I don’t know about you, but a messy pantry does my head in. I don’t have the urge to make mine magazine worthy, because I’m realistic and have 3 boys, but I do like a bit of order. Have you seen some of the most amazingly styled pantry’s on Pinterest?? Some are just out of this world! I’m not that fussy, but I do like to create some sort of system using baskets and containers.
I like to see order and at a glance, know what I have in stock to plan for meals during the week.
Whether you have a cupboard, walk-in pantry or an enviable butler’s pantry, these 6 tips will have your pantry organised and styled beautifully. It will be therapeutic opening the doors to see order.
1. Get everything out
No pantry can be organised without getting all the things out. Now is a good time to sort through expired cans and spices. Make a list as you go of spices, cans or sauces you need to replace because they’re out of date.
2. Clean the surfaces
Give every shelf and surface a good wipe. Get rid of the dust, lone bits of pasta or brown onion layers which seem to accumulate in the corners of the pantry. If your pantry smells musty, pour a cup of bicarb soda and add a few drops of lemon essential oil. Place this in the closed pantry doors, to freshen while you tackle the next step.
3. Group similar items and empty packets into canisters
Use your bench to group cans together, sauces, packet mixes, baking ingredients and etc. Empty packets into canisters or containers you already own. Make another list of for canisters you may need to complete your pantry. Ensure they are labeled accordingly.
Place any packets which can’t be emptied in a basket, ready to be emptied when you have your canisters.
4. Clean and place all appliances on an easy to reach shelf
Keeping appliances in the pantry is a great way to keep the clutter off the surface areas of your kitchen. Clean appliances with a wipe over. Shake the toaster to remove crumbs. Place all appliances on a shelf, within easy reach.
5. Set grouped foods in the pantry
Once you have your groupings on the bench, it’s easy to place back in the pantry.
Popular groupings include:
- Cans
- Sauces/condiments/spreads
- Baking
- Cereals
- Snacks
- Spices/salt/pepper/oils
Baskets are great for storing snacks
Canisters or Tupperware containers are great for baking ingredients, cereals, nuts and packet snacks
A Lazy Susan is great for holding spices, sauces and spreads
Cans can be stacked on top of each other. Use a step-up shelf divider so cans can be easily read.
6. Decorate
If you have a large pantry, like a butler’s pantry, it could use a little décor to give it a homely feel. Store vases or glass vessels next to pot plants (fake or low light) which can make the space less grocery store and more lived in. If you have a tea set or trays, have these on display to break up the food items.
How do you keep your pantry looking organised?
You might also like this post on What’s In A Butler’s Pantry.
