Under-Shelf Storage
Slide an under-shelf basket (like this one on Amazon) onto your existing pantry shelf, and you add another layer of storage. Use one to hold your foil and plastic wraps, and keep them from getting lost in the shuffle. Storing bread in one will protect it from getting squashed. Under-shelf baskets are also great for keeping small items collected neatly.
Vertical Space
Use every inch of space you’ve got—all the way to the ceiling. Seasonal and less frequently used items are fine to store up high and out of reach. Or take the opportunity to display a collection of serving pieces that might otherwise stay closed up in a cabinet. Top shelves are also good storage for your backup stash of cleaning supplies or bulk items like paper towels.
Shelf Dividers
Large, flat items are easier to access and take up much less space when they are stored on their sides rather than stacked on top of each other. Use small spring rods to make dividers between your shelves or slip in wire organizer from Amazon. They are super simple to install and just as easy to remove if you decide to use the space differently later.
Chalkboard Labels
Labeling is key to organizing anything, including a pantry. Use chalkboard labels (available on Amazon) for containers that hold foodstuffs that can be frequently switched out like flours, cereals, and pastas. Buy labels or, if you have chalkboard paint, mask your containers with painter’s tape and paint the labels on. Chalkboard markers are a great alternative to old-school chalk for quick and clean writing.
Can Organizers
Canned goods come in many sizes and can be troublesome to stack and keep visible in large quantities. A can organizer for the pantry, like this one available on Amazon, is an easy and affordable way to store cans and prevent them from toppling over.
Stair-Step Shelf
Stair-step storage can help you maximize space on a deep shelf. The arrangement gives items in the back a boost to make them more easily visible. You can purchase a shelf from The Container Store or you can create one yourself by stacking boards of varying widths on top of each other. Stack a 2×4 on top of a 2×6, and you suddenly have three levels to store items on, making everything more accessible.
Adjustable Shelving
If you’re adding new shelving, installing an adjustable system will give you flexibility to vary and change the heights of your storage areas. You’ll also be able to use every inch of space that you have. Elfa Shelving from The Container Store offers a variety of options to suit your storage needs.
Drawers
You can get a lot of things into a small space with the use of drawers. All items are within easy reach when you can just slide them forward. Whether you need only one or two drawers or a whole stack, there are styles to fit every design (like these from The Container Store). Wire works well for items that need air circulation, such as potatoes and onions, and baskets keep things looking neat and pretty.
Square Containers
Consider your containers carefully when you are organizing dry goods. Square containers, like the OXO Good Grips POP Canisters from The Container Store, are more space efficient than round ones. Use containers with the same-size footprint so it’s easy to stack them on top of one another to make the most effective use of your vertical space.
Pantry Pocket Organizer
Hang an organizer (like this one available on Amazon) on the back of your pantry door to capitalize on that underutilized space. It’s a perfect place to put spices, seasoning envelopes, or bags of beans and rice. Label each pocket with letter-stamped clothespins, and you’ll have the flexibility to change where things live on a whim. So smart and fun!
Decor!
The ultimate pantry must be practical and functional, but it can still be pretty! Don’t hesitate to paint the walls a cheery color or cover them in a boldly printed paper. Sure, even hang a chandelier. Why not? The effort won’t be wasted. Think about the number of times you open the pantry door each day. Between your well-organized supplies and your attractively appointed pantry, your time spent preparing meals will be much happier.
How To Store The Goods
Copy these storage ideas for a functional pantry.
