An Organized Pantry

This post was requested by many of you, and I have to say- it’s kind of a weird feeling to share what’s hiding inside my pantry. I’ll admit- we’re not eating the healthiest this month, but I do swear by my containers and organization system… so that’s something! Click through to see how I organize our in-kitchen pantry, peek inside a bunch of my other cabinets, and shop my favorite organization products that pertain to food storage. Might as well get organized before the holiday season is upon us, right?

Part of the fun in renovating a kitchen and installing custom cabinetry is being able to customize the cabinets for prime organization. It’s like you’re already setting yourself up for success. I designed this floor-to-ceiling cabinet knowing it would be our pantry. What I didn’t anticipate? Having too much storage.

I suppose it would be the perfect size for a family with children, but Emmett and I never fill this thing up. Therefore, it looks sort of empty, but we’d rather have an empty looking pantry than be wasteful. It also gives me plenty of room to spread out my containers, bins, and baskets. Since we have so much storage, the top bins are actually filled with medical supplies, paper towels, bath tissue, and things of that nature.

The lower two shelves are for food and drink storage. From fruits and veggies to drinks and bulk items, this is where it all lives. We honestly don’t have a ton of dry goods in the pantry… it’s mostly snacks and basic ingredients (rice, almond flour, sugar, etc). I keep a lot of the loose items (chips, bagged items, seasoning packets, etc) in the white lidded containers or in the big open bin at the bottom- just to keep them corralled.

Since our pantry isn’t stocked to the brim, I know what everything is, but I have toyed with idea of using a dry erase marker to write what is inside each container. It’s easier for house guests to navigate the pantry on their own… or even Emmett. Since I’m the one who does the grocery shopping 100% of the time, sometimes he’ll have to ask what / where something is. I’ve also heard great things about this inexpensive label maker– which has rave reviews from my friends! That’d be another good option. Maybe someday I’ll get around to that…. it sounds like a good project for winter.

The spices have their own designated spot in the kitchen. You probably remember seeing this handy pull-out spice rack, shown below?

That feature might one of the more handy things in our kitchen. I’m always grabbing herbs & spices and they’re conveniently located to the right of our sink, and to the left of our cooktop. It makes things really functional.

If you’re interested in some of my organization items, you can shop the collage below! I’m not loyal to one specific brand, I typically just buy whatever fits and looks cohesive. I think mixing and matching is totally fine- especially in a storage setting.

01: kitchen canisters // 02: oil dispenser // 03: pull out trash bins // 04: lidded containers // 05: collapsable bins // 06: pull out spice rack // 07: food storage system // 08: label maker // 09: spray bottles // 10: chip clips

While we’re snooping around the kitchen, want to see inside some more cabinets? Might as well! You might remember our bar from this post? I like an impressive bar and I appreciate a craft cocktail… I also have a soft spot for vintage glassware, particularly of the cocktail and liquor variety.

The next cabinet isn’t really a secret because the front of this one is glass, but these are the dishes we use on a daily basis. You can’t go wrong with simple, white, timeless dishes! I always tell newlyweds that’s what they should register for.

To the right of the fridge lives our trash and recycling bins, but you’d never know! They’re also integrated into the cabinets. They pull out on a track and I don’t have to worry about disguising an ugly trash can, or a bin taking up precious floor space. This is best case scenario in any kitchen renovation! I live for hidden trash cans.

If you’re curious about any other kitchen resources, visit the reveal post or scroll to “kitchen” in the Shop My House tab. As always, leave your comments below! I’d love to hear your own organization tips- especially if they’re kitchen related. Do most of you have a pantry of some sort? This is our first “real” one.