How to Quickly and Easily Organize a Small Pantry

How many times have you gone to your pantry and become frustrated because you know you have that item in there, but where?

This is how I organized my pantry and I feel pride every time I go to it now. And others who see it become excited and can't wait to get to their home and get theirs organized too!

I no longer fumble through bumping my knuckles, and fussing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measurements of the height and width of your pantry shelves.
• Clear plastic storage bins (I used the shoe size).
• About 30 minutes to one hour of time to sort and organize.

1. First you will want to measure your pantry shelves by height and width to know what size storage bins to purchase. I chose the shoe size ones. I have a very small pantry and was able to fit three side by side on each shelf. This also left a little room in front of each bin for smaller bins of special things. And the smaller ones are much easier for me to handle. I got my bins at "Big Lots" and paid only $1.00 each for them.

2. 
    
   Small bins are easier to remove and replace quickly.

   Next you will want to take everything out of your pantry. I found it easiest to put all my stuff on my dining room table and sort as I went. Sort pantry items into category's of your choice. I chose to sort like this: Dry Seasonings such as salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash, Cha Chi etc; Wet Seasonings such as soy sauce, vinegar, oil etc; Baking Items such as: Baking Powder, Cocoa, baking soda powder and so on. Then clean your pantry. Sweep it out too!

3. 
    
   Bottom of pantry with box that I easily slide in and out.

   It's time to start putting things in the bins. You may need more than one bin to hold all your seasonings or baking items etc. That's no problem. You can sort within your sort and place the bins next to each other.
   Usually you have a large area at the bottom of your pantry. I used a paper box to put my cereals, dog treats etc. and I just slide it in and out as I need those things.

4. Place the bins in your pantry where you want them and voila! you now have a neat organized pantry that you can find what you want, when you want!

Tips & Warnings

• You won't necessarily need the lids to the bins but be sure to take them anyway. They come with the bins and you may find a use for them at a later time.
• Warning: Organization can be catching!

[lynsuz12]

on 12/21/2009 Great ideas. Nothing more frustrating than not being able to find the cinnamon when I need it. Going to check out this bin idea. Thanks for sharing.5* and rec

[dixie306]

on 12/21/2009 I have a 50th birthday for someone in the family coming up! thanks for the tips! 5*

[annvans]

on 12/17/2009 This is great. Now, just making it stay that way is the hard part. Great article!