iluvpink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,298 
Location: Michigan
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Post by iluvpink on Jul 22, 2020 12:57:06 GMT
We are putting in new kitchen cabinets. I'm finally getting a pantry! Because a total kitchen redo was not in the cards, the pantry will not be a walk in but cabinets. Because I'm short I know I need to organize it properly so it doesn't get messy in the back. I'm buying some air tight containers, pull out bins etc. I will have some pull out drawers.
I'd love to see how the peas have organized their pantries. Or even if it's not organized, share and maybe you can get some tips!
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Post by craftedbys on Jul 22, 2020 14:03:37 GMT
Before buying any bins or other storage I would suggest deciding on how you want to organize. Do you want like things together? Breakfast stuff together, pasta/rice/meal things together?
Or do you want like packaging together? Boxes on one shelf, bottles on another?
You might also look around your house for what can be repurposed. I am currently using the plastic bins that went on one of those slanted toy organizers to keep all my sticky bottles (syrup, honey etc) from making my shelf sticky. I have another one for other bottles (vinegar, balsamic, red wine, etc).
I would love to post pictures of my pantry, but after spending the majority of a day a couple of weeks ago emptying it and reorganizing it, it is once again a disaster because my family (I will include DH in there) cannot seem to put items back in the pantry in the same place where they got them.
Seriously? How hard is it? If you get cereal off the self with the breakfast items, why would you stick it back with the pasta?
It frustrates me to no end to have it disorganized, but if I make a fuss, it only improves for a little while and then goes back to being a mess and I end up as the bad guy who is always nagging, so this is a battle I don't fight because there is no way to win.
The same goes for the other pantry where the Tupperware /Rubbermaid is stored. No amount of bitching keeps it straight.
My goal is to wait until my young adults have homes of their own so I can visit and rearrange their kitchen stuff.
Anyway, good luck and may you achieve what so many have failed to do!
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 22, 2020 14:11:35 GMT
Before buying any bins or other storage I would suggest deciding on how you want to organize. Do you want like things together? Breakfast stuff together, pasta/rice/meal things together? Or do you want like packaging together? Boxes on one shelf, bottles on another? You might also look around your house for what can be repurposed. I am currently using the plastic bins that went on one of those slanted toy organizers to keep all my sticky bottles (syrup, honey etc) from making my shelf sticky. I have another one for other bottles (vinegar, balsamic, red wine, etc). I would love to post pictures of my pantry, but after spending the majority of a day a couple of weeks ago emptying it and reorganizing it, it is once again a disaster because my family (I will include DH in there) cannot seem to put items back in the pantry in the same place where they got them. Seriously? How hard is it? If you get cereal off the self with the breakfast items, why would you stick it back with the pasta? It frustrates me to no end to have it disorganized, but if I make a fuss, it only improves for a little while and then goes back to being a mess and I end up as the bad guy who is always nagging, so this is a battle I don't fight because there is no way to win. The same goes for the other pantry where the Tupperware /Rubbermaid is stored. No amount of bitching keeps it straight. My goal is to wait until my young adults have homes of their own so I can visit and rearrange their kitchen stuff.Anyway, good luck and may you achieve what so many have failed to do! My MIL used to do this whenever she would come and visit us. I can remember one house where the peanut butter was kept with the coffee stuff. It made no sense unless you knew that DH used it every morning when he made coffee and it was the easiest place to keep it. Especially since we moved so often in those early days and DH could never remember where things were in the kitchen. I’m short, but have always had shallow pantries. But I’m still a fan of bins to organize things. The kids knew which bin had the snacks, which had the baking supplies (chocolate chips  , etc.) These baskets are my favorite. They come in 3 sizes and are really sturdy. Home Depot and Lowe’s sold them, too. |
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Post by mikewozowski on Jul 22, 2020 14:18:47 GMT
i kind of did this last week. i don't have a traditional pantry. i have a cabinet with three sections. i have baking in one section. canned food/pasta/rice/bottles of stuff in the second, and breakfast/snacks coffee in the third.
i got the flip-tite see-thru canisters from walmart for some things. i went and bought a variety of them and brought them home to see what i needed for what i need to store. i ended up mostly using the canisters for flours/sugar/cereal/nuts. i don't want EVERYTHING in a canister. you and also use mason jars for a lot of the baking items. i don't put things like spaghetti or noodles in a canister, as i usually use a whole package. i did put rice in one.
i want to add a few bin type storage things for things like gravy mix/taco seasoning, but i haven't gone to get those yet. you can also use plastic shoeboxes for this sort of thing. the idea it to keep things tidy and in a place where you can find them, so i could potentially have two shoeboxes stacked with this type of item. they may be in front of some other things but are easy to move aside for access to other stuff.
there was a pea who posted a pic not long ago. i thing her storage items were from amazon and started with a Z.
i have the same problem with people putting stuff back in the wrong place!!
i also tell my daughter i am going to come over to her house and make a big mess!
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Post by greendragonlady on Jul 22, 2020 17:06:43 GMT
We have one that is the same depth as our fridge. It's WAY too deep and I can't reach into the back very well. I wish we had the kind that has shelves on the doors, so the rest of the shelves aren't too deep.
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ddly
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,958
Jul 10, 2014 19:36:28 GMT
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Post by ddly on Jul 22, 2020 17:24:23 GMT
A few things to keep in mind: I live in a 100+ year old home and I just had major surgery. I usually keep this organized but haven’t been able to (cat treats on the floor 😋). It’s a cabinet under the stairs. I have all my baking stuff on the bottom shelf. It’s a hot mess but I use containers from TJ Maxx for bulk stuff like flour, etc. usually like things are stored together. I also have some of the clear refrigerator containers that hold rice and cat stuff. It’s kinda scary looking! Lol   |
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iluvpink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,298
Location: Michigan
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Post by iluvpink on Jul 23, 2020 13:43:59 GMT
Before buying any bins or other storage I would suggest deciding on how you want to organize. Do you want like things together? Breakfast stuff together, pasta/rice/meal things together? Or do you want like packaging together? Boxes on one shelf, bottles on another? You might also look around your house for what can be repurposed. I am currently using the plastic bins that went on one of those slanted toy organizers to keep all my sticky bottles (syrup, honey etc) from making my shelf sticky. I have another one for other bottles (vinegar, balsamic, red wine, etc). I would love to post pictures of my pantry, but after spending the majority of a day a couple of weeks ago emptying it and reorganizing it, it is once again a disaster because my family (I will include DH in there) cannot seem to put items back in the pantry in the same place where they got them. Seriously? How hard is it? If you get cereal off the self with the breakfast items, why would you stick it back with the pasta? It frustrates me to no end to have it disorganized, but if I make a fuss, it only improves for a little while and then goes back to being a mess and I end up as the bad guy who is always nagging, so this is a battle I don't fight because there is no way to win. The same goes for the other pantry where the Tupperware /Rubbermaid is stored. No amount of bitching keeps it straight. My goal is to wait until my young adults have homes of their own so I can visit and rearrange their kitchen stuff. Anyway, good luck and may you achieve what so many have failed to do! Well I already bought some. But not a ton. And I'm waiting a bit to order slide out bins. I'm going to be reorganizing much of the kitchen now so I didn't buy too much. I do know I want air containers for baking items, rice, pasta, cereal and possibly a few other things. But I do need to see it all set up before I buy too much. |
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iluvpink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,298
Location: Michigan
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Post by iluvpink on Jul 23, 2020 13:50:01 GMT
Before buying any bins or other storage I would suggest deciding on how you want to organize. Do you want like things together? Breakfast stuff together, pasta/rice/meal things together? Or do you want like packaging together? Boxes on one shelf, bottles on another? You might also look around your house for what can be repurposed. I am currently using the plastic bins that went on one of those slanted toy organizers to keep all my sticky bottles (syrup, honey etc) from making my shelf sticky. I have another one for other bottles (vinegar, balsamic, red wine, etc). I would love to post pictures of my pantry, but after spending the majority of a day a couple of weeks ago emptying it and reorganizing it, it is once again a disaster because my family (I will include DH in there) cannot seem to put items back in the pantry in the same place where they got them. Seriously? How hard is it? If you get cereal off the self with the breakfast items, why would you stick it back with the pasta? It frustrates me to no end to have it disorganized, but if I make a fuss, it only improves for a little while and then goes back to being a mess and I end up as the bad guy who is always nagging, so this is a battle I don't fight because there is no way to win. The same goes for the other pantry where the Tupperware /Rubbermaid is stored. No amount of bitching keeps it straight. My goal is to wait until my young adults have homes of their own so I can visit and rearrange their kitchen stuff.Anyway, good luck and may you achieve what so many have failed to do! My MIL used to do this whenever she would come and visit us. I can remember one house where the peanut butter was kept with the coffee stuff. It made no sense unless you knew that DH used it every morning when he made coffee and it was the easiest place to keep it. Especially since we moved so often in those early days and DH could never remember where things were in the kitchen. I’m short, but have always had shallow pantries. But I’m still a fan of bins to organize things. The kids knew which bin had the snacks, which had the baking supplies (chocolate chips , etc.) These baskets are my favorite. They come in 3 sizes and are really sturdy. Home Depot and Lowe’s sold them, too. Thanks, there are so many options out there. Your PB storage make total sense to me! |
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scrappert
Prolific Pea
RefuPea #2956
Posts: 7,818
Location: Milwaukee, WI area
Jul 11, 2014 21:20:09 GMT
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Post by scrappert on Jul 23, 2020 13:50:11 GMT
Oh God no!  |
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iluvpink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,298
Location: Michigan
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Post by iluvpink on Jul 23, 2020 13:56:29 GMT
i kind of did this last week. i don't have a traditional pantry. i have a cabinet with three sections. i have baking in one section. canned food/pasta/rice/bottles of stuff in the second, and breakfast/snacks coffee in the third. i got the flip-tite see-thru canisters from walmart for some things. i went and bought a variety of them and brought them home to see what i needed for what i need to store. i ended up mostly using the canisters for flours/sugar/cereal/nuts. i don't want EVERYTHING in a canister. you and also use mason jars for a lot of the baking items. i don't put things like spaghetti or noodles in a canister, as i usually use a whole package. i did put rice in one. i want to add a few bin type storage things for things like gravy mix/taco seasoning, but i haven't gone to get those yet. you can also use plastic shoeboxes for this sort of thing. the idea it to keep things tidy and in a place where you can find them, so i could potentially have two shoeboxes stacked with this type of item. they may be in front of some other things but are easy to move aside for access to other stuff. there was a pea who posted a pic not long ago. i thing her storage items were from amazon and started with a Z. i have the same problem with people putting stuff back in the wrong place!! i also tell my daughter i am going to come over to her house and make a big mess! I'm definitely going to do that to dd. I'm also going to leave pb covered spoons in the sink for her to deal with. Ugh, that grosses me out. |
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iluvpink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,298
Location: Michigan
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Post by iluvpink on Jul 23, 2020 13:57:21 GMT
When we remodeled we got rid of a small closet pantry and went with a built in cabinet style. It has been much easier to keep organized and find things. It's actually better organized now a few years later, but this is the only photo I have handy. The bottom drawer no longer holds small appliances as I got rid of most of them. Since the shut downs, I have been using that drawer for my stockpile of foods. The thing that has really helped on the upper portion is having narrower upper shelves. It's easier to find things and harder for things to get 'lost' in the back.  Hm...not as deep of shelves. I wonder what dh would say to cutting them down.... |
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iluvpink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,298
Location: Michigan
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Post by iluvpink on Jul 23, 2020 13:58:50 GMT
A few things to keep in mind: I live in a 100+ year old home and I just had major surgery. I usually keep this organized but haven’t been able to (cat treats on the floor 😋). It’s a cabinet under the stairs. I have all my baking stuff on the bottom shelf. It’s a hot mess but I use containers from TJ Maxx for bulk stuff like flour, etc. usually like things are stored together. I also have some of the clear refrigerator containers that hold rice and cat stuff. It’s kinda scary looking! Lol Well it doesn't look any worse than my storage right now! Part of my frustration lately is that I have been keeping much more in the house due to the pandemic. |
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iluvpink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,298
Location: Michigan
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Post by iluvpink on Jul 23, 2020 13:59:21 GMT
Oh God no!  |
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teddyw
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,873
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Post by teddyw on Jul 23, 2020 14:16:01 GMT
When we remodeled we got rid of a small closet pantry and went with a built in cabinet style. It has been much easier to keep organized and find things. It's actually better organized now a few years later, but this is the only photo I have handy. The bottom drawer no longer holds small appliances as I got rid of most of them. Since the shut downs, I have been using that drawer for my stockpile of foods. The thing that has really helped on the upper portion is having narrower upper shelves. It's easier to find things and harder for things to get 'lost' in the back. Do you think you could show a picture of this closed? I’m in the middle of a project in my kitchen and I am adding a pantry but can’t decide where. Thanks |
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Post by fruitysuet on Jul 23, 2020 14:23:26 GMT
I just have a tall larder unit in my kitchen, shelves totally unorganised apart from general category. It is very tall though so the only issue I have is reaching the top shelf if things get pushed to the back. I've solved this though by putting an empty cardboard box so things have to stay to the front. We have a 'back room' that is where I keep overflow stuff (pans, cleaning stuff, cat food as well as drinks and cans/cartons). I won't show a picture as it is overflowing plus would not inspire anyone at all! My mum has one of these tall pull out larder units and it is fabulous. If I ever get to do a kitchen do-over I want a couple of these Pull out kitchen unit |
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Post by Delta Dawn on Jul 23, 2020 15:03:33 GMT
Mine is a total disaster and I need advice how to organize it. We have a friend who might want a project.
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teddyw
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,873
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Post by teddyw on Jul 23, 2020 15:33:19 GMT
Do you think you could show a picture of this closed? I’m in the middle of a project in my kitchen and I am adding a pantry but can’t decide where. Thanks Sure! The pantry with doors closed, and a new one of the interior. In phase 3 of our remodel, the pantry is going to change a bit. The microwave will go away (switching to an installed speed oven elsewhere) and the right side will be changed to match the left side. All the food will move to the left side (closer to the prep area) and the left side will hold serving pieces, table linens, etc as it is next to the dining table. The pantry works so well as is that there are no other changes being made.   And this photo shows the where the pantry unit is in relation to the rest of the kitchen.  Thank you! I like how it’s all built in. |
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Post by refugeepea on Jul 23, 2020 18:19:14 GMT
My MIL used to do this whenever she would come and visit us. I can remember one house where the peanut butter was kept with the coffee stuff. It made no sense unless you knew that DH used it every morning when he made coffee and it was the easiest place to keep it. Especially since we moved so often in those early days and DH could never remember where things were in the kitchen. We definitely have some of our items in odd places. Like bubbles and my purse in the pantry and bread crumbs in another cabinet that is more secure than our pantry.  |
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Post by beepdave on Jul 23, 2020 19:03:45 GMT
I use a combo of bins and stacking - but recently got two of these can racks and they have been the best! I can MUCH quicker see what I already have or need for certain recipes and store with oldest in front/newest in back. Attachments:
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Post by MalleyCat on Jul 27, 2020 5:51:38 GMT
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ddly
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,958
Jul 10, 2014 19:36:28 GMT
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Post by ddly on Jul 27, 2020 13:42:49 GMT
I think I need those little steps in mine. My can shelf is a hot mess. I do organize it and put soups far right, then canned veggies, then beans, etc. It keeps some order but I can't always tell what I have and ds tends to not look before shopping and we get lots of repeats.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jul 27, 2020 15:22:16 GMT
MalleyCat - With those deep cabinets, I would consider installing something like these pull out shelves, at least on eye level and lower. It would allow you to bring the stuff in the back to you. They also make wire ones, but you have to worry about things falling through unless you put smaller things in bins. If someone in your family is handy, I bet they could make some pretty easily. 
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Post by hop2 on Jul 27, 2020 15:25:12 GMT
My current pantry sucks. I wish I had pics of the pantry in the kitchen at my house that pantry was awesome. Every shelf pulled out like a drawer. It was beautiful.
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Post by MalleyCat on Jul 27, 2020 20:32:42 GMT
MalleyCat - With those deep cabinets, I would consider installing something like these pull out shelves, at least on eye level and lower. It would allow you to bring the stuff in the back to you. They also make wire ones, but you have to worry about things falling through unless you put smaller things in bins. If someone in your family is handy, I bet they could make some pretty easily. Yes, pull out drawers are on my list of things to have made for the lower 4 cabinets! I guess I have been putting it off, since each drawer is $100 to have made. I want drawer pull outs in most of my cabinets! 😉 |
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Post by MalleyCat on Jul 27, 2020 20:35:36 GMT
If I were getting new kitchen cabinets, all the lowers would be big drawers! 😁
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Post by MalleyCat on Jul 27, 2020 20:42:13 GMT
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jul 27, 2020 20:48:48 GMT
Yes, pull out drawers are on my list of things to have made for the lower 4 cabinets! I guess I have been putting it off, since each drawer is $100 to have made. I want drawer pull outs in most of my cabinets! If I were getting new kitchen cabinets, all the lowers would be big drawers! Ouch! That's pricey! It's worth waiting for though to get them because drawers and pull outs are a game changer. We remodeled the kitchen almost 8 years ago. All lower cabinets are drawers. The pantry has pull outs behind doors. My preference is just drawers, but sometimes you have to go with doors over pull outs. I love the color of that island! Our cooktop is in the island, so two wide drawers under that, and then narrower drawers on either side. It has made kitchen life so much easier! |
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Post by stingfan on Jul 28, 2020 19:44:20 GMT
Our pantry is really a coat closet in the hall next to the kitchen. There are two closets there, so I think they intended it to be used this way. But who knows 😊. Anyway, one of our quarantine projects was to build shelves for it - there was a big metal rack in there before. We made it kind of walk-in. This way the shelves aren't so deep that stuff gets lost. We also keep a step stool in there so the kids and I can reach the top shelf. Dh also put a recessed light in the ceiling - that has been really great to have, too.  |
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Post by julieinsweden on Jul 28, 2020 22:42:42 GMT
I'm in the middle of sorting out my new pantry cupboard. As in we have just done a remodel and I have now sorted most of my food stuffs and waiting for extra draws to come.
Two tips.
1) Get pull out draws. They do add cost and do eat some space but pull out draws makes finding things so much easier. Even those that are above eye height.
2) Find the right organisation/storage system for each food group. I laid out every single food item on my table then sorted into groups that works for me. Then I got storage solutions that matched the food I actually have. Since a bug infection in my flour years ago I keep all grains in sealed boxes. For years I had a hodgepodge of containers/tuperware/ice cream tubs. Nothing stacked. Nothing took a whole pack of anything. Now I've invested in the OXO system. And wonder why I didn't do it years ago. For managing all the small bottles and tins I've used IKEA boxes.
And I'll add a third. Don't give up. You will tear your hair out, but it will be worth it in the end. Good luck.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 5, 2024 6:45:54 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2020 5:13:24 GMT
When we remodeled we got rid of a small closet pantry and went with a built in cabinet style. It has been much easier to keep organized and find things. It's actually better organized now a few years later, but this is the only photo I have handy. The bottom drawer no longer holds small appliances as I got rid of most of them. Since the shut downs, I have been using that drawer for my stockpile of foods. The thing that has really helped on the upper portion is having narrower upper shelves. It's easier to find things and harder for things to get 'lost' in the back. I'm about to do the opposite-pull out a cabinet and put in a small closet. Can you tell me why you got away from the closet style? This size you show here is about what I have to work with. Currently I just have regular upper and lower cabinets there. |
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