Organizing a pantry is a challenging task. Sorting through the accumulated snack pouches, cereal boxes, canned foods, and various baking items requires patience and a keen eye. Once everything is set up, everyone in the family needs to join in to keep the pantry clean. Pantry organizers allow you to be creative in your pantry. With so many pantry organizers on the market, finding one that matches your taste and serves the purpose can be a daunting task. We’ve prepared this buying guide to help you find the right pantry organizer for your space. Let’s take a look!
What You Need To Know About Pantry Storage
Items to be stored
Consider what you need to store before deciding on the type of pantry organizer. You can begin by gathering all your items to help you determine how much storage space you need. Many people underestimate the number of things they need to store. As you sift through your belongings, don't forget to toss things out, give stuff away, or return borrowed items to their rightful owners.
Transparent bin
Choosing a clear container allows you to see what’s inside without going through the hassle of emptying it. Since clear containers are often easier to find than matching opaque colors, your storage closet will also appear more uniform by using clear containers.
Storing space
You need to also consider the space you plan to store the bins, whether that’s a pantry, a closet, or a cabinet. Finding the ideal container for your food only to discover that it doesn't fit in your pantry storage area is a waste of time. You should also think about how much weight you will be placing on shelving or in your cabinets and make sure that it can handle that amount of weight.
Lids
Don't overlook lids when shopping for pantry organizers. If choosing a container with a lid, make sure the lid fits snugly. If you plan to stack your containers, make sure the lids are stackable and can handle the added weight. It’s common for stackable containers to include an extra lip on the lid that matches an opposite lip on the bottom of the container, making it harder for the bins to slide around when they’re stacked. If you’re going to stack containers, we recommend that you stack them with their lids on first.
Tips To Organize Your Pantry
Begin with a clean slate
Make sure your pantry is empty and clean before you begin organizing it. Examine expiration dates and dispose of anything that is past its date or is no longer needed. This process will make space in the pantry for the items you truly need.
Consider inventory
After you've gotten rid of the old stuff, you'll be able to view what's left. As you begin to organize and assign food to storage containers, create a list of essential pantry items and keep it up to date.
Categorize
Keep related products like oils, snacks, condiments, and baking essentials together so you can find what you need easily.
Make use of clear containers
Use transparent food storage containers to maintain an air of orderliness. These containers also make it easier to see a given item inside.
Label
We recommend labeling containers, bins, and shelves so that everyone in your house knows where things are. For quick labeling, use a label maker or attach chalkboard labels to the bins so you can instantly change the label if needed.
Keep it up
It’s common for a disorderly pantry to develop over time. To keep your space tidy, always return goods to their proper location. We recommend scheduling a pantry cleaning twice a month to ensure that everything is in its proper position. This way, you won’t have to spend a significant amount of time organizing your entire pantry in the future.
Pantry Storage FAQ
Q: Should I keep pantry items in plastic or glass containers?
A: Glass is ideal for longevity and durability. Plus, beverage and food containers made of glass are usually recyclable. On the other hand, most plastic containers end up in landfills. Choosing glass or plastic depends on your pantry, what you’re storing and whether you have small children or pets in your house.
Q: What foods can I store in airtight containers in the pantry?
A: We recommend storing spices and dry goods in sealed containers to extend their shelf life. Airtight containers keep moisture and odors out of rice, beans, and whole grains.
Q: What else can I store in a pantry?
A: There are plenty of items that can be stored in a pantry. These include items that do not need to be refrigerated: dry foods, fruits, and vegetables like potatoes and onions.