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5 Ideas for Organizing a Small Kitchen Pantry
Although it might seem like a simple task, kitchen pantry organization can be challenging, especially if you have limited space. You might not know where to begin.
To give you an idea of how to proceed, you can start by categorizing its contents, setting up some baskets, buying clear resealable containers, labeling everything, and using the door space.
Read on further to learn more about organizing your small kitchen pantry like a pro!
Categorize The Contents
In Martha Stewart’s recent blog, she mentioned that organization efforts must start with a strategy, as doing it “free-form” will likely end with you having a disorganized mess. By first arranging all of the contents according to particular categories, you can formulate a proper layout with which to approach your pantry overhaul.
To do this, simply take out all of your pantry’s contents and clump them together as you would find them in your local grocery’s aisles (ex., Canned meat, oils and spices, baking goods, etc.). Once all of your items are laid out and categorized, plan out which things go where. Make sure to keep your most used items in closer reach as compared to those you won’t regularly need—that way, you won’t have to scramble about just to get that one item you use every day.
If your pantry is empty, and you simply don’t know what to buy and stock up on, then invest in the four necessities every pantry should have: canned food, baking essentials, dry goods, and everyday spices and oils.
Set Up Some Baskets
Once you have your categories down, you’re probably thinking of placing one group of items per shelf—but if you have a small pantry, then you know that's not exactly feasible. Baskets to the rescue!
Baskets keep each clump of items from blending to another while also allowing you to maximize the space in your pantry. On top of that, they give you the option to take out all items in a category in one go. Check each product at a quick glance while you prep meals. Once done, you can just shove it back to its dedicated space—and you won’t have to deal with reorganizing the entire thing again!
If you have the time and budget, opt to have pull-out drawers installed in your pantry. They serve the same purpose as the baskets, with the added aesthetic boost of blending in well with your pantry’s design.
Buy Clear Resealable Containers
Clear resealable containers are one of the best organizing tools for a pantry of any size! They serve almost the same purpose as baskets (in that they segregate items but on a smaller scale) while also allowing you a peek at the contents without having to grab the entire thing. What’s more, they look absolutely gorgeous on shelves, especially if you pick the more aesthetically-pleasing containers.
However, the real benefit is that you can store goods that you’ve already opened while keeping them fresh, crisp, and dry inside. For example, an open box of cereal will only keep crisp for a week or two—but an airtight resealable container could keep it fresh for months!
Label Everything
Even if your memory is perfect, you stand to benefit from labeling everything in your pantry. After all, it could just be a matter of time before you or someone else in your household ruins your precious organizational efforts.
Start with labeling containers and baskets. Even if you have clear resealable containers or open-top baskets, clear labels will avoid you having to check the contents for a more accurate tell of what’s inside. On top of that, this will prevent the risk of someone making the mistake of mixing salt with sugar or flour with baking soda!
You can also place a marker for each category that you’ve created on your shelves. Doing so will allow you to set clear and visible boundaries, ensuring that your pantry’s organization becomes a bit more permanent.
If you’re looking for a more visually-pleasing way to show distinct areas of your pantry, color code. You can buy colored containers or use colored labels and stickers.
Use The Door Space
One underutilized area in every pantry is behind the door. This is a perfect addition for smaller pantries, as it gives you more “wall space” to place items on. Simply add an over-the-door rack, and you’re good to go! Just make sure to stock lighter and non-breakable items on it so as to avoid any unwanted accidents. You can also hang a chalkboard on your door to serve as a memo board for your grocery list.
Conclusion
Organizing a small kitchen pantry won’t be difficult if you know how to approach it. By keeping a clear head and following some of the ideas provided on this list, you can utilize every inch of space while making it look pleasing to the eyes. In fact, the limited space might even prove to be a fun effort for those with creative minds!