For me, a new year brings organization and finding more efficient ways to run the household. We’ve only been in our home for 9 months and I’m still trying to find the best places to store things and what to put where. A new space can be a challenge to re configure how to store items and how to best utilize space, especially when the storage space is limited. Downsizing a home can sometimes limit options and for us, this is a little challenge. With only a large cabinet as a pantry I had to get creative. If you have this same challenge, hopefully this post will inspire you too!

I’ve always dreamed of having a big walk in pantry, but sometimes you have to take what you have and make the best of it. In my case, I have a strange U shaped cabinet with double doors.

 

Here is the pantry before

As you can see, the shelves create a bit of a challenge. Also, we decided to place our microwave in here to allow for more space in the kitchen area. The biggest problem with pantry storage is the variety of boxes and packaging that are difficult to stack or store. Having like things together can be difficult if the storage containers don’t work together.

 

Here was my strategy

1- Remove everything from the pantry and place on a table or counter in categories of related items. This helps you to establish what products you have and how to best utilize the space.

 

 

2-Create a fun backdrop for everything. This can be done with paint, stencil or wallpaper. This just adds a little style to the area and makes it more fun to dress up. I decided to use some peel and stick ship lap wallpaper from Target. I like the white and wood look in here . The white makes the space look a little bigger as well.

 

 

 

3- Shop for containers to place your grouped items in. Bins, clear containers, baskets and lazy Susan (turn tables) are perfect containers for pantries. I found the big bins & flip top clear containers at the dollar store.

4- Label your containers to keep the items where they belong and to create a more consistent and clean look where items are stored. There are so many sources on Pinterest for creating your own or find free printable’s that others have made. I got these labels from worldlabel.com . You can download them and even type your own items on blank sheets provided.

 

 

5- Empty items in boxes and bags into clear containers that are slim and can stack. I absolutely love these clear, stackable containers so much. I purchased them online from Target and they are so sturdy and they fit neatly in any space. I was a little concerned about emptying things and not having the preparation directions. So I decided to write the preparation instructions on a small sheet of paper and attach it onto the inside of the lids for the items such as rice, oatmeal etc.

 

 

 

Here is the after of my pantry

 

 

I’m really happy with how this turned out and it’s been so easy to maintain and find everything. I’m also considering using the inside of the doors to place items in. However, after I got everything condensed together we aren’t needing the storage there yet. I also have a large drawer below the cabinet where I keep snacks & chips. I used the same white bins to house snacks in one and chips in the other.

I hope this was helpful and that you are able to gain some inspo and ideas for your own pantry or cupboards. This really wa so simple with just a little bit of planning and it has really motivated me to work on each room to continue with the organizing bonanza!

As always, pin away and let me know your thoughts friends. I love hearing from you and what your thoughts and ideas are as well.

Happy Organizing !