Social Media might have you believing you need a big walk-in pantry, but that just isn’t reality. In general, we don’t need more space, we need less stuff, and a good way to manage it. To help you get the picture-perfect pantry you’re looking for, here are 3 simple systems to maximize any sized pantry.
Simple Systems
Your first priority is creating homes before you worry about those pretty bins. This involves simplifying your space (i.e. pitching the expired items, or products you realize you won’t ever use) and then sorting your inventory into category types.
You don’t need a bin to keep all-like things together. When you put them away, this part of this shelf is where the “cereal” will always live. Or the canned goods. All of it. Designate a zone in your pantry for each category.
This helps you see what you actually have and what you need at that grocery run. It also prevents you from buying your third baking soda, because previously you didn’t know you had two others (true story from a client!).
Matching matters
If you are dying to invest in those pretty bins, think symmetry. Not only do our brains crave order and simplicity, they also want balance. Invest in matching bins throughout the pantry to give it the best visual organization.
We talk about this further in my free download, Organization Fails to Avoid.
Lazy Susan
Regardless of the depth of your pantry, it’s likely you’ll have items that get stacked in front of another. Even with the best zones established, you may still have products that need to be layered. My secret weapon for these types of spaces is the Lazy Susan. Trust me, this will be a game changer in your pantry, especially for things like peanut butter, olive oils, and other jar containers. They come in varying sizes, and Amazon will have it on your doorstep in a couple of days. Give it a spin and let me know what you think!
Simplicity comes down to two things: Identify the essential + eliminate the rest.
Getting these simple systems in place will help you create your next shopping list and simplify your grocery run. It will be an ongoing process to maintain this system but simplifying maximizes your space and makes it effortless!
