4 of 14

Write now Article Tools

My pantry is little more than a closet, about 2 feet deep and 3 feet wide. My friend Patrice's pantry is large enough to put a bed in. While I would dearly love to have one that size, it's not going to happen, so I have to make do with the room I have. Here's how I make the most out of my cubbyhole. . . I mean, "pantry".

1. Designate areas for cereals and snacks, canned goods, starches and baking goods. By organizing a pantry in this manner, you'll be able to see at a glance what items need replenished when it's market time.

2. Make it a rule that no half-empty containers belong in the pantry. Keep a good supply of zip-type food bags on hand. If there's only a few servings left in the giant potato chip bag, transfer the remainder to a zip bag. If only half a box of pasta is used for a recipe, pour the remaining pasta into a zip bag or plastic container. That way, ants and roaches won't come calling, and the unused food remains fresh until you're ready to use it.

3. Use plastic containers wherever possible. My son loves cold cereal, but I have yet to see him open a box without mangling the top of it and/or send the contents spewing across the counter. I purchased three clear plastic cereal keepers. As soon as I buy a new box of cereal, I open it and pour it into a cereal keeper. This keeps it fresh, and it keeps ungainly cereal boxes (each with maybe half a cup of cereal in the bottom) where they belong: in the trash. I also have a tall container for spaghetti/linguine, and I use regular plastic bowls (empty Shedd's large Country Crock bowls are perfect) to hold dried beans, raisins, macaroni, etc. I use a dry-erase marker on the outside to let me know what it holds.

4. My canned good shelf is super-organized, thanks to a stacker and a lazy susan. These items can be purchased at just about any kitchen, department or hardware store and they are worth their weight in gold. The stacker is graduated, like stair steps, and I can see what I have available without digging around. The lazy susan holds extra bottles of dressing, ketchup and other condiments. Just spin it to grab what you need!

5. In Arizona, we don't dare use countertop canisters to hold sugar and flour, because ants and flour bugs make short work of it. I find that empty coffee containers work well inside the pantry to hold these staples. I also place a single bay leaf inside the flour container. It doesn't affect the scent or taste, but those nasty flour bugs hate the smell and will steer clear.

6. Cover all the shelves with a glossy Contact paper, which wipes off easily. If left bare, the contents of spilled bottles/containers can seep into the wood. This can attract bugs, make the shelves sticky and/or leave a funny aroma behind.

7. Once every other month or so, wipe all the shelves down with straight white vinegar. Ants can't stand the smell.

8. If your pantry is full, use an over-the-door shelf or shoe rack to hold smaller items. Takes advantage of unused space behind the door.

9. To corral those empty plastic grocery bags, cut the top of an empty gallon milk container, right above the handle. This will leave enough opening to stuff those loose bags. This keeps them compact yet handy when you need one.

10. It's certainly not safe to store food on the floor, but don't let that space go to waste. Use it for big items like your breadmaker, ice cream machine, turkey platter and the like.

My pantry may not be as large as my friend's, but I'm willing to bet it's better organized!

Learn more about this author, Ali Koomen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for organizing your pantry?
We want to hear your view. Write now!