Want to know the absolute best organizing walk in pantry? The following hacks will keep your walk in pantry organized and tidy!
This post is all about the best organizing walk in pantry tips that everyone should know about.
Before I organized my walk-in pantry, it was a cluttered and overwhelming space. Boxes, cans, and bags of food were stacked on top of each other with no system in place, making it nearly impossible to find what I needed. Half the time, I didn’t even know what I had in stock, leading to expired items hiding in the back and overbuying things I didn’t need. The disorganization made cooking stressful and time-consuming, as I spent more time searching for ingredients than actually preparing meals.
After taking the time to organize my walk-in pantry, the difference was night and day. I started by grouping items into categories like snacks, canned goods, and baking supplies, and used clear containers and labels to keep everything easy to see and access. Installing extra shelving and baskets helped maximize the space, making it easy to store and retrieve even the smallest items. Now, my pantry is a well-organized haven where everything has its place. I can quickly find what I need, avoid wasting food, and plan meals more efficiently. This organization has made cooking more enjoyable and has saved me time, money, and stress in the kitchen.
Best Organizing Walk In Pantry Tips
1. Group Similar Items Together
The first thing I do is group like items together. I dedicate specific shelves or sections for dry goods, canned items, baking supplies, snacks, and more. This way, I can always find what I’m looking for in a matter of seconds.
2. Use Clear Containers
Clear containers are a game changer in the pantry. They allow you to see exactly what you have without having to open anything. I use them for everything from pasta and rice to cereal and flour. Plus, they make everything look so much tidier.
3. Label Everything
Labels are your best friend when organizing a pantry. I make sure to label each container with its contents and expiration date. This helps me avoid any food waste, as I can see at a glance when something is about to go bad.
4. Use Adjustable Shelving
Adjustable shelving is perfect for a pantry because it allows you to customize your storage space to fit your needs. I adjust the shelves to accommodate taller bottles or large bins, making every inch of space count.
5. Invest in Lazy Susans
Lazy Susans are perfect for those deep corners of the pantry where things tend to get lost. I use them for storing oils, vinegars, and sauces. With just a quick spin, I can access anything without knocking over other items.
6. Store Heavy Items on Lower Shelves
For safety and convenience, I keep heavier items, like big jars or large containers of oil, on the lower shelves. This not only makes them easier to reach but also reduces the risk of anything falling from a high shelf.
7. Take Advantage of Door Space
The inside of the pantry door is an often-overlooked space that can be extremely useful. I installed hanging racks to hold things like spices, canned goods, and even snacks. It’s a great way to add extra storage without taking up shelf space.
8. Install Pull-Out Drawers
Pull-out drawers are another feature I absolutely love. These are ideal for storing items that tend to get lost in the back of the pantry. With a simple pull, I can see everything at once without having to move things around.
9. Use Baskets for Loose Items
Baskets are perfect for storing smaller, loose items that might otherwise create clutter. I use them for snack bags, baking supplies, or miscellaneous kitchen gadgets. They keep everything contained and easy to grab.
10. Create Zones for Different Categories
Zoning is one of my favorite organizational strategies. I divide my pantry into sections, dedicating areas for baking, breakfast foods, snacks, and canned goods. This method not only helps me stay organized but also speeds up meal prep.
11. Keep Snacks at Eye Level
For easy access, especially if you have kids, I keep snacks at eye level. This makes it simple to grab a quick bite without having to dig through the pantry. It’s also a great way to ensure healthier snacks are front and center.
12. Store Bulk Items on Top Shelves
If you buy in bulk, you know how large those packages can be. I keep my bulk items, like paper towels or extra bags of rice, on the top shelves since I don’t need to access them frequently. This frees up more convenient space for daily-use items.
13. Rotate Stock Regularly
I can’t stress enough how important it is to rotate stock. I make sure to bring older items to the front and push newer items to the back. This way, nothing goes to waste, and I’m always using up things before they expire.
14. Use Stackable Bins
Stackable bins are fantastic for maximizing vertical space. I use them for items like onions, potatoes, and other produce that doesn’t need to be refrigerated. They help keep everything neat and easy to grab.
15. Maintain a Shopping List in the Pantry
Keeping a shopping list in the pantry is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay organized. I keep a notepad or a whiteboard on the pantry door, and as soon as something runs out, I jot it down. This ensures I never forget anything during my next grocery run.
16. Organize Spices Alphabetically
Spices can easily get out of control, but organizing them alphabetically has saved me so much time. I no longer have to hunt through a jumbled mess to find the right spice. Everything is in order, and I can grab what I need in seconds.
17. Use Airtight Containers for Dry Goods
Dry goods like flour, sugar, and rice are prone to pests and moisture if left in their original packaging. I transfer them to airtight containers as soon as I get home from the store. This keeps them fresh longer and makes them easier to stack.
18. Label the Shelves
In addition to labeling containers, I label my shelves. I found that this helps keep everyone in the household on the same page when it comes to where things belong. There’s no guesswork when putting groceries away or finding something quickly.
19. Install Hooks for Utensils and Bags
Hooks are a great addition to any pantry. I use them to hang items like reusable grocery bags, aprons, and even small kitchen tools like scissors or measuring spoons. This frees up shelf space and keeps everything within easy reach.
20. Use Tall Containers for Long Items
For items like spaghetti or baguettes, I use tall, slender containers. These fit perfectly in the pantry without taking up too much room horizontally. Plus, they keep everything contained and easy to access.
21. Keep Baking Supplies Together
Baking supplies like flour, sugar, and baking powder are often used together, so I keep them grouped in one section. I even have a basket specifically for cupcake liners, cookie cutters, and other small baking tools.
22. Store Non-Food Items Separately
I like to keep my pantry for food storage only, but if you need to store non-food items in your pantry, be sure to keep them separate. I have a designated spot for things like cleaning supplies or paper towels so they don’t mix with food items.
23. Keep a Step Stool Handy
In a walk-in pantry, some shelves are bound to be out of reach. I keep a small step stool nearby to easily access those higher shelves without having to strain or risk knocking anything over.
24. Use Tiered Shelving for Canned Goods
Canned goods are notorious for piling up and getting lost in the back of the pantry. I use tiered shelves to solve this problem. They allow me to see every can, even the ones in the back, without having to move anything around.
25. Organize by Expiration Date
One trick I’ve adopted is organizing items by expiration date. I keep the foods that are about to expire at the front, so they get used first. This has drastically cut down on food waste in my home.
26. Store Bread in a Basket
To keep bread fresh and accessible, I use a basket specifically for bread items. This keeps them from getting squished under heavier items and ensures they’re always easy to find.
27. Declutter Regularly
Finally, I make it a habit to declutter my pantry regularly. Every few months, I take inventory, toss anything that’s expired, and reorganize the space. This helps me stay on top of things and keeps my pantry from getting out of control.
This post is all about the best tips for organizing your walk in pantry!
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