How to Organize Wire Pantry Shelves

Organize your pantry for easier access.

Pantry shelves typically are easy to organize. You put like foods together such as fruits or snacks and like containers together such as canned goods or boxed meals. But when you are dealing with wire pantry shelves there are a few things you have to keep in mind so the shelves do not warp or pull out of the wall. This can cause you to arrange things a little differently than you might otherwise.

Things You'll Need

• Wood screws
• Drill
• Tile or thin wood
• Shelf liner

Instructions

1. Find studs in the wall and screw anchors into the studs instead of drywall if at all possible. This will make the shelves more stable so they can hold heavy objects such as cans.

2. Arrange heavy objects such as canned goods and jars near the ends of the shelves or near a brace. Putting heavy objects at weak points will cause the wire shelving over time to bend.

3. Arrange like canned goods together. Put fruits with fruits and vegetables with other vegetables. This will make it easier to find items later.

4. Arrange boxed meals together and put staples such as rice or boxed stuffing together. If you know that some items you buy will be tall, then adjust one shelf with more space so the items will fit.

5. Place a piece of wood or tile across a wire shelf if you have a lot of heavy items and will need the whole shelf for their use. This will make the shelf more stable and keep it from bending. Put thinner shelf liner down on all shelves to keep bottles and other small items from leaning sideways because of the spacing of the wires.

Tips & Warnings

• Always rotate items forward. When you purchase new items, bring the older items in the pantry forward and put the new purchases in the back.

References

• Eat at Home: Quick Fix for Wire Pantry Shelves