best practices on organizing a pantry of any size
When it comes to organizing a pantry- no matter what the size, it can feel overwhelming. The thought of how many jars/containers to purchase alone can feel discouraging. ***Could you imagine a family of 4+ and the amount of times you find yourself re-stocking on crackers then having to fill these containers each time AND making sure you’re filling the correctly labeled container? ya, no thank you. *** Here are a few tips I have to share:
- Only place 2-3 categories of items into clear jars/containers/canisters. Not everything needs to be poured into these. So to avoid this I only place pasta (labeled just PASTA) in these. And so I don’t mess up on measurements when cooking, I only make sure there is one package per container. I also don’t mind BAKING GOODS in these containers and have them all labeled just BAKING. I can clearly see through which one is raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, etc. Of course flour and sugar would have a detailed label. This also makes ordering labels way less costly as its less custom.
- Milk crates for water bottles + any other drinks your family reaches for from the pantry
- An assortment of bin sizes. All the same style or close. You could even choose 2 styles that flow well together. Deep bins for cereal boxes, rice + grains box, etc. Medium size bins for canned goods (try not to get a larger bin for this- imagine 20+ cans in a bin and having to remove off the shelf.. its heavy), boxed Mac and cheese, extra baking items (boxed cake, brownies, and whatever else you didn’t place into a canister). And the smallest size bin for all of your random things that don’t need a larger category to combine. For example I have my back stock of condiments in these and anything else that’s “extra”
- A good solution for onions + potatoes. Mine are in wire bins which are mounted on the wall. If this isn’t an option for you, floor crates with tires (2-3 tier) work well.
- Lastly, kids snacks. I’d base this on your families needs with it. My kids are still young and we have A LOT of snacks. On the floor of my pantry (under the bottom shelf) I have large wire bins you can see through. They all hold cookies, chips, fruit bars, and the adult snacks. We leave them in its own packaging (since the bins are cute) and we refill as we need. Truly low maintenance. If you don’t keep water or drinks in milk crates, milk crates would work really well for these snacks too.
Here are exact items I own and items I’ve come along the way that I think would be great
I hope that’s been helpful.
-Maryam
