Jan 11, 20232 min read

An Organized Pantry - Step by Step

Updated: Jan 15, 2023

We love organizing a good, over-stuffed pantry. It may take a little time but you will gain that time back every time you need to make a meal or grab a snack. Here are the steps we like to use to organize pantries.

1. Take a "before" photo.

2. Figure out the "who, what, where, when, and whys" of your pantry. For example, do you want snack foods and water bottles at a lower level so your little ones can learn independence or will your child eat an entire bag of chips if you look away? Do you want your baking supplies nearby or do you rarely bake? Do you cook nightly and want ingredients sorted by meal type or do you eat out? Every home has different needs so take a minute to consider what will work best for you.

3. Take measurements and think about pantry products that will help categorize the items in your pantry. We love big baskets on the floor for paper towels and sodas, woven baskets for chips, clear acrylic bins for different types of food like pasta, and can ladders to easily access canned food. (See below for some of our favorite products)

4. Grab some trash bags and a notepad and start pulling items and checking the expiration dates. As you sort through the pantry make a list of the expired food you are throwing away so you can replenish what you need on your next grocery run. Don't be hard on yourself if you find a 10-year-old can of beans. It happens.

5. Do a good wipe down and vacuum the area.

6. Place the pantry products you purchased in the pantry and start adding the food back in. It's a good idea to have an area for "backstock" or products you use but have multiples that don't all need to be front and center.

7. Take an "after" photo and enjoy using your newly organized pantry.

8. Here are some of our favorite products to use while organizing a pantry. We are currently Amazon Associates. Amazon prices fluctuate often so they are not listed here but if you shop around the site you should be able to find great products at decent prices.