Food storage options sometimes can be limited when your home has a very small pantry. Maximizing space without creating more clutter is a delicate dance. If you are looking for pantry organization ideas for your tiny space so that every inch is put to good use, try some of these tips out.
Small Pantry Organization Ideas
One of the most important things when it comes to organizing a small pantry is making sure you maximize your space. There are many ways to do this, and we have some great organizing ideas for small pantries.
Check Expiration Dates
Once a month, go through your entire pantry and check expiration dates on things like crackers and cereal. Also be aware that canned goods last a very long time. Although expiration dates are important, you should also toss any items that have been sitting in your pantry for longer than necessary.
Also, if you bought a food item on a whim at the grocery store, consider just donating it to the local food pantry instead.
Break Down Large Packages in Small Pantries
Items bought in bulk typically come in very large packages to save money and trips to the grocery store. However, while this saves money in the long run it can also be problematic when it comes to storing things in a small space.
Consider taking items that come in large packaging, and breaking them down into small storage containers or bags. For example, extra large bags of cereal can be put into resealable Ziploc bags or tight sealed plastic containers.
Any leftover cereal can be left in the original bag and set aside in a different location until you run out of the item in the small bag in the pantry.
Storing Small Items in Small Pantries
Try not to overlook the small things when organizing your small pantry. Spice packages, baking items and children snacks can take up the most space in a small pantry.
Use stackable containers or baskets to store these small items. Wooden or plastic tiered drawers provide the perfect place for easy access and storage. Lazy susans are another good idea for these small items, too.
Find Food Storage Alternatives
Finding other places to store certain food items might be a good idea if space is just too limited. Try putting a freestanding cupboard elsewhere in your kitchen to keep some items that don’t have to be placed in the pantry.
Any drawers in your actual kitchen cupboards that aren’t being used can also be a good spot to keep items. Here are some more ideas for storing food in small spaces.
Get creative with shelves within your pantry, too. Wall space within a small pantry can often be neglected. While a pantry is best known for having shelves at eye level, lower shelves can be added to optimize space lower to the ground. Also, don’t put items kids or pets shouldn’t have access to at these lower levels.
Keep like items together.
One of the best ways to organize a small pantry is to keep like items together. For example, place all of your pasta in one spot, all of your canned goods in another spot, and all of your cereal in yet another spot.
This way, you can easily find what you’re looking for without having to search through a bunch of different boxes and bags. Plus, it’ll be much easier to put away groceries if everything has its own designated space.
If you are used to buying the same things over and over again, you’ll also come with creative ways to group them together, such as a way to stack all your pasta boxes.
Make the most of cabinet space
If you’re like me, your small pantry is always overflowing with food and supplies. To keep things organized and to make the most of your space, consider installing shelves or hooks inside of your cabinets.
This will allow you to store items like utensils, cutting boards, and small appliances off of the counter and out of the way. In addition, it will help you to free up space in your pantry for other items. And, if you’re really short on space, you can even hang pots and pans from the ceiling!
Whatever you do, don’t let a small pantry stop you from being a Organized cook. There are plenty of ways to make the most of your space.
Less Shopping
The best way to limit the need for excess storage in your small pantry is to limit your food shopping. Try making more trips to purchase food items but buy less stuff. Buying items in bulk or just because something is on sale is very economical.
However, if you don’t have anywhere to put it then change the way you shop. Being cognizant of your food pantry storage options will help you limit the amount of items you put in your grocery cart.
These pantry organization ideas are great if you have a small amount of space. But they are also great if you have a large pantry that gets cluttered quickly.
