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 over a year ago!
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.
This post was from a few years ago, so be sure to check out my pantry checklist and my pantry organization tools
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!
Remove All the Items
It is essential to remove all of the pantry items to see what you have and what you might need. If it seems like too big a job, you can just do a couple of shelves a day for a few days, but it is best to do it all at once.
I took everything out of the pantry and replaced the shelf paper. I picked just plain white for a nice clean look. I like to use shelving paper to protect the shelves. It is easy to clean and looks better too.
Check Your Pantry Inventory
Next, I went through and tossed out the expired items. Here is my lemonade mix. Sometimes it can be difficult to read the expiration dates. Use your phone camera to magnify it if you have trouble reading it.
I ended up tossing some cereal as well. I don't mind if something is a little beyond its suggested expiration date, but if has changed consistency or is pretty old, I toss it.
Clean Shelves
When you have items taken out of the pantry, clean the shelves with a damp cloth.
I put everything back and I wanted to share a couple of specific items I use to help keep the pantry organized.
Creating Zones
To keep things organized, create zones in your pantry for like items. Determine what items you use most and put those items in the shelves that are the easiest to reach.
- Use some of the inexpensive containers to hold like items. For example, for my powdered drinks, 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. But you can if you want to. There are some cute labels you can buy for just a few dollars.
4. I used sliding desktop 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?
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In my other cupboard, I added this stacked spice rack.
Don't forget to pin this!
More Easy Kitchen Organization Tips
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Tragic Sandwich
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
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
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
LOL! Thanks for stopping by KC.
Linda
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
Great idea on the plastic shoe boxes! Thanks for stopping by!
Julie Moore
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
Thanks Julie 🙂 Hope your day is great too!
Mothering From Scratch
{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
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
Looks fantastic! I am in the process of getting my whole kitchen organized, thanks for the great tips 🙂
Organizedisland
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
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
They really do help! Thanks for stopping by Nancy!
Gracielle
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
Thanks for your sweet comments Gracielle! I appreciate you stopping by!
Leslie
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
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
Love these storage ideas. I really need one of those drawers!
Selene Galindo
Looks good! I love how you organized everything into different sections.
Selene @ restorationbeauty.com
Organizedisland
Thanks Selene!
Tami Rebekah
Amazing!!! Great post! Happy weekend!
Organizedisland
Thanks Tami! Happy Weekend to you too!
Kelly Stilwell
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
Oh yay! I am happy to have helped 🙂
jame@kreyv
You are a girl after my own heart! Your pantry looks great. Love the packet organizer!
Organizedisland
Thank you Jame!
Liz
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
Great idea on the popcorn tins Liz! I love repurposing!
KG
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
Nicely organized!!
Organizedisland
Thanks Diana!
Ann
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
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
I love lazy susans Elena! So nice to connect with you! THank you for stopping by!
Mary Deislinger
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
Thanks for stopping by! I found a great wooden one for about $9.99 at Walmart. It is nice and sturdy.
KG
Very nicely organized pantry.
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xoxo,
Khloe
Jean
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
Thanks Jean!