DIY organization ideas for your home and life.
Vertical Pantry Mastery: Maximizing Space in Narrow Cupboards
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the pantry is its coronary artery: after all, that’s where the essential products are found. That’s why its organization should not be taken lightly. Good organization can save precious time… And even more so if you’re cooking multiple meals a day. A well-organized cupboard or pantry can greatly facilitate your culinary routines. According to Carly Cicero, director of the Cicero Design Group, “the pantry is a space in its own right. If it’s functional, it’s one less worry in daily life.
“So, why not transform your pantry? Certainly, the idea of reorganizing a space from A to Z can be intimidating. But in the long run, the benefits will far outweigh the time you’ll have spent on it. The London-based company Joseph Joseph, specializing in home organization, conducted a study showing that cleaning, organizing, and decluttering had a positive impact on well-being: 96% of participants reported feeling more positive and motivated afterwards. “By being clever,” says co-founder Richard Joseph, “you can free up space you didn’t know existed.”
Here are 17 ideas to reinvent your pantry.
How to organize my kitchen cupboard like an expert?
To organize your kitchen cupboard properly, start by taking out all items and examine the true potential of your space.
Scrub, wipe, and cover the shelves
Get rid of old boxes and food items, throw away those that are expired, and donate canned goods you no longer want. Then, wash your shelves and cover them with protective adhesive paper. “This will prevent damage to the wood and paint, and make future cleaning easier,” assures Catherine Benson, a cleaning and organization enthusiast.
Label everything
Labels are one of the secrets of a well-thought-out pantry. Use a label maker or tap into your inner calligrapher and write the necessary information on your containers.
Install a mini wall cabinet
If you need extra storage but lack space, hang one on the wall. This will allow you to organize your pantry more efficiently, and always have basic products within reach.
Go vertical
Using vertical containers can help you organize better. “In my cupboard, all containers are transparent and vertical,” explains Shweta Thota, content creator and hardware engineer. After moving into her new home, organizing the pantry was the first task she tackled.
One shelf per recipe
Laura Cattano, interior stylist, advises organizing storage based on the recipes you cook most often. “This is an ideal method for people with specific dietary needs,” she specifies.
How to arrange items in my kitchen cabinets?
Thinking about how you arrange your products will help you save space. To ensure you’re making the most of your storage space, try new containers and other innovative solutions. Food storage can be simplified by grouping items by categories: cakes, cereals, spices, etc.
Install sliding drawers
Opt for drawers that slide easily, and if it seems like too big an investment, know that it’s really worth it.
Add a rotating storage
“One of the problems with cluttered kitchen cabinets is visibility: there’s always an item buried at the back that requires a bit too much effort to get out,” explains Richard Joseph. Lazy Susans are excellent ways to save space while benefiting from optimal organization. And for even more efficiency, choose multi-tiered ones.
Choose glass containers
For spices, flour, and cereals, glass jars and containers are ideal. Reusable and easy to clean, these containers help in locating products, especially if you label them. Another option for bulky items: clear bins. “Although these bins may seem like a waste of money,” says Catherine Benson, “they help keep food fresh longer and save money in the long run. As a bonus, you’ll be able to add items to your shopping list faster.”
Group similar items together
Categorizing food is one of the best tips. Group canned goods with canned goods, cereals with cereals, and you’ll never have to frantically search for a particular food item, disturbing your organization in the process. To make use of available vertical space, be sure to group stackable items. “Make it as efficient and simple as possible,” advises Julia Pasieka, co-founder of Natti Anne in Chicago. “You can also group dry goods into broader categories, such as sweet and savory items, breakfast foods, or lunch snacks. Separating items by size can also help maintain order and ensure that small items aren’t hidden at the back.”
Arrange your items strategically
“Every kitchen cabinet is a customized project,” according to Kim Longoria-Bruce, founder of Organizing Spaces by Kim. “Storage of different sizes and shapes meets different client needs.” She recommends placing snacks at the bottom so they’re easily accessible to young children, then storing items you use less frequently at the top. The more accessible your kitchen cabinet is to everyone, the better you’ll feel in your daily life.
Seasonal configuration
According to Shweta Thota, it’s useful to take into account the time of year: “Depending on the season, you might buy different ingredients or cook different types of meals, which may require reorganizing your pantry. In winter, for example, you can organize your pantry to contain more canned goods.”
How to organize a large kitchen cabinet?
A large pantry represents a good opportunity to put your DIY skills to use and customize the space. When thinking about a storage system, consider how it can declutter the pantry.
Build custom shelves
Custom shelves allow you to adjust the height according to the items in your cabinet. Do you have several juicers or baking accessories? Store them on the bottom shelf and progress with smaller and lighter items. This trick is particularly effective for larger pantries.
Your new friend: window film
If your cabinet door is glass, cover it with window film to prevent guests from peeking inside. No one will know that a toddler went wild looking for cookies a few hours earlier.
Hang baskets in your cabinets
By installing storage baskets inside your doors, you’ll never have to worry about finding a particular condiment again.
Take inventory with “chalkboard” wallpaper
To inventory your pantry, decorate the door with “chalkboard” wallpaper on which to write with chalk.
Mix metals
If you don’t like glass or plastic containers, opt for wire baskets or metal bins. Less prone to wear and tear, they’ll offer both a refined and eclectic look, especially if you add other baskets later.
Seek variety
Organize with a mix of containers, from baskets to jars to pot lid holders and lazy Susans. The world of storage is infinite. You can also try mixing and matching different sizes of the same container, or stacking them to make use of your vertical space.
How to organize a small kitchen cabinet?
A kitchen with a small pantry shouldn’t be a dumping ground for canned goods. Here, pantry organization is crucial, as you need to have a clear system that’s easy to maintain and will keep the storage space in order over time.
Exploit original storage spaces
Think outside the pantry to find organization ideas. Repurposing furniture, like old IKEA shelves, can help declutter your kitchen. And the best part is that they can come with you if you move.
Be realistic about your needs
Don’t be intimidated by social media: not everyone has the desire or time to decant everything they buy. Don’t feel obligated to buy utensils you don’t need or to perfectly match someone else’s system. The only important thing is that your storage system works for you.
Add shelves or a bookcase
Save space by installing tall shelves above lower ones, or by placing a bookcase against an empty wall to increase your storage space. You can also place drawers under shelves to maximize space.
Store vertically with dividers
Your storage will be much more orderly if you install dividers. Accessories should be separated while remaining visually appealing. This prevents large bottles from falling over, even when you’re grabbing something in a hurry.
Decorate!
Take advantage of an open kitchen cabinet by arranging colorful glasses there. You can also display your favorite vintage items. Bonus: it will be a conversation starter for parties! Your guests will be delighted to admire your collection of delightfully 1950s glasses, and learn where and how you acquired each piece.
Regularly discard expired products
Laura Cattano recommends regularly reviewing food items to throw away those that have expired. Your cabinet will be less cluttered and always ready to welcome new items. Organize by placing the most perishable items in front and center, so they’re used in a timely manner and their condition is immediately visible, thus avoiding the risk of expired products drying out out of sight.
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