Keeping your pantry organized can feel like an insurmountable task. Between multiple family members taking things in and out, ingredients accumulating that you buy for one recipe and never use again, and a variety of box sizes and shapes, it’s easy for chaos to take over your pantry shelves. However, with the right storage solutions, you can get your pantry looking neat and tidy in no time. After years of struggling to keep my pantry in order, I finally found a storage set that has allowed me to get organized and stay that way. Here’s how this storage set got my pantry in order once and for all.
The Problems I Faced Before Finding My Storage Solution
My pantry struggles were numerous before finding the right storage system. Here were some of the biggest pain points:
Overcrowded Shelves
My shelves were a jumbled mess, stacked two or three items deep in some places while other areas sat mostly empty. I couldn’t actually see everything I had, leading to buying duplicates of items I already had stuffed somewhere. The overcrowding also made it nearly impossible to neatly organize items.
Hard to Find Items
With my haphazard storage system, I could never find what I needed when cooking. Searching for a certain ingredient would lead to moving multiple items out of the way and unstacking piles. This led to a lot of frustration when trying to locate items.
A Mix of Container Sizes and Shapes
From narrow spice bottles to bulky cereal boxes, I had no consistency in the size and shape of items on my shelves. This made organizing categorically almost impossible. Items weren’t aligned, giving the pantry a very messy, disordered look.
No Visible Labeling System
With containers turned every which way and labels facing the wall, I had no way of quickly identifying items. I would have to pull jars and boxes out to see what was what. A labeling system that worked with my storage style was desperately needed.
Wasted Shelf Space
The disorder of different sized items and improper storage methods left a lot of wasted vertical space. I had tall shelves that were only half utilized because items were stacked inefficiently. Taking full advantage of shelf height would gain a lot more storage capacity.
Difficult to Clean and Keep Organized
From food spills to inventory getting jostled around, keeping my overcrowded and disorganized pantry clean and orderly was near impossible. The cluttered nature of my shelves also made cleaning each shelf efficiently very difficult.
The Storage Set that Finally Organized My Pantry
After struggling for years, I finally purchased The Home Edit Pantry storage set from The Container Store and it has been an absolute game changer. Here is an overview of the set:
- 6 OXO Good Grips Fridge and Pantry Canisters
- 6 OXO Good Grips Fridge and Pantry Canister Labels
- 12 Large Clear Storage Canisters with Chalkboard Labels
- 2 Turntables (large and small)
- 4 Refrigerator Bins with Chalkboard Labels
- 2 Produce Savers
- 2 Nested Organizers
- Stacking Storage Bins (set of 3)
- Pan and Lid Organizer
- Spice Grip Collection (set of 3)
- Paper Towel Holder
- Pantry Bins (set of 4)
This comprehensive set of storage solutions finally helped me organize my pantry in a way that has stuck. Here’s how each element helped transform my space:
Canisters for Dry Goods
The airtight OXO canisters have been ideal for storing flour, sugar, pasta, rice, etc. The screw-top lids keep food fresh while the clear bodies make contents visible. Labeled chalkboard stickers on the front maintain easy identification.
Clear Storage for Visibility
The large clear canisters allow me to easily see all my items at a glance. I use these for snacks like granola bars, pretzels and popcorn. The chalkboard labels stay neatly in place.
Lazy Susans for Corner Access
The turntables make items in corner cabinets easy to access versus getting buried. I keep one stocked with oils and vinegars for quick cooking access.
Refrigerator Organizing
The fridge bins corral eggs, yogurts and other cold items while maximizing fridge space. Produce savers help extend the life of fruits and veggies.
Small Storage for Little Items
The nested canisters hold tiny items like spices neatly together. The stackable bins give vertical storage for things like pasta noodles in their boxes.
Lid and Pan Organizers
Stopped struggling with awkward pans and lids stacking together! These give them neat, accessible homes.
Paper Towel Storage
My paper towels no longer take up counter space. The holder neatly stores them vertically in my pantry.
Open Bins for Quick Grabbing
The open pantry bins on my bottom shelf make it easy to quickly grab snack items. My kids can easily help themselves to after-school treats.
This set truly provided the full spectrum of storage solutions I needed to get every area of my pantry neatly organized. The clear canisters, turntables, and bins create visibility and easy access. Labels help identify contents at a glance. The set accommodates all the different box and bottle shapes and sizes.
How My Newly Organized Pantry Improved My Life
The difference having an organized pantry has made is amazing. No more chaos, wasted time, or frustration in my pantry. Here are just a few of the ways having an organized pantry has improved my everyday life:
I Can Find Anything Easily
No more searching endlessly for a certain ingredient or food item! The visible labels and organized shelving mean I can put my hands on exactly what I need in just seconds. This makes cooking and baking so much more seamless.
I Have Less Food Waste
Since I can see everything clearly, items don’t get pushed the back of shelves and expire. The airtight canisters also keep dry goods super fresh so nothing goes stale. No more tossing ruined food I forgot about!
I Don’t Buy Unnecessary Duplicates
With all my food visible and not buried on overcrowded shelves, I don’t accidentally purchase items I already have. This saves me money on impulse buys and extra grocery costs.
My Pantry Stays Organized
Even with family members using the pantry daily, it manages to stay neat and orderly at all times. All the pieces in this storage set just work so seamlessly together.
I Actually Enjoy Being in My Pantry
My pantry went from a dreaded, stressful place to one of my favorite spots in the kitchen. It’s so functional and efficient now, putting together meals feels smooth instead of chaotic.
It Looks so Satisfying All the Time
Nothing feels better than walking into my beautifully organized pantry with its color-coordinated canisters and neatly labeled clear jars. It’s instantly satisfying just to look at it!
Tips for Getting Your Own Pantry Organized
If your pantry is still a mess, don’t lose hope! Here are my top tips for getting it organized:
Start with a Declutter – Clear out all expired or unneeded food items so you have a clean slate for your new organizational system.
Categorize Broadly – Think about general categories like baking needs, snacks, canned goods, etc. This guides what items should go together.
Utilize Shelf Height – Use storage bins and risers to take advantage of vertical shelf space. This prevents wasting any usable space.
Consistency is Key– Try to store as many items as possible in matching containers or bins for a cohesive look.
Label Everything – Identify all containers, bins and turntables using chalkboard labels or stickers so you know at a glance what’s what.
Store by Daily Usage – Keep items you use most frequently at eye-level while less accessed items can go up higher or lower.
Invest in Key Organizational Pieces – Don’t be afraid to spend on game-changing items like turntables, tiered shelving, or canisters. Their functionality is well worth the initial investment.
Enjoy Your Organized Pantry!
An organized pantry makes cooking, baking and meal prep so much more efficient and stress-free. While it may feel like an overwhelming project, take it step-by-step and invest where you can in helpful storage solutions. Once you have your dream pantry in order, you’ll absolutely love the functionality and beauty of the space. Here’s to happily grabbing ingredients with ease and efficiency! Enjoy the serenity of your newly organized pantry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Organizing Your Pantry
Organizing your pantry can seem like a daunting task, but it’s worth it for the time and frustration it saves you in the long run. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about getting your pantry in order:
How should I categorize items in my pantry?
Start with broad categories like snacks, baking ingredients, canned goods, etc. Then break it down more specifically, grouping together baking powders and sugars, all canned beans together, etc. Keep like items that are used together near each other.
What are the best storage containers to use?
Opt for clear plastic or glass containers so you can easily see contents. Make sure they have airtight lids to keep food fresh. Labeled bins or matching containers create uniformity.
How should I arrange my pantry for accessibility?
Place most used items at eye-level for quick grabbing. Less used items can go on higher and lower shelves. Store bulky items and appliances on bottom shelves. Keep shelf heights flexible with adjustable racks.
What kind of labeling system works best?
Chalkboard labels give a uniform look. Stickers or painter’s tape let you label oddly shaped containers. Consider color coding with coordinating chalkboard tags, stickers or tape to quickly ID categories.
How can I avoid wasting vertical storage space?
Use vertical dividers, stackable shelves, and bins of varying heights to fully utilize vertical room. Door racks on the inside of cabinet doors also provide bonus storage.
How often should I clean out and reorganize my pantry?
Do a big clean out and overhaul annually. Then, a quick tidy up and reorganizing as needed monthly or bimonthly keeps everything in its place. Toss expired food as you notice it.
What should I do if I don’t have much cabinet space to work with?
You can use wall mounted racks or freestanding shelving units for extra storage. For small spaces, consider multi-tiered, wall-mounted wire racks to double storage. Turntables also help access items in tight spaces.
How can I stop my family from messing up my organized pantry?
Gently remind them to put items back where they belong. Make sure everything is clearly labeled so there’s no confusion. Designate spaces like low bins for kids to easily help themselves to approved snacks.
Keeping your pantry tidy might take some work up front, but the benefits are immense. Follow some basic organizational guidelines, utilize helpful tools like clear storage and labels, and maintain the system by putting everything back in its designated spot. A streamlined pantry makes preparing meals so much simpler!
Conclusion
A well-organized pantry is a game-changer when it comes to efficiently cooking and baking. While it can seem like an overwhelming project, taking it step-by-step can transform even the most chaotic space into a beautiful, serene storage spot. Invest in some key organizational tools like bins, turntables and matching canisters. Take time to label items clearly. Then maintain organization habits like always putting items back in their designated homes. With some strategic effort, you can say goodbye to pantry chaos for good and create a functional area you actually enjoy spending time in. Here’s to happily cooking away in your new dream pantry!