As you curate your Pinterest board, there are many reasons for ‘kitchen envy.’ But one of the biggest green monster causes is seeing beautifully organised and Instagram-worthy pantry storage ideas. Achieving a photogenic grocery cupboard or jaw-dropping open-shelf kitchen storage display is as easy as off-the-shelf functional storage solutions and simple decluttering tips.
Transforming your pantry or grocery cupboard into a beautifully organized space not only enhances the functionality of your kitchen but also adds a designer touch and visual delight to your home.
Read on to get the pantry of your dreams:
Step #1 Declutter your pantry | From chaos to calm
A foundational organisational principle is knowing what you have and clearing out the excess clutter. Remove EVERYTHING from your pantry or grocery shelves so you can see what you are dealing with.
- Identify and dispose of expired items. Pantry items don’t last forever. Check labels for expiration dates and toss out anything past its prime. Be ruthless. You may feel guilty about the wastage, but undertaking this discipline will instil valuable habits going forward.
- Categorise pantry staples. Group similar items together, such as canned goods, spices, cereals and baking supplies. This will make it easier to find what you need. This step sets the foundation for an organised pantry.
Step #2 Choose the right storage | Practical and pretty
Selecting the right storage containers is crucial for maintaining pantry organisation in your household. There are various options to suit your organisational personality, the specific products and your budget:
- Plastic storage solutions: Versatile and practical plastic containers are pantry staples for a reason. They’re lightweight, affordable, durable, child-friendly, come in various shapes and sizes, and are easily stackable. Clear containers make it easy to identify contents and their freshness. Modular Sets ensure uniformity and save space. Install plastic drawer dividers for cutlery, utensils, or clever spice organisation.
- Glass storage solutions: Elegant and sustainable glass containers bring a touch of design sophistication to your pantry while also being eco-friendly. Opt for glass jars or containers with airtight silicone seals to keep food fresh. Choose stackable jars for efficient use of space. Use glass jars for bulk storage of grains, pasta, and cereals. Glass is the easiest option to transform open shelving or optimise pantry organisation and achieve that Pinterest aesthetic.
- Basket storage solutions: Rustic and textured baskets add a touch of natural charm to your pantry while providing versatile storage options. Store potatoes, onions, or bread in woven baskets. Slide baskets into pantry drawers or onto shelves to categorise snacks and spices. Maximise vertical space with hanging baskets for fruits or snacks.
#3 Label for clarity | Pantry storage at a glance
Labelling solutions for your containers is a game-changer for efficient pantry organisation; helping you (and your family) quickly identify ingredients by creating visual order as well as adding expiry date info. (This helps you stay on top of your shopping lists and meal planning).
- Labelling machines are really trending and are a versatile and efficient option for those who have a large inventory of grocery items and pantry staples to organise. Labelling machines are for those kitchen organisers who love consistency, customisation and a pantry that looks uniform and professional.
- Stickers are a practical, cost-effective and readily available option for pantry organisation. You can purchase pre-printed labels for common pantry items or create your own. If you buy blank stickers, be creative with your pantry storage sticker labels by adding a personal touch.
- Label tags are a classic and charming way to label pantry items, especially for glass storage jars and baskets. They are especially popular for those who prefer a rustic or vintage look in their kitchen. You can use a variety of materials for label tags, including paper, cardstock, metal, wood, or chalkboard.
When you take the time to organise your pantry with savvy storage solutions, you’re not only creating visual beauty and minimising mess, but you’re maximising usable space and are able to quickly and easily find what you need. You will also end up saving money on your grocery bill as you can see what you need and keep track of expiration dates
Get inspired and shop for pantry storage solutions. (And then get snapping to showcase your before and after photos on Instagram).