The following is a guest post about how to make pantry organization simple from regular contributor, Morgan from Morganize with Me.
Happy Fall! Our weather has begun to cool down a bit and it looks like pumpkin flavored everything is here to stay, not that I’m complaining! We’re already a month into our school year and for the most part we’re settled nicely into our back to school routine. You can bet I’m working hard to keep our pantry stocked for our nightly lunch packing, this in and of itself, keeps me on my toes!
Pantries are often one of the hardest spaces to keep organized. I can relate to this dilemma all too well, especially because we have five sets of hands digging into our pantry every.single.day. However, over time I’ve discovered a few pointers that are easy to implement and add some practical organization to a space that certainly demands order!
Pantry Organization: Made Simple
#1: Separate
Use containers to separate and store any and all like items. You can add labels but you won’t necessarily need to. By keeping things label-free you’ll give yourself more flexibility with your container assignment which can be helpful as your shopping and food needs ebb and flow. The containers I’ve successfully used in not only this pantry but also my previous two – organizing a pantry with deep shelves & organizing a kitchen closet pantry – are from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Often storage containers can easily transition from one home to the next, making them an investment.
#2: Streamline
Always try to ditch (recycle) food packaging as soon as possible. Whenever you can do this, it will instantly make your shelves and containers look MORE organized! You’ll be taking care of the excess right at the beginning. Mason jars are a great option for storing pasta and beans or any type of food container that has a sealed lid works great too!
#3: Strategize
Approach your grocery shopping and menu planning with a strategy. By shopping with a list and a plan (I use a list each week that is a part of my Health + Home Management Binder), you’ll be more likely to only purchase what you need. Then when you are putting away your groceries, also make time to refresh and regroup your pantry. If you work to stay on top of your pantry organization on a weekly basis, you’ll avoid having to do a complete clean-out and reorganization when things get out of control!
If you are overwhelmed and not sure where to start, work on only reorganizing one shelf and/or section at time. This helps when it comes to your budget, time, and energy.
What is your number one tip when it comes to keeping your pantry organized? Share below in the comments. 🙂
Morgan is the energetic and motivated, but also realistic girl, behind Morganize with Me. She is a list lover, fitness fan, and chaos controller! Her mission is to share tried and true techniques that she hopes will encourage her readers and clients as they focus on their health and homes. Join one of her Challenges and be sure to check out her Shop full of fabulous organizing printables!
Kerry says
I find being able to access all the items is very hard. Deep shelves, etc. result in things hidden behind others in my kitchen. We have pull out shelves that are in horrible shape in the tall cabinet we use as a pantry. I’m almost tempted to take them out and replace with shelves and baskets like you have shown.
Morgan Tyree says
Deep shelves are hard to work with. I had a previous pantry with deep shelves so I know what you’re talking about. Keep reworking things until you find something that is simple to keep up. Good luck!
JBo says
I group my flours, my sweetening products, my beans in respective boxes, so I can pull them out easiily.
Ann says
You mention not labeling, I find it is very helpful. Especially if you have several things that are similar such as plain flour and bread flour
Morgan Tyree says
Hi Ann! It all depends with labeling. I label when it’s necessary, like what you described. But in many situations – like my baskets of fruit – it’s very clear to see how things are organized and where things go. Absolutely label when it makes things easier and requires so, like when you have similar types of food products. 🙂