Pantry Organization: One Year Later
One year ago this week, I was standing in the aisle of a local craft supply store debating the amount of baskets that were in my shopping cart. I had already taken the necessary measurements to help keep me accountable and purchase only what I really needed. As I made my way to the check out line, I silently wondered if it would be worth it. I mean did I really NEED these baskets to help keep my pantry organized?
This is how my pantry started out. It took almost the entire day to go through every package, read all the labels, find the expiration dates and group like items together. You can read the original post here. I was totally embarrassed when I realized I had three different kinds of pancake mix yet told people that I was a healthy eater. I know right? I must have been totally clueless.
But seeing all of the items together, healthy or not, was really helpful in determining how many baskets I needed to buy. I needed a basket for everything from cooking oils to movie snacks. Once the baskets and glass containers were in place it was amazing at how differently we shopped. I no longer bought things I didn’t need because I could see what I already had on hand. It not only helped us save money but it also helped us save time too. Every time I would come home from grocery shopping, it would take a while for me to put up the groceries. I would cram as much on the shelves as I could. It’s totally different now though. Now I’m able to put items directly into the designated basket without wasting time.
We also make meal planning a priority, which not only helps to keep the pantry organized but the entire week organized as well. All of my cookbooks are neatly kept in the cabinets above the built in desk in the kitchen.
To help keep the contents of the baskets organized I use a mix of paper labels and framed chalkboard labels. I’ve gotten two sets of these labels as Christmas gifts and I love them. They’re easy to use and easy to change when needed. The paper labels have held up pretty well too. Although, truth be told I’ll probably need to change those out fairly soon.
If you’re wondering how the other side of the pantry looks, it’s not nearly as pretty but it’s just as organized as the dry goods. It houses the small appliances, plastic containers, trash bags and party supplies.
And finally after months of trying to decide what to put over the window in the pantry…a regular curtain, a café curtain, leave it bare…I decided to make my own cornice of sorts and I made this GROCERY sign.
Buying all of those baskets that day was worth every penny. If you can’t afford to go out and buy a lot of baskets no worries check the thrift stores. It may take little bit to find what you need but it’s an affordable option. I was able to pick up baskets for an upcoming office makeover for around $5 just yesterday. Also, check the dollar stores. We’ve used them under the bathrooms cabinets and in the linen closets as well. All of those spaces, I’m excited to say are still organized to this day!
I hope you guys have a great weekend. I’m looking forward to spending time with family and decorating for spring.
Linking to: Home Matters Link Party
Many blessings,
CoCo
Girl, you need to be a professional organizer and start with my house!! You did a great job with the pantry and the whole kitchen. Enjoy your weekend. I can’t wait to see what you’ve got for next week!! Love ya!!
Ha ha Angie, you’re so funny! I should write a book that starts out…were it not for my baskets….they really have kept me on track no playing out about that at all 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend too. I wish we lived closer all the time. Hugs, Coco
CoCo – as I was reading your post all I kept saying to myself was…Wow! Your organized pantry is beautiful – I could even hear the angels singing! My pantry is in dire need of re-orgazninzing and you have just inspired me to do it! Thank you for sharing from your heart and sharing with us your best tips!
Thank you Vick, I really appreciate your sweet words of encouragement. I am constantly amazed at how having a place for everything really changes the way I not only organize but also the way I maintain it. I can honestly say this pantry has been consistently organized for a year now and that gives me hope for my other spaces too. Can’t wait to see your space soon. You’re gonna rock it! CoCo
Your pantry looks amazing! I love the jars that you store your flour, sugar, etc. in…they are super cute!
Thanks so much Erin, I appreciate it! I believe the glass jars came from Walmart and were made by Anchor. They weren’t very expensive at all. The paper labels on the glass jars are basic black card stock that I wrote on with a chalk pen. Just a small amount of organizing has transformed the entire space. It’s really helping me stay on track 🙂 Hope you have a happy weekend, Coco
I love this! I really need to do something to work on our pantry organization. Thanks for the inspiration!
Leesha, what a sweet compliment thank you! It did take a little bit to get a system in place but once we had everything working together the maintaining hasn’t been nearly has bad as what I had feared it would be. I’m hoping to start on my office soon too. Hope you have a great weekend! Coco
You go girl! Totally agree that it saves time& money in the long run. Getting it organized is one challenge. KEEPING it organized is another ~ and you rocked both this year! Hope you have a happy weekend 🙂 Bwg ~~~
Thank you Bobbi, we’ve been working really hard at making sure this house is both functional and fun 🙂 It does take a little bit of work but once you have a system in place it’s really a game changer. Hope you have a happy weekend too, CoCo
I have limited cabinet space and have been wanting to find a way to organize them. I love the idea that your’s are not only organized but cute, too! Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty ! Hope to see you next back Friday!
Thank you Stephanie, that’s such a sweet compliment. It took a bit to get everything organized it’s been easy to maintain. I’m working on the rest of the house now. It always takes way more time than I think it will 🙂 Thanks for hosting such a great party. See you guys Friday! CoCo
I’m drooling over your baskets. Love how you organized, especially with those darling chalkboard labels! You’re making me want to clean and go shopping. 🙂
Oh Robin, I have a serious basket problem 🙂 I use them everywhere because it takes a lot to get and keep me organized 🙂 CoCo