Pantry Party Extravaganza
Remember when we used to watch MTV Cribs back in the day and wait for the famed fridge tour, or for the row of pimped out cars displayed in the driveway? Today, I would really only want to see someone’s pantry. Okay, their kitchens and their pantries and maybe their laundry rooms but that’s about it. Organized pantries have become a luxury item in contemporary homes. And, with the busy lives we all lead it’s easy to see why - when a pantry is organized it makes cooking easier and more enjoyable, it makes entertaining more seamless, and it makes the ever popular act of meal planning more simple because you’re not constantly scratching your head looking for ingredients.
For those of us sadly not in the possession of a pantry like Khloe Kardashian’s, or are living in a home built in the last millenium, you may have to resort to using an existing closet in your home as a pantry. That’s precisely what we did in our home, which we have been in for about 1.5 years. Recently, after truly taking the time to see what we needed out of the space allotted to us with this closet, we did an overhaul. Below are some quick tips to tackle a pantry party of your own. Not into hosting parties? Let us pantry party it up in your home for you!
Remove. Every. Last. Item.
Truly remove every last bit and bob from the area you are working with. It is an overwhelming but necessary step. Check expiration dates. If items are nearing their expiration dates but you have no immediate use for them - donate them! Do a thorough cleaning once the space is all cleared.
Like with Like.
Group items with similar items. Our closet has everything from food backstock, to serveware, cooking appliances, and party supplies. Gauge what genuinely has to go in this space for ease of access and what could maybe be moved elsewhere. For example, holiday supplies used once a year - find another home! Your pantry should be a point of easy access for frequently needed items.
Measure every Nook!
Before you put anything back on your shelves, measure every last nook and cranny for bin purchasing purposes. Now, if you are able to clear your closet, sort through it, buy bins and organize all in one day that is incredible but if not, not to fret! I took a few days to finalize ours - it is a big undertaking! In addition to measuring the height, width, and depth of all shelves also consider the corners. Are they big enough to house a lazy susan? Measure them! Do your closet doors provide and space to house additional hooks or racks? Measure them!
Merchandise.
Now, in my case, I put items back on my shelves and bought my bins the following day. That’s just what my schedule afforded me, and this little dress rehearsal was helpful in determining what product I needed. Think about what product materials you prefer. Do you want to see everything easily? Choose acrylic. Do you have a lot of canned goods or condiments? Consider a tiered shelf and/or lazy susans.
When you are considering where to put items on the shelves consider their use, their packaging and their weight. Heavy cooking appliances and floppy chip bags are best kept on the bottom portion of your space. For your everyday food items put items used together in close proximity. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or confused - go grocery shopping! They are designed as they are for a reason - let the aisles inspire you.
Label
I waited a day or so to label our pantry, just to make sure I was fully satisfied with my groupings and products I housed them in. Labels may not be your style and may not be essential - and that is totally fine. To be honest, mine exist because it makes it easier for me to enlist my husband when putting things away or bringing them to the kitchen!
Enjoy!
As you enjoy your new pantry, make a mental note of how you use it in the coming weeks and months. Never be afraid to edit or re-stage things a bit; as long as you find the space to be happy and useful that is all that matters!
The before of our pantry closet - I think I see a bag of loose tea next to a carton of beef stock….not useful (or cute!).
The during - it looks scary but do not be overwhelmed! This exercise was so useful, and we ended up donating a ton of food to our local food bank.
The after! Got those floppy chip bags on the ground, and grouped everything else by use.
Tiered shelves worked best for our cans and condiments, and bins helped sort smaller items in larger groups.
The most used portion of our pantry - toddler snack heaven!