How to Organize a Cabinet Style Pantry

The pantry can be a tricky space to keep organized. The inventory is always changing and there are multiple people in there moving stuff around on a daily basis. (I’m talking to you 6 and unders…) You truly need systems in place to keep it organized and accessible for all family members involved. When it comes to storage, bigger isn’t always better. In large pantries, items can get lost and forgotten and you often keep more than you need. Keeping a streamlined pantry will keep you accountable food wise and wallet wise. Using a few strategic products from The Container Store, i’m going to show you how I transformed my cabinet style pantry into a organized space that actually stays that way!

The Problem: Before

Instead of just upper cabinets to store food, we have this great floor to ceiling cabinet area as our pantry. However, like most cabinets, they tend to be deep and things can get lost back there (i’m talking about you stale goldfish crackers) I made an attempt a couple years ago to get it under control but it quickly fell apart over the years. I had mismatched baskets that were too small and not deep enough creating a lot of unused, valuable space. The cans were stacked on top of each other 6 rows deep, and my onions and potatoes never had a permanent home.

The Solution

I really had my work cut out for me. My first step was to take everything out. Literally everything. And while I was at it, I gave the inside a fresh coat of paint, just because. I found new homes for my Instant Pot and Slow cooker because they were taking up valuable pantry space, and while I use them often, it’s not daily like other items.

Shop This Pantry

I swapped my small plastic baskets for the medium and large size hyacinth baskets from The Container Store. These are spacious, pretty and come in so many sizes to fit your space. When organizing a cabinet pantry, you essentially want to create “drawers.” Yes, you can install pull out shelves, but you will end up with baskets anyways. Add in our favorite bin clips with labels and you’re set!

Next, I used a large riser on my can shelf. I’ve used risers in the past, but they have failed because they tend to be too narrow for larger items. This 3 tier riser from The Container Store does not disappoint. It fits large cans, jars and cartons and expands to fit your unique space.

Decant. I’ve always decanted grains and pastas, and I love these stacking modular containers to keep things fresh and visible. How many times have you bought a box of rice because you had no idea you already had 2 others at home? (Raises hand, several times) Decanting allows you to see what and how much you have of each item. The stacking containers fit perfectly in the clear pantry bins by iDesign. I love the jumbo size for containing all my containers. 🙂

Categorize. Having specific baskets for certain items (with labels!) will ensure that you only put in that basket what is supposed to. I love the hyacinth baskets to keep breakfast items, boxed dinners, sweets and snacks. Keep it kid friendly. I love having baskets at kid level that contain their snacks. Pouches, bars, you name it, baskets can contain it.

Make Room for Produce

Using clear bins once again makes it easy to see what you have. Onions and potatoes like a dark, cool space, and the iDesign clear bins are a great way to store them, while keeping them separate from each other.

Don’t Neglect Backstock

Whether you buy in bulk or not, there are always going to be items that you have more than you need immediately visible. Keeping a large clear bin labeled “backstock” reminds you to check there first before shopping. It’s also helpful to keep a shopping list in your pantry. The moment you see something is out, write it down!

Organized Baking Supplies

As an avid home baker, having my baking supplies organized was a must and it was worth giving up extra cabinet space just to do so. Countertop canisters may look pretty, but if you really want to keep your baking supplies fresh and accessible, the ProKeepers Bakers Storage Set is the way to go. Each container is for a specific product to be space efficient and keep it at its best. I love the little mini keepers to store cocoa powder and cinnamon for dusting. The divided lazy susan from The Home Edit collection keeps all my sprinkles accessible (and they look pretty too!) The iDesign bins make it easy for me to grab what I need all at once. I keep miscellaneous baking supplies in my favorite hyacinth baskets. Finally, everything has a place!

Happy Organizing!

Ashley + Lindsay

Thank you so much to The Container Store for partnering on this project. As always, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

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