Today we are talking about small kitchen pantry organization tips. My “pantry” is a single cupboard so it is super important to maximize space.
The other day, I was pulling something from my pantry and noticed a container of lemonade mix that had expired. Not a big deal right? So it is a couple of months old…..wrong! It expired in 2011!
So that prompted me to go through our pantry and reorganize it. So today I am sharing my Small Kitchen Pantry organization steps with you.
While I would love to have a sparkling pantry like the ones you see on Pinterest, the fact is that mine just needs some TLC and organizing love. So here are my before photos of my pantry. As you can see, the items are getting a bit messy and I believe it is time to replace that shelf paper!
I took everything out of the pantry and replaced the shelf paper. I picked just plain white for a nice clean look.
Next, I went through and tossed out the expired items. Here is my lemonade mix.
I ended up tossing some cereal as well. I don’t mind if something is a little beyond it’s suggested expiration date, but if has changed consistency or is pretty old, I toss it.
I put everything back and I wanted to share a couple of specific items I use to help keep the pantry organized.
1. For my Koolaid, seasoning packets and dip mixes, I use a packet organizer so that I can see what I have easily. This one is elevated, so I can see clearly.
2. For condiments and syrup, I use a lazy susan. This way I can see what there is using the turntable.
3. For pasta, I use mason jars. You can get them with lids for about $1.50 each and they keep food fresh. I do not need to label these because, I can see right through them.
4. I used sliding drawers to corral bags of rice mixes, baking chips and snacks so that they are not tossed all over the place. These drawers are relatively inexpensive and are usually in the closet storage section.
So here is my after photo,
What do you use to help keep your pantry organized?
If you like what you see and would like to receive new recipe updates, we’d love you to subscribe to our posts or join our site. Follow us on Pinterest where you can get more recipes and updates. Thanks for visiting!
Don’t forget to pin this!
If you are not yet subscribing to my newsletter, you can subscribe here. I share a few things that I don’t share here and I email you only once a week. I know how valuable your time is and respect that tremendously!
Want to streamline your weekly meals? Check out my Beginner’s Guide to Meal Planning book on Amazon.
Tragic Sandwich says
That looks great! I reorganized my pantry recently as well, and it’s so much easier to use. I have a similar style of pantry, based on your photos, except that some of the shelves are closer together, which can be a little limiting.
I have a lazy Susan for some items, and I use tiered inserts for my spices, which makes it easy to see what’s there, rather than digging through an array of tiny containers that are all the same size. (I also got rid of a lot of spices, because I’d accumulated them in fits of “Oh, maybe I should try cooking that” and then never did. Paring down to what I actually use felt great.) I also have a tiered insert with deeper shelves for canned goods, which simplifies my inventory. I still need to find a way to organize some of my baking goods and teas, but it’s already so much better than it was!
Organizedisland says
I am so with you on the paring down. It really does help. I loved tiered insets too. Thanks for sharing!
KC @ The Real Thing with the Coake Family says
I so need to re-organize my pantry. It is small and I am at a loss for how to organize it, so I keep putting it off. Probably should go look for something expired so I will just do it! 😉
I would love if you would share this at my link party. http://www.realcoake.blogspot.com/2013/02/real-family-fun-3.html
Take care,
KC
Organizedisland says
LOL! Thanks for stopping by KC.
Linda says
I have a pantry that is about 12″ deep so on one shelf I use clear plastic shoe boxes for spices, cookie decorations, gravy packets, and such. Then it’s easy to pull out a box, get what you need and put it back!
Organizedisland says
Great idea on the plastic shoe boxes! Thanks for stopping by!
Julie Moore says
Great tips and you did a great job! I do re-organize my pantry, too, and throw out old stuff, etc. but I must admit, I haven’t gotten THAT organized yet. Looks like I have some thinking to do on that! 🙂 Thanks for the motivation!
Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier, too, and leaving some comment love! Have a great day! 🙂
Organizedisland says
Thanks Julie 🙂 Hope your day is great too!
Mothering From Scratch says
{Melinda} I have a small pantry and it is so hard to keep it organized. I think this post may have inspired me to tackle it Saturday. Sigh. One thing that has helped somewhat is that I use a milk crate at the bottom of my pantry floor for all the chips bags. I use a small plastic tupperware dish as a seasoning packets organizer. It’s a constant battle — organization. That’s why I need your site!! 🙂
Organizedisland says
A milk crate is a great idea for chip bags! You will feel better once you do it. Thanks for stopping by!
Erin @ Wholly Delicious Dishes says
Looks fantastic! I am in the process of getting my whole kitchen organized, thanks for the great tips 🙂
Organizedisland says
Oh that is wonderful Erin! I don’t think I can say that my whole kitchen is organized – but I am working on it! 🙂
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
Oh boy – did I ever need to read this post! My cabinets are in complete disarray all the time. I need to get myself some of these inexpensive items (drawers, mason jars, containers) so that I can tackle my kitchen. Thanks for the tips!
Organizedisland says
They really do help! Thanks for stopping by Nancy!
Gracielle says
Lazy susan in the pantry is brilliant! I seriously need to organize my pantry. It’s a decent size but it’s just so deep, that you really have to dig past the items in the front to get items towards the back. I think the sliding drawers would really help with that. Thanks!
Organizedisland says
Thanks for your sweet comments Gracielle! I appreciate you stopping by!
Leslie says
I wish I could get all my dry goods organized…well, I also wish I had an actual pantry! We recently found a bottle of vinegar that expired in 2009. We looked at each other puzzled, and both acknowledged that we never knew that vinegar could expire. Or the soy sauce that expired a year ago….I’m thinking you may have just given me a post for next week…and a project for the weekend!
Organizedisland says
LOL, I hear you on the expired items! You will love how it looks and functions when it is completed. Good luck & can”t wait to see your post.
Rachel @{I Love} My Disorganized Life says
Love these storage ideas. I really need one of those drawers!
Selene Galindo says
Looks good! I love how you organized everything into different sections.
Selene @ restorationbeauty.com
Organizedisland says
Thanks Selene!
Tami Rebekah says
Amazing!!! Great post! Happy weekend!
Organizedisland says
Thanks Tami! Happy Weekend to you too!
Kelly Stilwell says
Love this! I’ve got one of those rolling drawer organizers that is stocked with art supplies my kids will never use. Tim to donate to church and put it in the pantry! Thank you- you have no idea how much!!
Organizedisland says
Oh yay! I am happy to have helped 🙂
[email protected] says
You are a girl after my own heart! Your pantry looks great. Love the packet organizer!
Organizedisland says
Thank you Jame!
Liz says
I have a feeling I have some expired lemonade mix in my pantry, too! I’ve been keeping those big popcorn tins that arrive full of caramel corn during the holidays…they’re perfect for my cupcake sprinkles, cake decorating supplies and cupcake papers. Thanks for the inspiration!
Organizedisland says
Great idea on the popcorn tins Liz! I love repurposing!
KG says
This is great! I have the most awkward of pantries. It goes to the left and you have to walk in sideways to be able to see what you have. I don’t understand why they made it the way they did. It makes no sense whatsoever!
Good job on this..!
Happy Sharefest!
xoxo,
Khloe
http://www.kgstyleblogs.com
Diana Rambles says
Nicely organized!!
Organizedisland says
Thanks Diana!
Ann says
Great tips! I just had to organize (and throw away) the pantry/closet at my dad’s home. He had stuff in there that expired in 2006! I especially like the idea of using the drawer for storage; that would really keep things neat.
Elena @ `a casarella says
Love this! I did a post awhile back on organizing your kitchen with lazy susans. They’re my secret weapon. Great minds think alike!
–Elena
acasarella.net
Organizedisland says
I love lazy susans Elena! So nice to connect with you! THank you for stopping by!
Mary Deislinger says
I love the idea of the lazy susans; in fact, I have some in other kitchen cabinets. Unfortunately, I find that they don’t roll smoothly around and seem fragile, as if they’re going to collapse. Are there better quality ones than these plastic ones? Thanks for the ideas, especially the sliding drawers.
Organizedisland says
Thanks for stopping by! I found a great wooden one for about $9.99 at Walmart. It is nice and sturdy.
KG says
Very nicely organized pantry.
Thank you for participating in the Linky Home Organization Blog Hop.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop of when the blog roundup will go live and come back and share the blog comment love to the others who’ve linked up. We all need a little love….:)
http://eepurl.com/dih9A
xoxo,
Khloe
Jean says
I need to borrow some of your ideas! Our pantry has become an overflowing mess once again. I love the idea of using a lazy susan in it.
Raquel Pineira says
Thanks Jean!