Reader Space: A Thoughtful Pantry

Seen enough organized pantries yet?  Me either.  It's a sickness I tell you.  I. Can't. Get. Enough. 

Another fantastic gal that I have met through the blissful blog world, Courtney, runs a blog that always has a variety of goodness.  Everything from decor, inspiration, DIY projects, parties and organizing, there is always something fun to see.

And although I check it daily because I adore everything she shares, I may be a little partial to the organizing posts, which she always does incredibly well.

She recently shared her pantry project and I couldn't wait to share it with you!  I adore it so much!

First, lets just take a moment to gaze at her beautiful kitchen.... sigh.

Courtney doesn't have a large pantry {it's next to the fridge closest to the edge of the photo, only the bottom portion is used}, but you wouldn't know it by looking at her photos.  In fact, she did such a great job of maximizing the space she does have, all with some really great tips!

"Installing this hanging system on the door made the biggest difference.  Being able to get those spices out of my pantry space and on the door was a huge help.

Here is a list of items that I added to help me get organized and make the best use of my space:

• Hanging wire shelving system: Target {$35}
• Wrapping paper to line the back of my pantry: Target {$1}
• Plastic drawer: Target {$8}
• Chalkboard Labels: DIY'd {shown here}
• Two plastic bins to use as makeshift pullout shelves: Target 
• Ribbon Trim
• Three blue tins: Target: {$1}
• OXO containers {already had and LOVE}

I spent about $45 above what I already had.  That may seem like a lot, but I priced having the ready made shelves put in {the ones that slide out} and I almost fell over.  Some of them were $60 per drawer.  This was almost much cheaper than moving which was an option I suggested to my hubby to get a bigger pantry.  So this $45 was very well spent.

I have a little bit of a theory about a small pantry.  Although I like to complain about it, it's really not a problem.  I have found that when I really get down to it, I don't need that much in my pantry.  I am a meal planner.  I know what meals I will make for the week as well as what the kiddos will need for lunch.  Because I meal plan, I mostly stick to fresh foods.  I prefer cooking that way and find that I waste far less food if I know which five meals I am making that week.  {Sure takes the stress away as well}.  I also found that if I keep too much in the pantry, I never use it or it goes stale before I do.  These OXO containers have been wonderful.  I can see what we have and what we need more of.

Here are a couple of my tips for clearing the pantry clutter:

• Take everything out of your pantry.  Toss what you don't use or need.
• Put things in clear containers so you can see your inventory.
• Label so even the hubby knows where things go when unloading groceries.
• Keep things in plain sight {like can goods} so you use them.
• Place like items together.
• Meal plan to cut down on the random buys that end up filling your pantry.

 

There was no way I was going to buy those fancy, expensive pull out shelves.  But I desperately needed something similar.  Things were getting shoved to the back and I could never find anything.  A dear friend of mine had mentioned she used these.  I think it's taken me three years to pick them up myself.  I LOVE THEM.  I snatched up two from Target and I honestly feel like I have built in pull-out shelves.

This one is on the bottom shelf since it's harder to bend down to and hosts my sugar, flour, etc... as well as paper goods and cutlery that we might need for parties or picnics.

The OXO containers are so awesome because the kids can open and close them to grab a snack and things stay fresh.  I found when they were reaching into a bag or box, I would often find the bag half closed.  These work great!

Just to make things a little bit pretty, I added a roll of graphic wrapping paper I had picked up in the dollar section of Target.  I also added chalkboard labels and ribbon trim to the edges of all four shelves.  I didn't have polka dot ribbon trim so I too my chalkboard pend and added my own dots.  It took all of five minutes, which was a lot less time than driving to Michaels for ribbon!  Plus, it was free!

Honestly, having this small pantry organized is dreamy.  And it's been functioning and staying clean for over two weeks now.  When things have a spot, it's pretty easy to maintain the organization."

Hello!?  Courtney!  Are we long lost sisters?

 

• She maximized the use of a small space by using the door.  Instant expansion!
• She made her own chalkboard labels which gave the pantry a high end look on a dime.
• She lined the back with decorative paper.  Going that extra mile is sure to give her a smile each time she opens the pantry door!
• Can't say it enough.  Clear storage in the kitchen is always the way to go.  Instant visual inventory.  Could be my slogan...
• She used stay fresh containers to give her foods a longer shelf life.
• She pulled everything out and started with a blank slate.
• She realized her budget and when the expensive drawer option was no longer an option, she found another way to make the system work.  6000 bonus points for that!
• Labeling everything ensures the whole family is on the same page.
• She meal plans.  This ensures she isn't over purchasing and is reducing the chance of wasting food and money.
• She understands her space requirements.  This is SO important because when we over purchase anything {kitchen or otherwise}, that's when clutter is born.  Clutter happens when we have too many items in too small of a space.  She recognizes the capacity of her pantry and purchases accordingly.  Super smart girl!

Thank you so much Courtney for letting us crash your pretty pantry today!

Now it's your turn!  What do you love most?  Anyone feeling inspired to do a little pantry overhaul?

ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life.  Please send your story and photos to iheartorganizing@gmail.com and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!  More info HERE.