Pinterest pantries are all the rage in 2021, and for good reason! A well-organized and clean pantry makes for effortless cooking, sans digging around for the garlic powder that’s straggled to the very back of the cabinet. Keep reading to see how you can achieve that pretty pantry look and get more organized.
1. Take Inventory of Everything
No pantry organization project comes without the necessary clean-out task. Take everything out from the shelves and set it on the counter to take a general inventory of what you have. Toss anything that’s expired and set aside the items that are going to expire within the next couple of weeks to place in an “Eat Me First” bin or section.
Start by grouping items based on how you plan to organize each section of the pantry. This is typically dependent on the number of shelves or how much space you have to work with. As a general rule, it’s best to keep similar items together, like oils and sauces, spices and seasonings, pastas and grains, snacks and drinks, and baking items. Then finish this step by cleaning out and wiping down shelves and walls.
2. Pick Out Pretty Storage Containers
Once you’ve taken inventory and grouped into categories, you can get a feel for which items can easily go inside of pretty containers and which ones are better off staying in their original packages – think dried bowtie pasta versus sticky honey.
Next, you’ll pick out the storage containers for each item type. From reusing glass jars you have on-hand to purchasing a matching set of glass or plastic containers, there are plenty of options and styles to choose from. Be sure to wash and fully dry them prior to filling with food.
3. Break Out the Label Maker
Getting rid of original packaging may mean that you’ll want to label some products. While flour, sugar, rice, and pasta can be obvious, some other items like buckwheat may be much harder to identify once it’s in a new container.
An easy trick for items like pasta and rice is to simply cut off the directions/measurements from the packaging and tape to the bottom of the container – thanks to The Home Edit for this tip – as a quick reference when it comes time to cook.
4. Focus on Keeping Items Accessible
A pretty pantry isn’t just about appearances – it’s about functionality too. Try keeping like with like, while putting more frequently used items within easy reach. This will help you know exactly where items are, and help keep you organized when meal time rolls around.
When you’re ready for your next apartment project, be sure to check out our blog page for other organizational tips and tricks!