Small Pantry Organization
Small pantries can really be a struggle BUT is it really the size that has you flustered?
This pantry makeover is LONG overdue! We’re going on year 2 in our new house and the pantry as been a mess since we ordered our first set of groceries. While our pantry isn’t the smallest we’ve ever had, it certainly isn’t the largest either.
There’s enough space for you to take one step in and shelves surround you on both sides and in the front. I guess you can say it has a “U” line of shelves. A bigger pantry would be awesome but this one works just fine. We managed to store all the food we needed then some so space was definitely not the issue. It lacked organization!
Yes, we threw most of our breakfast items in the same area but when it no longer fit, oatmeal was on one side of the pantry and pancake mix was on the other. After a few months of purchasing storage containers here and there I got the courage and strength to tackle this project! Here’s how I started…
How to Organize a Small Pantry
Clean the Kitchen
You are about to unload everything in your pantry onto your kitchen counters, the last thing you want is your food to be mixed in with dirty dishes. Also, clearing your counters makes room for the items items in your pantry. It prevents stacking items on top of one another.
Unload it All
Now that you have a clean space to work with, take everything out of your pantry. Yes, everything.
While emptying the pantry, group like items together. For example, put the all the pasta in one area, all the cereal or breakfast items in another and place canned items together. Doing this allows you to see exactly what you have and how much you have. It also saves a lot of time when you begin putting items back in the pantry.
At this point you can throw out expired items and maybe donate those that are still in date but you don’t plan to use.
Spray and Sweep
Since the pantry has been completely cleared out, use this time to give it a thorough cleaning. Give all the shelves a good wipe down. Spraying them with a multi purpose cleaner can help remove those tough stains. I love to use this. I have floor space in my pantry so I like to sweep and wipe the baseboards.
This is the perfect time to outsource some work to your children!
Arrange Containers
Play with the layout and arrangement of your containers before you put food in them. Know what each container will hold and where it will go. Once you find a set up you’re satisfied with, take a picture. The layout will probably change but at least you have somewhere to start.
Where to buy Pantry Organization containers on a budget
- IKEA 365+ Glass Container
- IKEA 365+ Plastic Container
- Bamboo Lid
- Can Holder
- Tall Pasta Jar
- Plastic Bins
- Glass Spice Jar
- Wooden Lazy Susan– Walmart
- Rattan Baskets– gray
- Rattan Baskets– natural
Fill Containers with Food
Now that you’ve found placement for your bins and containers the “fun” begins. Place food in containers that fit and make sense for you and your family. You may want items that are meant for kids in an area where they can access them easily. Glass containers that hold baking items or things you don’t want the kids to get in to can be placed on a higher shelf.
Why use clear containers?
Clear bins and containers are very popular in pantry and refrigerator organization. They give the space a clutter free feel. Removing food from its packaging creates more space and provides a cohesive look.
Clear containers aren’t just for looks. They allow you to see exactly how much of something you have without having to guess or open a box or bag.
Everything does not have to be in a clear bins. Packaged items like chips, granola bars and snacks can go in baskets. Wicker/ rattan baskets are very popular for pantries. They can also hold overflow items that do not fit in your glass or plastic clear containers.
