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September 19, 2008
Posted by: Susan at 2:11 pm
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Ok, probably not, but can you at least find what you’re looking for most of the time? Some of the time? Ok, you get my point.
I was trying to shove the “family size” pack of individual chip bags onto the shared “snacks/breakfast foods” shelf of my panty, and I had a “moment”. They just weren’t going to fit.
As I eyed the pantry closet up and down (it didn’t take long, it’s a small closet), I suddenly realized that two of the five available shelves were being used for junk that didn’t need to be in the pantry (bags, picnic supplies and optional parts to the refrigerator that I have not idea what to do with).
Something had to be done.
As I emptied the contents into my kitchen, I tossed several “vintage” items such as a can of beef broth that expired in 2002 (which I believe we bought two states ago). I also found a six-pack of Hershey bars. 
Once the pantry was empty, it become uncomfortably obvious that not only was it an ugly color, but it was DIRTY as well. So I rummaged through our leftover paints and found a cheery linen color that would do the trick. I quickly slapped on a couple coats of paint (I doubt anyone will critique the paint job behind the Cheerios and Doritos).
About 2 hours later I reloaded the pantry, and was even able to add in my cookbooks! Best part is that I left open space on each drawer for future grocery shopping trips.
Now how long do you think it will really stay organized? I’m hoping at least long enough for me to enjoy a well-deserved Hershey bar.
How do you keep your pantry under control?
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1. Susan,
It is so funny that you wrote this today. My dh went on pantry attack last night, and spent over an hour doing the same thing you did – minus the paint.
So, today I LOVE my pantry. Like yours it is organized and everything is easily accessible. I think I will keep him around for as long as possible.
Deb
by Deb — 9/19/08 at 2:20 pm #
2. Deb, must be the changing weather! You sure lucked out in the dh category! I’m on to the mud room next – some cupboard space just opened up because my dog died last week (yea, that’s a whole other blog). You’d be amazed how many supplies dogs require!
-Susan
by Susan — 9/19/08 at 3:39 pm #
3. Funny that you posted this. We have a side by side cabinet in our kitchen that is suposed to serve as a panty. Problem is that the cabinet is so deep that things get pushed in back and lost.
Just last week I told my husband that I wanted to turn our linen closet (which is just a junk catchall right now) into a pantry. I want there to be shelves on all three walls – maybe five shelves down? That way I can see what I’ve bought and not keep duplicating things.
I like the idea of painting the pantry a cheery color. Maybe something you don’t dare put on a wall in your house. =)
by Giants — 9/19/08 at 8:33 pm #
4. I love my pantry. I am a organized nut. I have a walk in and nothing stays in a box or bag.I have a plastic containers for each thing and it is labeled. At any point one starts to get empty I can see and put it on my list.It sure keeps the food from being left open also.
i have traveled to organize kitchens and closets. I love it!
by Brenda — 9/20/08 at 5:55 pm #
5. Hi Giants (NY or San Fran?),
How wonderful you have a linen closet you can repurpose! Sounds like it’s even big enough to have some fun in the decor department! Maybe find some vintage grocery signs?
Have you considered adding pull-out drawers to your existing cabinet? Might be a good place for non-daily use items!
Let me know how your project works out!
Susan
by Susan — 9/22/08 at 2:48 pm #
6. Hi Brenda,
Are you a professional organizer? If not, you should be! I’m always amazed at how much excess baggage food items are packed in. What a great space-saving tip as well as organizational tip!
Susan
by Susan — 9/22/08 at 2:50 pm #
7. Susan,
This is a great idea. I have recently become obsessed with coupon-ing. This past week was triple coupons at the local grocery store and BOY DID I GET SOME DEALS. Course that means way more food for the pantry. I think I am going to take your idea and run with it. At least the throwing away of old stuff. I have a terrible habit of buying things for my daughter that she will then not eat and I am afraid to throw away.
Oh boy! Thanks for the tips!
Danielle
by Danielle — 9/23/08 at 9:48 am #
8. Danielle,
Yea, old food is bad!
I was shocked at what I found!
Great couponing work! Where do you store your coupons? Maybe you could install a wall or door-mounted file holder in your pantry to put your coupons in.
Susan
by Susan — 9/23/08 at 11:56 am #
9. Hmmm- that is a good idea except I would forget to bring it to the store. I actually have a coupon box. It is like one of those plaastic recipe boxes. I bought some index cards and keep them all seperated by type. I keep that in my car. Along with the recyclable shopping bags that I am always forgetting!!
by Danielle — 9/25/08 at 9:59 am #
10. Hi Danielle,
You’re quite practical…great tips for actually getting coupons and bags to the store. We all have great intentions, but sounds like you found a way to actually get it done! Kudos!
Susan
by Susan — 9/25/08 at 12:15 pm #
11. I have always been a big “keep the pantry organized” kinda gal. I recently moved and with that move came another chance to organize. My last pantry was a originally a half a bath so I had plenty of room for the shelves that I put up. And that’s the key-create your own shelving system. No one knows what you put in your pantry better then you. Always leave room between shelves for the tall items like cereal. And leave enough floor space or ceiling space for the bulk items like toilet paper and paper. Also make the kids shelves-which usual house the snacks the cereal that sort of stuff at a hieght then can reach. And for those small items like packets of gravy or sauces buy a small clear bin so they will stand up neatly and you can find them. How many times have you moved a box to find that a few of those packets are lying under it. Also, to make your quest to find things in the pantry easier, turn all the labels face forward and group them in like catagories. You’ll find you spend less time looking for things and less money at the store replacing things you think you need only to find that if you’d moved the bulk paper towel off the wall you’d have found the three bottles of bleach you didn’t know you had. If that sounds like experience talking, it is. No one needs five bottles of the same salad dressing. Well, I hope these tips help. Remember the pantry is an extension of your kitchen, so make it work for you.
by Kathi — 9/29/08 at 3:13 pm #
12. Kathi – GREAT tips! I’ve been guilty of letting the packers pack up my pantry, and then I have no idea what I really have at the other end of a move (hence the vintage beef broth saga!).
I moved snacks to kid level, but we have a strict “snack bowl” policy – they can only pick from what is in a large metal bowl. I restock it twice per week.
Do you have trouble with (others) in the family who move things around, or don’t turn the label forward? I haven’t found a cure for that yet! LOL
Susan
by Susan — 9/29/08 at 7:07 pm #
13. You must’ve been reading my mind…I’ve been wanting to paint my pantry for so long. My husband thinks it’s a stupid idea. My kitchen is done in a Mexican theme….I wanted to paint the inside red. Your’s looks about the same size so it won’t be too much…..You just inspired me….if I can get the clothes done by the weekend (you know, taking out the winter, etc) then I’ll have my weekend project. Thanks!!!!! I’ll probably have to run out and see if I can find some pretty storage things.!
by Patty — 10/2/08 at 10:43 am #
14. Patty – great minds do think alike!!! A little tip, woman-to-woman…no need to discuss a “little” project like this with hubby. Just do it when you think of it and he’ll love how it looks, especially that it didn’t really involve him! LOL I swear it didn’t take long to paint – and you don’t even have to be THAT careful in a “room” like that!
Let us see what you come up with! Red is exciting – just make sure you have enough light. Have fun!
Susan
by susan — 10/2/08 at 6:16 pm #
15. While I hate the normal wire rung shelves in most closets because food packets and smaller items always seem to fall through, its an item I’m not ready to replace at this time. Instead I picked up some plexi glass at a yard sale and put it on the shelves. Being clear its doesn’t hinder the lighting and small items stay put!
by Camille — 1/23/09 at 11:04 am #
16. Hi Camille,
Oh, what a GREAT idea – I’m going to try that! Thanks for commenting!
Susan
by Susan — 1/23/09 at 3:29 pm #