You ever just open your pantry and feel that wave of chaos? Like, where did all these half-empty bags of pasta come from? Honestly, I can’t be the only one who’s tried to make a meal and ended up wrestling with a mountain of canned beans and snacks that seem to multiply overnight! It’s wild how a little organization can transform that chaos into something soothing and manageable. So, I've decided it’s time to craft an easy access pantry organizer that not only makes my life simpler but also brings a little joy to my cooking routine. I mean, wouldn’t it be nice to actually see what I have instead of playing hide-and-seek with my food? Let’s get creative and bring some order to this wonderfully messy space!
Items You’ll Need
- Plastic Storage Bins
- Label Maker
- Wire Shelf Rack
- Clear Jars
- Color-Coded Dots
- Tiered Shelf Organizer
- Lazy Susan
- Bins with Dividers
- Food Storage Labels
- Rubbermaid Food Storage Containers
- Scoops
- Containers for Bulk Items
- Universal Measuring Cup
- Pantry Door Rack
- Command Hooks
- Food Storage Vacuum Sealer
- Stackable Bins
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather All Equipment
First things first! I laid out all my equipment on the kitchen counter. I have my plastic storage bins, clear jars, and a bunch of other cool tools like a label maker and a lazy Susan. This is going to be fun!
Step 2: Declutter the Pantry
Before I can organize, I need to declutter. I took everything out of the pantry and assessed what I actually need. This was a great chance to toss expired items and donate things I wouldn't use.
Step 3: Sort Items Into Categories
Now that my pantry is empty, I sorted the items into categories: snacks, baking supplies, canned goods, and spices. This made it easier to visualize what I needed to organize.
Step 4: Choose Containers
I picked out some of my favorite containers: I used the bins with dividers for snacks, clear jars for pasta and grains, and my Rubbermaid food storage containers for leftovers. I can't wait to see how they look!
Step 5: Label Everything
This is where the label maker comes into play! I made labels for each bin and container. I love the idea of color-coding them with dots for quick identification. Snacks got a fun sticker, while baking supplies got a mellow green.
Step 6: Utilize the Lazy Susan
For my spices and oils, I grabbed the lazy Susan. It helps keep everything accessible, and I won’t have to dig around anymore. I placed spice jars on it and spun it around – so much fun!
Step 7: Set Up the Tiered Shelf Organizer
Next, I placed my tiered shelf organizer on the back of the pantry shelf. I arranged my canned goods by size and type – it’s so much easier to see everything when it’s stacked nicely.
Step 8: Install the Pantry Door Rack
I decided to make use of the door space too! I installed the pantry door rack using command hooks. This is where the less-used items go; they’re out of sight but not out of reach, perfect!
Step 9: Add Bulk Item Containers
I filled the containers for bulk items (like rice and flour) and labeled them too. I love how clean and tidy they make the pantry look!
Step 10: Arrange Everything Back in the Pantry
It’s time to put everything back! I organized all the bins on the shelves, keeping similar items together. I made sure frequently used items were at eye level - easy access is key!
Step 11: Finishing Touches
Lastly, I added scoops for the bulk items and double-checked that everything is labeled properly. I stepped back to admire my handiwork – my easy access pantry organizer looks fabulous!