bins she wanted to utilize. I didn’t want to use the fabric bins for food because food can spill and get sticky. However, the fabric bins are perfect for reusable bags, trash bags, lunch boxes, and paper goods.
6. I solved a common pantry issue.
This pantry has ventilated shelves. This is often a challenge because items topple over and fall through. I didn’t have them on the day of our session. However, plastic mats were ordered. They sit on top of the shelves and are a big problem solver. For now, we used cute bamboo trays that the client already had, which work quite well in a pinch.
