If you’re lucky, your new kitchen will have a nice pantry when you move into your new home. And, you’ll need to stock it ideally to find everything.
Organizing the pantry is the key to easy meals and snacks. It’s better to come up with a plan in advance of a big shopping trip.
Keep these things in mind as you devise an organizational plan for the pantry in your new home.
Organize by Frequency
Before unpacking kitchen items or unloading grocery bags, list the things you use most frequently. Those items need to be in a place that is easy to reach.
It may make sense for a larger kitchen to break this down by cooking tools, serving and eating utensils, and food. Put each category closest to the appliances you need for them.
You may need to set priorities for limited space in a smaller kitchen. That way, you’re not compromising on a more critical task.
Set Kids’ Items Lower
Ideally, your children will grow up to prepare, serve, and clean up after their own meals. However, you can start at any age.
If your children are small, designate some portion as a kid-friendly pantry. Ensure your kids can see what is inside and access it with minimal assistance.
The kids’ items don’t necessarily have to work with the rest of the pantry organization. If it makes sense for you to put their plates and bowls next to their snacks, do it.
Use Clear Bins
Keep a critical eye on the function of organized pantries on social media. For example, several opaque baskets help hide visual distractions, but they can make it harder to figure out what’s inside.
If you’re not building a custom pantry, you may want to invest in some clear bins. You can get them in virtually any shape or dimension.
Try to choose sizes and shapes that allow you to change the layout over time. That’s better than buying a new set every time you change your eating habits.
Save Room for Appliances
These days, it’s common to have several small appliances that make your life easier. But, if you don’t have a place to put them, they will take up valuable space on your countertop.
It’s a good idea to be selective about buying small appliances, particularly if you have a smaller kitchen. There’s no point in dedicating storage space to a device you never use.
Consider devoting space inside deep drawers or high shelves for occasional appliances. You’ll get more efficiency from these spaces with an appliance.
Avoid Overcrowding
When you have a pantry, it’s tempting to organize it so that you can maximize every square inch. But, unless your kitchen is exceptionally small, you may not need to overcrowd it.
An overcrowded pantry is hard to organize. It also doesn’t leave much room for additions, like a new appliance or a bulk food purchase.
Leave at least 10 to 20 percent of the pantry as available space. You’ll find it easier to restock or clean with that flexibility.
Organizing your pantry is one of your first tasks in your new home.
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