November 21, 2018
The kitchen is literally the heart of our home, and if you're like me, you spend a lot of time in your kitchen un-bagging groceries, preparing meals, feeding yourself and your family, entertaining guests, and so much more. An organized pantry can help every homemaker save time, energy, and money. Plus it has the added bonus of giving you the chance to put your personal touch on your kitchen. But let's be realistic. Finding the time, figuring out the 'how to', and setting a budget for such a project can be a little overwhelming. No need to worry. I'm here to help you organize your pantry with three simple steps that can be applied to any budget. Let's get organizing.
Before you begin to organize your pantry, familiarize yourself with the various types of pantry storage containers (glass jars, plastic containers, wire or wicker baskets, trays, etc). Feel free to get creative, pick a theme, and think outside the box. This will help you customize your pantry to suit your needs according to your budget.
How to Organize Your Pantry in 3 Steps (With Your Budget in Mind)
- Inventory your pantry goods. Be sure to take every item into account.
- Assign an appropriate storage container to each pantry item by writing a container type next to the inventoried item. Be as specific about the type of container as you can. Most importantly consider the size of the container and remember that some pantry items (like prepackaged snacks or oils and vinegars) can be stored in the same container.
- Tally and categorize the different types of containers needed. This will allow you to summarize your pantry organization needs and set a budget.
I followed these 3 steps to organize my pantry, and I kept track of my pantry inventory and storage needs on my Pantry Organization Plan Sheet. I kept this sheet within reach as I was purchasing storage containers; it helped me stay on budget and efficiently find what I needed at the store. And when the time came to fill the storage containers, all I had to do was refer to the Pantry Organization Plan Sheet to know which food items should go in each container. This sheet simplified the entire process. Click here to get a free copy of my Pantry Organization Plan Sheet.
Pantry Organization Plan Sheet
Pantry & Storage Container Details: Cost & Where Containers were Purchased
I visited several stores (both online and physically) to make sure I was exhausting all of my options. In the end, I found what I needed at Target, World Market, Amazon, T.J.Maxx, and local home decor and gift shop- Homegrown Marketplace.
Don’t be afraid to take a little time to shop around to find a variety of items. This will help you find pieces that speak to your aesthetic, compare prices, find coupons/ discounts, and come back for sales.
The DRAGONN 10-Piece Airtight Food Storage Container Set, from Amazon was the most expensive item I bought. I decided it was worth it to invest in a good set of quality, airtight containers. This set comes with a range of different sized containers, is BPA Free, stackable, and has an airtight locking system. This is my first time owning a storage container set like this, and so far they have been worth the purchase.
Dragonn Ten Piece Container Set
Glass jars have always worked well for me for storing dry goods. They’re easy to wash, environmentally friendly, affordable, and the metal bands on mason jars can easily be replaced if they get worn or rusty. Plus, they add a nice classic look to the pantry.
I put a stool in the pantry to making reaching items on the top shelves easier. For safety, I decided to put non glass items on lower shelves and store glass items on higher shelves (out of the reach of my little one).
Using the Pantry Organization Plan sheet streamlined the entire process. Organization of your pantry is definitely possible. It just takes a little planning and inspiration! If you enjoyed this post please comment below and subscribe to my monthly newsletters for more home organization inspiration.
