Let’s Organize a Pantry

From tiny little cupboards, to walk-in pantries fit for a queen, there’s just something about organizing food storage that I find exhilarating. Yep, I’m what you call an organization nerd! Follow along with me as I share some super simple tips on organizing a pantry.

Tip # 1 Assess

Before you can start imagining the possibilities of your newly organized space, you need to take a look at what is going on right now. What is working for you? What is not? I’ve found these to be some common issues: vertical space is not being utilized; packaging takes up more space than necessary; there’s too much inventory which makes it easy to forget what you have, and there are too many awkward shaped containers making it a hot mess.

Tip # 2 Edit

To get started, find a clear surface, such as a kitchen countertop or table to place absolutely every item from your cupboard or pantry. You can start out with loose categories as you go, placing things in different piles. Throw away any expired foods or items you’ll never use. This includes that expensive protein powder you bought in the giant size at Costco that tastes like chalk, or that box of jello from 1987.

Tip # 3 Categorize

Continue to place like-items together and consider writing down the categories on sticky notes. These are some categories that I find helpful for pantry items: Canned Food, Bottled Food, Nut Butters, Spices, Cereal, Packaged Snacks, Tea, Baking Ingredients, Nuts, Seeds, Protein Powder, Coffee, Dried Fruit, Rice & Pasta, Packaged Snacks, Bread, Coffee, Tea, Potatoes, Onions, Squash and Garlic.

Tip # 4 Containers Galore! (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)

This is a round-up of the containers I recommend for the various categories I mentioned above. You can click on each of the links below, or go to this page on my website to check them out!

• Canned Food: Clear Can Organizer

• Bottled Food: Lazy Susans

• Nut Butters, Jams, Spices: Clear Tiered Shelves

• Cereal, Snacks, Baking Ingredients, Nuts, Seeds, Protein Powder, Coffee, Dried Fruit, Rice & Pasta: Airtight Food Storage Containers

• Packaged Snacks and Tea: Clear Divided Containers

• Bread and other Irregular Shaped Items: Clear Bins

• Vegetables such as Potatoes, Onions, Squash and Garlic: Clear Containers With Bamboo Lids

Tip #5 Label Love

Now, with all of these fancy-shmancy containers, it’s time to label everything. This is not only useful, but it’s a fun way to customize your space. I love labeling things so much, that want to help everyone get the coolest labels for their organizing projects! I’ve created a little shop on my website where we sell custom labels in a vast array of colors and fonts. Check it out right here!

If you’re ready to take the leap of organizing your pantry, but would like some extra creative ideas and help, please reach out and we’d love to make this dream a reality for you. Wheelhouse Design Studio offers both in-person or virtual organization consulting services.