There are plenty of common questions about pantry storage shelving —as should be no surprise to any of us. The pantry, in many ways, is the heart of the home. So much of life revolves around food and the cultural experience around eating—the pantry, naturally, plays a crucial role in that ritual.For too many of us, though, the pantry is also a constant source of stress—forever falling into serious disorganization. Things pile up, things get lost...and things become a headache fast.No wonder, then, that so many people have so many questions about reorganizing their pantry shelves. Here we’ve collected some of the most common ones and brought together our expert knowledge to give some reliable answers. Read on!
6 Common Questions About Pantry Storage & Shelving
1.What are the Best Pantry Storage Containers?
Look at that photo. Once upon a time, pantry organization was just that: all old jars and whatever box your cereal came in.These days, you have options. Pantry storage containers come in all shapes and sizes...and each has its own set of pros and cons.When it comes to basic options, many people will opt for a simple set of plastic containers, like those from Rubbermaid. As the New York Times commented, “They’re durable, tight sealing, and available in a number of convenient sizes.” For a more stylish option, some people will incorporate woven or wicker baskets, which can also help with your organization expert by allowing you to “zone” your pantry, with smaller containers collected within larger baskets. Try using a collection of cute jars in combination with your baskets to really complete the rustic aesthetic.Speaking of jars, don’t think that all jars are alike. You could choose to go with a finely designed class canister with a wood lid, like those offered by Container Store, or considered a more rectangular option with potentially more possibilities when it comes to organization.2. How can I organize my pantry?
Pantry organization isn’t easy...but it’s worth it.A good pantry organization system is customized to your specific needs. It may take some work to get it all sorted out, but crucially the mark of a good system is actually that it reduces your work-load in the long run.The basic steps of any good pantry reorganization are fairly simple: a serious purge, a careful analysis of available space, a bit of prioritization, and finally, a zoning system. What’s more difficult, in practice, are the details: figuring how exactly to mold your space to suit your needs. Looking for more detail? We wrote up the whole process in detail here.One important thing to remember: not all pantries are alike...and neither are their owners. It’s super important to really consider how you operate before you commit to a layout that doesn’t necessarily make sense. Are you a big-time chef? Then it’s probably more important for you to make your spices extra available than it is to give the granola prime placement. The frequency of use is a huge consideration to make.3. How do I maximize small pantry space?
Maximizing small pantry space is all about creativity. Any pantry is prone to disorder...but small spaces crank that up to 11. If you’re not careful, it’s all too easy to start simply stacking things up—and then you’re truly lost.That’s why the key to maximizing pantry space is thinking differently about you use your space. There are all manners of the way you can squeeze out a few extra feet—which can make all the difference when you’re trying to keep everything in line. Just think of the difference it makes, for example, when you add a rack to the back of the pantry door: all of a sudden you have a whole other “wall” to work with. It’s like increasing your available space by 25%. 4. How do I start a pantry labeling system?
Labeling and pantries go together like America and apple pie. It’s the perfect way to keep a handle on all the variety of things that will inevitably find their way onto your shelves.The crucial thing to keep in mind before you start is the why of your labeling efforts. Sure, it’s cute and fun, and we’ve all seen it featured on blogs around the internet...but do you really need a label on your clear jar to tell that it contains cheerios (for example)?That’s not to say you shouldn’t go on a labeling binge. And in that cheerios example, there’s still plenty of value in labeling the container so you know it’s dedicated to that purpose in the future. But also consider adding more important info: like, say, expiration dates, or the day you actually packed the container. That kind of thing brings serious value.The other interesting thing to consider is some kind of color-coding. Need some help setting that up? Take a cue from The Home Edit and read through this basic primer on how exactly to do it.
