How do I optimize a tiny pantry?
by
Sylvia
I have a pantry the size of a coat closet with shelves on both sides from waist high going up. There is never enough room for storing groceries much less anything else, any thoughts.
Suggested Project Book
You can always install shelves below waist level.
Baskets for grouping small items that might scatter.
Add "stairs" on the shelves for canned items so that you can see the ones in the back and they don't get lost.
Dry erase or black board to keep a list of what you have & what you need.
Use stackable open front bins below your shelves to hold potatoes and onions (separately). You can also use a 3 drawer bin to hold snacks, packets, and smaller items. Use dividers or small baskets inside the drawers to keep them organized. Use baskets that hang from shelves if your shelves are far apart in height or stacking shelves to give you two levels on each shelf. Use clear plastic dollar store shoe bins to contain small items on shelves if the drawer system doesn't work for you. If there is enough space in the center of your pantry, have shelves cut the width of your pantry and simply lay them across the shelves on each side. this will give you a whole set of extra shelving without and install. Or, hang adjustable strips and put shelves on the back wall with the 3 drawer bin beneath. If you have a non-folding pantry door,
Be sure to organize your pantry by use: All the oils together, salad dressings, cereal boxes, sugar & flour, canned goods--each set of items together. Turn all canned goods with labels facing front. Don't just stick items in any old place. Organizing your pantry and putting each item where it goes makes your space work the most efficiently and keeps you from buying extras you don't need. Use it to hang a narrow set of shelves or specialty container for your tinfoils, etc. I am including some links to all of these ideas to help you visualize.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stackable+open+front+bins&gclid=CjwKCAjwwtTmBRBqEiwA-b6c_zQt7w2X__Eu8C79BYx53Jn7Pl6HHgHxR_HhTeQPjhJ_9og9KchnjhoCwOwQAvD_BwE&hvadid=241964371372&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9009628&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t2&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9189167717068224482&hvtargid=kwd-415296261292&hydadcr=15282_10334965&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_14pia7phz3_e
https://www.dollartree.com/plastic-storage-boxes-with-lids/163097
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-3-Drawer-Wide-Cart-White/8282897
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Style-Selections-0-65-in-W-x-48-03-in-H-x-0-39-in-D-Steel-Wall-Mounted-Shelving/1001971