There are hundreds of different ways to organize your kitchen and pantry. The most important thing to do is to find a system that works best for you. Here are some tips: First, identify the problem areas. If you have a large kitchen, you might want to consider dividing the space into sections. Second, find ways to save space in each area.
Organizing a small kitchen
Redesigning a small kitchen pantry does not have to be a stressful process. The first step is to evaluate your pantry and decide what you need to keep there. When possible, remove items that are expired or unneeded. Then, purchase baskets, bins, and organizer containers to make the process easier.
The next step is to organize your pantry’s contents. Use bins to keep like-type items together. Label them to make finding things easier. Bins are also a great way to save money and reuse containers. In addition, you can repurpose old boxes to save space.
When you have limited space, consider utilizing wood crates to store unsightly essentials. Not only do they add a nice rustic touch to your kitchen, but they also make it easier to access items. You can even put reusable totes in them. Also, consider installing drawer organizers to keep things from falling off the shelves. In our project, Heidi Piron Design and Cabinetry installed flexible dividers to organize liquor bottles. Similar dividers can be used for any pantry drawer.
Next, create an easy-to-access place for snacks. Clear plastic bins with drawers can store individual snacks. You can also let your kids choose which snacks to pack for school. Another solution is to use pantry doors as storage space. Rolls of tin foil or cling wrap can be stored in the doors. If you have children, use colorful washi tape to label the containers.
You can also use a wooden pegboard to hang kitchen towels and large utensils. It is also a great place to store small containers and spices. You can even hang a coffee mug from the back of a cabinet door. Moreover, the pegboard is an excellent place for storing sugar packets and tea bags.
Next, label your containers and bins to make them easier to access. This will help you find items in the pantry without having to rummage around. You can also group items by category. For instance, you can store dry rice with other grains, flours, and quinoa.
Clear canisters are an excellent solution for storing canned goods. Unlike wooden boxes, canisters are airtight and can help prevent rodents from ruining your food. Also, you can hang linens on the pantry door. Another great idea is a Lazy Susan.
You can also use your pantry as a place for storing appliances when they are not in use. Instead of storing them in cabinets and buffets, put them in the pantry. This will give you much more space. You can also use the wall space behind the door to add shelves.
Another great way to organize a small kitchen pantry is by installing pull-out shelves. You can place the tallest items at the back and shortest in the front. Another way to keep items accessible is by hanging wire drawer organizers on the side of the pantry. A wire rack will also work wonders for storing small items.
Organizing a large kitchen
The first step in organizing a large kitchen pantry is to sort items by type. This will make it easy to find specific items when you need them. You can start by labeling containers or baskets and grouping items by category. For example, you can have one section full of packaged snacks and another section filled with baking supplies. You can also hang knives to save drawer space. A magnetic strip can be purchased at most retail kitchen stores and will help you organize your knives easily.
Organizing a large kitchen pantry requires some patience and time. You can choose to tackle the entire area at once or organize each section separately. If you have a smaller kitchen, you may want to do the first option. This will allow you to reorganize items between cabinets and declutter the area. Either way, this process may take a few hours or even a day, so be patient.
While deciding on which organizational tools to use, it is important to consider the needs of your family. If you have young children, consider buying organizers that are easy for them to use. This will encourage them to do the task of cleaning out the pantry. Large open bins are best for small children, while containers with pop-up lids and locking lids are better for older children and teens. The lids should be able to seal well so that everything stays dry. Also, make sure to label everything. Adding labels will also make it easier for other members of your household to know where to find items. Chalkboard labels are an easy option for this, and they can be easily updated. You can also hang organizers on the doors of the pantry. These can be useful for canned goods, spices, oils, and other items.
Another option is to use a lazy Susan. This allows you to place similar items together so you don’t have to dig through cardboard boxes to find a particular item. The lazy Susan also works well to store oils, condiments, snacks, and baking necessities. If you’re looking for a more convenient way to organize a large kitchen pantry, you may want to consider using a bar cart.
If you’re not sure where to store your items, try adding shelves or hooks on the wall. If you have enough space, you can even install a pegboard on a free wall. Then you’ll be able to hang heavy items. Alternatively, you can place a rolling plant stand on the floor.
Adding shelves and drawers to the pantry can be an easy way to add more storage space. You can also use open shelving to display frequently used ingredients. For added visual appeal, you can also add a chalkboard to the door. This can also be useful for keeping a grocery list. Using chalkboard paint also adds a personal touch to the room. Another option is to mount small baskets on the door of the pantry, where you can store spices and seasonings.
