Some time back, I wrote about how I wanted to do a major update on my pantry. During that time, I let the whole thing just go to pot!! It got on my last nerve and I realized that before I get around to this major project, I needed to clean and declutter it. I also realized that I didn’t need to wait until I was ready to do the project to clean the space out!! Clearly, I tend to think in all or nothing terms!!!
Truthfully, the pantry should be cleaned out regularly if only to make sure that I am eating what’s in there. So, I bit the bullet and cleared the whole thing out. I had a few goals with this project which were to:
*containerize certain items
*have a place for duplicates
*not have to move one item or container to get to another
As usual, everything was taken out. I have not yet mastered the art of not having to remove everything but maybe after this makeover I won’t have to.
I also saw no need to remove the aprons or the cleaning tools. Again, when I do the makeover, my goal will be a create a space that can house some taller items on the floor and also keep a space for the aprons. I do use them regularly!
My dining room table is such a work horse!! When I was recently working on my guest room closet, many storage items sat on this table until their new home was located. And now, it’s the pantry items. I used this space to make sure that like items were together and it also helped me to see which items I wanted to put into containers and which would be put into other types of storage.
And then of course, everything is out and the real work begins.
I’ve said in the past that I put this liner on the wire shelves because otherwise items would just fall through.
As I was pulling items out, I made sure to check the expiration dates and throw out old foods or stuff that I knew I would never eat. For example, several years ago, I purchased some protein pasta but I could never bring myself to try it!
And now, we re-assemble!
I have some items in the pantry that were not in here before namely the flours and sugar. Since I have been making bread and bagels regularly, I found that not only was I using a lot of flour but because everything was so disorganized I couldn’t see how much I had left. I regularly use all purpose flour, bread flour, and wheat flour. I found myself buying more because I didn’t know what I had.
The other thing I did in the name of efficiency was to move my canned goods where I can see them and I also put the can opener in front of the canned items. Being able to see what I have is game changing for me in terms of cooking regularly and coming up with meal plans.
I also mentioned using my flours and the thing that makes this work in my pantry is that I now place the overflow behind the container. So the extra all purpose flour is behind it’s container, the extra sugar and wheat flour is behind their containers and so on. This will make it much easier to know when the purchase more.
A few other things that make this makeover work for now-I put a container on the top shelf to hold some overflow items, I put sodas/waters on the floor.
I am pleased that I was able to meet my goals and have a pantry that is efficient and workable for me.
The garbage bags remain in their previous location and the aprons remain on the wall. I also did not change the under the shelf baskets that are holding my breads and tortillas as they are working well and have for many years.
The cleaned off dining room table is proof that all is said and done!! I love it when I get to this point. I also changed up the decor to a fall theme.
Here’s where we are now and hopefully will remain until it’s time for the major makeover in 2025. I’m envisioning wood shelves with some height on the bottom for more storage. I like the idea of putting the overflow behind their items. I don’t want shelves so deep that I have to pull out items to see what’s there.
What do you think? Is there anything that I should do differently? Anything you think is genius? Share in the comments.
