A desirable feature of any kitchen is a pantry, ideally a large pantry. Pantries often serve as a catchall for a hodgepodge of kitchen items. From small kitchen appliances to non-perishable foods and the family trash can, a variety of items can be found in almost any kitchen pantry. With so much in our pantries, even the largest spaces can seem cramped to our eyes without the right organization. To maximize space in your pantry, organization is a must.
The first step in organizing your space is to add pantry shelving. The size of the shelves you use will depend on the types of items you store in your pantry, as well as the width and depth of your pantry. Customizing your pantry shelving to fit your specific needs can more than triple the amount of usable space in your pantry. Instead of staggering your pantry shelves so they are the same distance apart, place the shelves in increments that fit your needs. For shorter items, place the shelves closer together, which will make room for additional, more widely spaced shelves.
Once you’ve installed your pantry shelving, take a look at what you store in your pantry and think of additional ways to organize it. Keep items you use closest to the front and items you don’t use as often toward the back. Consider buying some storage containers to hold those smaller items that seem to get scattered easily. If your pantry also doubles as storage for a broom or mop, consider installing racks on the back of the door designed specifically to hold these items. As you organize, be sure to keep like items together. For example, designate one shelf for small kitchen appliances and another for canned food.
Many people tend to ignore their pantry organization as most of the time it is hidden behind a closed door and out of sight. However, organizing your pantry doesn’t just make it “look nice,” it can add extra storage space to your home. By adding the right kind of pantry shelves and organizing items on the shelves, you can maximize your space without building a bigger house.
