Hi there!
And the home organization series continues! As some of you may know, I have been living in Florida with family while escaping the city life during these crazy times. So, although doing content such as this would be ideal if doing in my own apartment, I have been blessed with such amazing family/friends who have allowed me to use their space to unleash my OCD creativity. It is essentially a win-win for everyone!
For this home organization blog, we will be focusing on the pantry and if your pantry currently looks anything like the before picture that I have in the beginning of this blog then you need to continue reading.
To beginning, I would like to note that the materials used for this project were primarily sourced from TJMaxx and Walmart. And although inventory varies from each TJMaxx location, these goods can be found pretty much anywhere. I will however link the Walmart items I used at the end of this blog.
Here are my recommended steps and tips for this project:
- Get a notepad and begin by taking quick notes of your inventory within your pantry. This does not need to be a detail listed, but more of a list of categories with an overall best guest/generic note for quantity of each category so that you know what type of materials to get that will best suit your needs and how much.
- Go get the materials! I would suggest getting either baskets or plastic bins for the basic pantry items such has chip bags and pasta boxes, clear sealable canister for items such as cookies and cereal, can goods holder if applicable, and lazy susans for condiments. As mentioned previously, I will share the links to a few items I found useful from Walmart.
- If you have wire shelving and want a quick and affordable upgrade, I suggest getting the EasyLiner. The one that I used for this project was thick, easy to work with, super affordable, and comes in different patterns!
- Depending upon the type of baskets/container you got, I would suggest getting labels. I got chalkboard labels and a chalkboard pen within the party section at Walmart. Doing chalkboard will allow you to update and change as needed!
- Next, empty the pantry out… completely! As you remove items, check expiration dates then place into categories in an open space. For this I used the kitchen counter and kitchen table.
- Now that the pantry is empty, I would suggest getting a bucket of hot soapy water and wipe down the shelves. Once shelves are clean, I would suggest giving the pantry floor a good vacuum/mop. Can’t have a dirty organized pantry!
- Begin putting goods within the appropriate bins and label as you go! I found this step to be the easiest and most satisfying part of the whole project since everything was already categorized on the kitchen counter.
- Then, according to your preference, place bins/containers in your pantry by groups and to what best makes most sense to you and your family. For example, for this project I kept heavy/stockpile items within the floor of the pantry, kids snacks at low-level for easy access, and everyday cooking/home essentials at eye level.
- Once all organized, step back, look at your newly organized masterpiece, and pat yourself on the back because you did that!
As promised, here are the items I picked up from Walmart that helped me for this project:
Mainstay Mesh Turntable – https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Mesh-Turntable/948418093
Better Homes & Gardens Canister 4 Pack Square Set – https://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-Gardens-Flip-Tite-Canister-4-Pack-Square-Set/962282135
Waterproof Chalkboard Labels – https://www.walmart.com/ip/40Pcs-Waterproof-Chalkboard-Labels-Stickers-Set-for-Mason-Jars-Glass-Bottles-Pantries-Craft-Rooms-1-93-L-x-1-34-W/516413473
Chalkboard Pen – https://www.walmart.com/ip/Donald-White-Liquid-Chalk-Pen-Marker-for-Glass-Windows-Chalkboard-Blackboard-Sticker/907936677
EasyLiner – https://www.walmart.com/ip/EasyLiner-Brand-Smooth-Top-12-In-x-10-Ft-Shelf-Liner-Gray-Marble/103351328
Yours truly,