PANTRY PROTOCOL
If you’re here, you are likely looking to learn more about how to organize your pantry and keep your hard work in tact. Well, you have landed in the right place…but I’d like to clear up some expectations that you may have vs. the reality of what this post will deliver:
This post is about creating the pantry of your dreams with the pantry space you already have.
This post is for the mom, dad, and/or family looking to bring efficiency and order to their pantry that is simple to manage and fully transitional to the shifts of the family’s needs.
This post is for the average family that has a pantry that lacks smart design, is sized disproportionately to the home and family it serves, or just does not exist (what I’m sharing can be applied to cabinet space too).
Overall, my Pantry protocol can meet your needs — big or small. the objective is to create a pantry space that you are proud of. one that is efficient and functional for your family’s everyday needs. one that is flexible to meet the influx of holiday prep, and football frenzy (or whatever fall family fare you and yours enjoy). Sound like what you’re looking for? Great! then, let’s dive right in to my three pantry protocols to set you up for success.
one - master the declutter
It’s likely that you are here because you haven’t been able to make sense of the unspeakable mess that currently lives in your pantry. it’s a hodge podge of, “ooh! i was looking for that”, “ew…how long has this been here?”, and (my personal favorite) “Babe…where is the (insert the one food item that is sitting in plain sight)?
first step is to empty the pantry. yes…all of it. why? in order to know what you need, you must know what you have.
here’s 3 things you need to be looking for during the declutter process:
expired food items. throw them away. the manufacturer ensures that the date stamped on that can is there for a purpose. trust them. Plus, they do the most unbelievable thing — they make sure there’s more where that came from. Let it go, and add a new one to your grocery list.
products to repurpose. if you’re reading this…this is likely not your first trip down this rabbit hole. let me be the one to tell you that what you purchased can be used. it may not work in the way you tried to use it initially, but I promise that you will find its ideal purpose as you move through this process.
sort and group like items. once the unwanted things are purged, you have a better consensus of what you have vs. what you need. In order to make the organizing process go smoothly, you must sort and group like items together. for example, groups may breakdown as: breakfast items (pancake mixes, cereals, granola bars); condiments (ketchup, mustard, dressings); teas and coffees — just to name a few.
two - get measurements
Before you can ever shop for those baskets and bins you’ve been eye-ing (or saved to your cart), please be sure they will fit into the space you have. take your time measuring the space, taking care to record shelving height, depth, and width. don’t forget to get the open space from the ceiling to the top of your shelving. vertical space planning is key in getting the optimal use out of your pantry.
if you have a smaller closet sized pantry, like mine (pictured below) measure the depth of your pantry from door opening to the front of your shelves and the width and height of the door. you’ll need this when looking for over the door storage solutions.
three - purchase with purpose
finding what fits your pantry and your needs is not as difficult, nor expensive as you think. Many products found online and in discount stores are reasonably priced and well made. also, let’s not forget about the items you put to the side for repurposing as directed in protocol one. here are some of my most coveted items that i use in my clients’ pantries and cabinets, as well as my own:
Clear bins of various shapes and sizes. I rely on clear bins, especially for families with young children. It takes the guess work out of what is running low, and what is not being eaten at all. knowing these key factors help with restocking and future grocery runs.
clear turntable racks in various sizes (commonly know as ‘lazy susans’). I love these for storing condiments, cooking oils and vinegars, and other bottled items. I especially recommend that you purchase these with a non-skid surface and enclosed sides to keep glass containers from toppling over. these are essential in making more space on shelves.
labels and baskets. Only when needed. in my opinion, labels on clear containers are not necessary unless you are looking for the aesthetic. I do highly recommend purchasing labels and baskets for back stock items. This is especially handy for families that buy in bulk. it allows you to store all the things without disrupting the order and beauty of the fully organized pantry.
extra tips and notes
do plan before hand. shopping for a pantry organizing project can become overwhelming if not properly planned. consider budget, collect inspiration photos, and take your time researching product options.
keep your family in mind. be realistic in your planning. what are the things that your children ask for the most? my guess…snacks. make the snacks you wish for them to have, accessible without them needing to ask for your assistance. storing prepackaged snacks in clear bins at their eye level encourages their independence and frees up some of your time.
hire a professional. when all else fails or your mental capacity has reached its max, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for help. if you are in the atlanta area, i’d love to step in to assist. Let’s chat and see how i can help! book your free discovery call here.