Small Pantry Organization Made Easy: Smart Storage Tips
How to Increase you Small Pantry Organization (So that Nothing Goes to Waste)
Pantries can be both a blessing and a curse, amirite? The extra storage is great, but keeping it organized can be a challenge. Today I am sharing tips on how to organize your small pantry. Whether you have a walk-in or a postage stamp’s worth of space, these tips are for keeping order among the chaos.
My pantry is 35 inches by 47 inches, or (almost) 3 ft by (almost) 4 ft. It came with three builder grade wire racks and about 4 feet of open space underneath the racks.
It is also the only logical space in the kitchen for our trash can. So now that you know what I’m working with, let’s talk about some of the ways I’ve improved my small pantry organization.
Use Labels
I absolutely LOVE a labeled basket, drawer, or bin! By labeling your bins ,it is easy to group by like items and to find things when you need them. I got this label maker a few years ago and it was a total game changer.
FIFO
Also known as ‘first in, first out,’ this term means to use what you bought first, or more importantly, what is expiring first (more on that below). This ensures that you aren’t wasting items you’ve bought. It keeps your food in constant rotation, making the most of your purchases. Using a can organizer can make this a super easy process.
Organize by Expiration
Let’s say you bought three cans of corn, expiring in July, September, and May of the same year. It doesn’t make sense to use the September can first, because it has the longest shelf life. Even if you bought the May can last, it makes sense to use it sooner than the others.
Add Storage
I bought two of these shelves to add to the bottom of my pantry. Before, you can see there was a ton of wasted space. Those three shelves are simply not enough! I more than doubled the amount of usable space by doing this. AND got everything off of the floor!
We are not in a place where we can do a massive pantry remodel, so we’re working with what we’ve got over here! Keep in mind that when these pictures were taken, I didn’t yet have all of my bins and baskets.
Use Baskets
Grouping like items in a basket means you don’t have to go searching for certain items. I have several clear baskets so I can easily see how much of an item I have left. It is a simple small pantry organization hack that will help you know what you have and need.
Keep Most Used Items at Eye Level
If you cook with pasta four days a week, don’t store it way up high out of reach or behind the 47 bags of chips. Keep it around eye level, facing out so that you can access it easily. Half of small pantry organization is just making sure what you need is accessible.
Store Lesser Used Items Up High
In the same way you want easy access to your main items, store lesser used items out of the way. I keep baking supplies on the very top shelf because I don’t bake every day.
Whenever I buy in bulk (or just have several of the same item), those items get stored on the lowest shelves until I need them.
Create a Kid Shelf
Give your kiddos access to snacks so that they can grab them themselves. This fosters independence, cuts down on the trips you have to make to the pantry, and leaves room at eye level for your cooking ingredients. My toddler loves that he can go pick out his own snack each day!
Manage Appliances
If you have appliances that are not regularly used, assess whether you actually need them. If not, donate to someone who will use it. It makes no sense to store an item that you rarely use (unless it has sentimental value, and then, it should be on display!)
If you have an appliance that is important, but not often used, aim to store it out of the way. This could be at the back of a high shelf, or possibly somewhere other than the pantry. I love using the smaller cabinet above my fridge for these items. The only appliance I keep in my pantry currently is our dehydrator because it is simply too big to fit elsewhere.
Eliminate Unnecessary Items
When we first moved in, I had the dog food bin, mop, broom, and various cleaning supplies in the pantry. Don’t come for me, I was trying to wrangle a toddler while unpacking!
Once we were here for a bit and able to get more organized, I realized that those items don’t serve me best in that location, so I got rid of them! They are now housed in a much more convenient location, and I have more space in my pantry. If you have appliances that are better used elsewhere, don’t keep them there because that is where you think they should go. Make sure they are useful.
*Pro Tip*: I moved the coffee maker into our bedroom. I didn’t want to walk all the way downstairs to make a cup when it could brew while I snuggle in bed. There is no rule that it has to stay in the kitchen. Do what works for you!
Use Uniform Containers
I use containers that are the same width, height, and depth if at all possible for loose items like sugar, flour, or popcorn kernels. They are also great for items that will go stale if left open, such as cereal, baking supplies like chocolate chips, or snacks like pretzels. If you shop in bulk, containers can be great for dividing your bounty as well.
Below are a few different styles of containers, but it is most helpful IMO if they are clear so that you can see what is inside.
- Rubbermaid Storage Containers
- I have these! (you can see them in the third picture above)
- Glass Storage Containers I would like to graduate to glass containers, but with a little one, plastic seems like the safer choice right now.
By utilizing some, or even several of these tips, you can make your pantry space work for you. Remember to be grateful for the space that you do have and the ability to store extra food for your family.
Whether you have a large pantry or just a few cabinets, there are plenty of ways to help organize your space. What are some of your favorite small pantry organization hacks? Let me know in the comments below!
If you want more organization tips, check out the links below!
So helpful! I love your thought process here. It makes it seem a little less overwhelming.
I find it so hard to keep my pantry organized. These are all great tips and tricks. Thanks
The coffee pot in the bedroom is actually amazing haha!
I’m so glad you like that idea!