Is your kitchen pantry feeling a bit disorganized? If so, you’re not alone. We all know that sinking feeling when you’re putting your groceries away and realize you didn’t need to purchase some items because you already had them. Or when you have to start storing things on your countertop space because there’s just not enough room in your pantry.
Fortunately, we have some creative ideas so you can craft the perfect layout for your kitchen pantry from top to bottom—including ample storage for all your small and large items!
Homeowners Love These 8 Convenient, Eye-Catching Storage Solutions
Having an organized kitchen pantry is the first step in organizing your kitchen. The right mix of shelves, storage containers, and other creative solutions will make it easier to find everything you need in your pantry. Here are some of our favorite ideas to get you started:
1. Group Similar Foods in Baskets and Bins
The easiest way to keep a pantry organized is to use baskets and bins to separate out groups of food items such as pastas, sauces, snacks, etc. Nothing will get lost in the back of the pantry when a bin can be easily pulled out and looked through.
Baskets and bins should be sized for the shelf. Bins that are too small or too large may waste space and not look as organized. Add labels to each bin as well, so everyone knows where to locate their favorite foods.
2. Store Food in Clear Containers
Storing items in clear containers makes it easier to see exactly how much of an item you have or need to purchase. Being able to get rid of excess packaging and using matching containers will give the pantry a neat and uniform look and reduce visual clutter. You will be able to see each type of cereal with an added pop of color.
Airtight containers allow food to stay fresher longer than the original container. This is a perfect solution for baking items like flour and sugar, as they are usually stored for extended periods of time and the packaging tends to rip during storage.
3. A Lazy Susan Gives Access to Back Corners
If you are tired of losing storage space to the corners of your shelves where you can’t easily reach, there’s a way to make that area work better for you: put in a Lazy Susan! The spinning feature makes everything accessible by bringing the back items to the front. This makes it easy to organize oils, dressings, sauces, and other items.
Lazy Susan shelving can be multi-tiered which maximizes vertical space so your corners can store more. It is a perfect way to keep clutter from getting out of hand.
4. Cans, Cans, Everywhere
Canned goods can easily overtake a pantry. Storing them so you can see what you have is an important part of an organized pantry. There are several ways to store cans of food — you just need to be a little creative depending on the size of your pantry. If you purchase grocery items in bulk, consider a can rack organizer. The rack is elevated in the back and allows for easy can rotation so you don’t forget to use the older cans first.
5. Use Pantry Doors for Extra Space
A well-organized pantry utilizes all available space, including the pantry door. You can find hanging racks or built-in shelves to hang on the door. This allows you to grab those frequently used items quickly and easily.
Hanging racks come in a variety of styles and sizes which simply hang over the top of the door so that it lays flat against the door. Built-in shelves are great options if you want something more permanent and can be customized for the functionality of your pantry.
6. Pantry Floors for Storage
Use all available space in your pantry – including the floor. You can store bulk, heavy, or large items such as unopened bottles of juice and paper towels. One or two large baskets are great for smaller items such as chips or potatoes. These baskets can easily slide in and out of the pantry for access. However, it’s best to avoid putting small items on the ground. That can get a little messy!
7. Separate Pantry into Zones
Dividing your pantry items into zones will keep your food organized and reduce meal preparation time. First, identify cooking categories that suit your lifestyle such as baking, breakfast, snacks, or weekday meals.
However, don’t try to come up with a category for every food item in the pantry. You want to think about how often you access each of these categories. The items that you use occasionally can live on a higher shelf.
8. Keep It All Organized with Labels
Now that your pantry is organized, you want to keep it organized. Label as much as possible. Storing different types of food in different containers with labels will allow you to find the item quickly. Labels are the best way to communicate to your family where to put back the pantry items.
Choose the Right Remodeling Team to Craft Your Dream Kitchen and Pantry
Envisioning your kitchen’s new layout and features is one of the most exciting parts of a remodeling project. But bringing it to life takes commitment and craftsmanship. So, look for a company that cares about your dreams as much as you do, and ensures the design will meet your goals.
At Lakeside Renovation & Design, we bring vision and construction together to give you that perfect match! Our team works closely with you, guiding you through the process and turning your dreams into reality.
Discover the Delights of a New Kitchen Pantry from Lakeside Renovation & Design
Excited about the idea of updating your kitchen pantry and giving it all the latest, modern fixtures and features? Why not dream a little further? Check out our featured kitchen projects to see how we’ve transformed St. Louis area homes like yours—and let it serve as inspiration for your own kitchen remodel from the professionals at Lakeside Renovation & Design.
