A messy pantry can make your life difficult especially if, like me, you enjoy cooking on a regular basis. There is nothing more frustrating than not finding the right ingredients when you need them.
And because a tidy kitchen equals a tidy mind, re-organizing your pantry is a really great way to simplify your life.
Here are 10 tips to do so.
1. Use containers
Using containers is probably the best way to keep your pantry neat and tidy. I started using glass jars 3 years ago and never looked back. I use them to store all of our dried staple foods such as oats, nuts, seeds, rice, quinoa, pasta and more.
You can use pens or labels to put the name of the specific food stored in each jar. That way it’s easy to spot a specific container when you need it and when a jar is empty, you know what staple needs to be refilled.
2. Install a pegboard
If you are looking to store some of your kitchen utensils in your pantry, then you should use a pegboard.
A pegboard is a perforated hardboard on which you can set hooks or pegs to hang things on.
It will allow you to store your kitchen tools very neatly so you can find them and access them easily. Not only will this clear up some of the clutter, but it will also make your kitchen look neater.
3. Add a drawer
If you are looking to optimize your small pantry space, you should add drawers. They allow you to access everything easily and to get more in.
One of the things that can make your life hard is not finding a specific item when you need it. It’s not just annoying, it’s also an energy drainer.
4. Group your food items together
Grouping your food items is a great way to have a smoother and more efficient time in the kitchen. I suggest to use plastic container or bins and to group your items in there. Here are a few bin examples:
- Breakfast bin (Muesli, nuts, bread, cocoa, tea, etc.)
- Spice bin
- Bakery bin (sugar, flour, yeast, vanilla, etc.)
- Smoothie protein bin
There is an endless amount of combinations. Just be creative and do what works best for you.
5. Install a storage unit on the door
If your pantry is tiny and you are looking to expand your space, a good solution could be to install storage units on the door. This can be used to store the things that you are going to use on a regular basis. The only warning here is to make sure not to use heavy units or boards for the door to sustain.
6. Chalkboard Paint
A cool feature that is popping up everywhere is chalkboard paint. Paint the entire pantry door so you can jot down your grocery list. When you or anyone living in your household realizes that something is missing and that you are running low on a specific staple, you can immediately add it to the list.
7. Use Bins
Plastic bins are a popular item to organize your pantry in the best possible way. Not only do they help you quickly spot a specific jar or item but they also allow you to group food items together i.e bakery bin, breakfast bin, etc.
8. Use Labels
Using labels is an awesome way to optimize your time in the kitchen. And it’s especially true for spices and items that look pretty similar. This way, you avoid pouring curry powder where you needed cinnamon or using salt when you needed sugar!
9. Use a Cart
If you are looking to increase your space capacity but your pantry is already full, then using a cart is your best bet. Most carts you found out there have wheels so you can easily move them around if need be. You could put on the cart all the items you use the most (salt, pepper, kitchen utensils, etc.), that way they are easily accessible.
10. Use a Lazy Susan
If you have a ton of spices, sauces or oils and other bottles in your pantry, then you should use a Lazy Susan.
This 18th century invention is a great way to access all your food items even the ones that are relished to the back. Plus, you save time by just getting the whole tray out of the pantry onto the dinner table and back once the meal is over.
Those are simple and yet practical ways to optimize your pantry and save time in the kitchen. Try a few or all of those tricks, and I promise you won’t look back!
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