Come on, it’s January and every one is doing it. Organizing that is. January seems to be the month when every jumps on the cleaning and organizing bandwagon and guess what, this year I am taking a major leap!
After some thought and chats with the hubby, I thought I’d kick off our kitchen remodel with a new pantry organization system! And my pantry didn’t just get reorganized, it got accessorized too :)
Yes, full disclosure here, this is what my pantry looked like just one week ago and here it is today! What a HUGE difference, whew! I didn’t realize how scary it was until I saw the before and after. And guess what? I am LOVING how organized it is. But who wouldn’t?
To me organization is a really personal thing. You may laugh at that, but it is. Every one’s brain works so differently and processes things differently (I find this so interesting) so when it comes to organization you need to do something that works for you. How I organize my pantry might not work for everyone, but it works really well for my family and our needs.
I went into the reorganization having a pretty good idea of how I wanted it to look so my first task was to set out and find the right type of baskets. I found these adorable rectangular wicker baskets at Fred Meyer (A Kruger Store). They cost me $15 for a set of three which I thought is a total steal.
I started by taking everything out of the pantry, throwing away expired food (that always makes me sad) and then putting food into categories. I laid all of the food on the floor and then decided what types of baskets I needed to create. I ended up with 9 types of baskets that included: Coffee & Tea, Snacks, Sweets, Breads, Flours (for all my GF Baking Flours), Pasta, Nuts & Dried Fruit and 2 Baking baskets.
My next step was to place the baskets on the shelves in a way that made sense for how often we’ll be accessing them and by placing like foods together. And most importantly, I wanted the basket sizes to match :)
To top the look off, I created faux chalkboard labels using black vinyl, card stock, jute and white paint.
And lastly, I bought one big basket for the bottom of the pantry to store all paper and plastic goods. Those tend to get out of control! And of course our cookie cutter collection :)
I really love how it turned out and so does my husband! When I asked what he thought of it, he said next to the Family Room Makeover, this was his second favorite project EVER. Hehe.
About Taryn Whiteaker
Taryn Whiteaker is the voice of style behind TarynWhiteaker.com (formerly Design, Dining and Diapers) ! Taryn is a previous PR/Marketing professional who got back to her creative roots after becoming a mom and now shares her passion for home decor and design for the world to see. Taryn lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband and three kids and loves coffee, the outdoors, and exploring with her family.
Bonnie @ Uncommon says
January 13, 2013 at 5:02 amOh that looks so pretty and organized! Love the baskets Taryn!! I so need to do this to mine! ;) have a beautiful Sunday!
Tonya @ Love of Family & Home says
January 13, 2013 at 5:38 amYour pantry looks fabulous! I love those baskets & the labels you made for each of them!
We don’t have a pantry in our kitchen, but I so wish we did!! Our kitchen cabinets are packed full….actually, some of them could use some major organizing!! I’m hoping to tackle them at some point this year!
Beautiful job Taryn! Hope you have a great day!
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
January 13, 2013 at 6:28 amI have a very similar pantry, Taryn! I really should do the basket organizing as no matter how you try to keep like near like, they tend to move all over. This is especially good for separating the GF foods and baking items. I am gluten free {Celiac} and have tried to keep all my foods in one area.
Chloe Arnold says
January 13, 2013 at 8:24 amThis is wonderful! Thank you!
Kim @ Plumberry Pie says
January 13, 2013 at 9:16 amI was just losing my motivation and this just got me back in the groove! Great job!
Aimee - It's Overflowing says
January 13, 2013 at 10:51 amFABULOUS! XO, Aimee
Kristin Cadwallader says
January 13, 2013 at 12:11 pmLooks great, Taryn! xo Kristin
Mandy Rose says
January 13, 2013 at 1:40 pmLooks awesome! I really need to get my pantry organized…this may just be the motivation I need! Thanks!
Emerson Grey Designs says
January 13, 2013 at 5:53 pmOh wow…this just made me very jealous. I need a pantry overhaul. Actually, we just moved into our new home a month ago and this is my first time actually having a pantry!!! With that being said, I’m failing at making my pantry “work.” I may need to tackle it so it looks like yours.
Kristine says
January 13, 2013 at 6:57 pmWow what a difference! It looks so neat and tidy now! I totally get what you mean about organizing being personal, it truly is based on your family and your current needs.
Diana Rambles says
January 13, 2013 at 7:35 pmImpressive!
Gina says
January 13, 2013 at 7:55 pmVery cool- great job!! Baskets are such a necessity when working with wire shelving aren’t they?!
Chelsea @ Making Home Base says
January 13, 2013 at 8:15 pmLooks great, Taryn! I love the faux chalkboard tags – clever girl! My pantry is in desperate need of organization as well. It’s teeny tiny and it’s packed full of stuff! It’s on my list of things to tackle! Have a great week :)
Karin C says
January 13, 2013 at 10:45 pmLove it,my panty is very deep almost 36″ and over 6 1/2 ‘ tall, some things get lost in there like the Bermuda triangle,going to incorporate your ideas to mine,thanks
Karin C says
January 13, 2013 at 10:48 pmLove it will try and incorporate your ideas to my pantry, it is very deep, over 36″ & well over 6’6″ tall, some areas are like the Bermuda triangle, things are never seen again, thxs for the great ideas :)
Aimee - It's Overflowing says
January 14, 2013 at 6:07 amTaryn…this is FABULOUS! XO, Aimee
Kim says
January 14, 2013 at 7:00 amYour pantry is almost exactly my pantry. I’ve been tossing around the idea to do exactly what you did. it really turned out fantastic and has inspired me to do the same. Thanks!
Mums make lists (@mumsmakelists) says
January 14, 2013 at 7:16 amBeen looking at loads of ideas to make best use of a small space but really love this
Jennifer Francis says
January 14, 2013 at 7:18 amYour pantry looks awesome! I love those cute baskets!
JoJo and Eloise says
January 14, 2013 at 9:55 amWe must be on the same BRAIN WAVE, Taryn. Except I think you actually caught the wave and I just watched it go by LOL!! I have been looking at my Pantry and SIGHING thinking something has seriously got to happen in there.. :) Great job!
Angelina
Emily says
January 14, 2013 at 10:00 amLOVE this! Now, I need to add on a pantry! My little cabinets are soooo full!
Ellen Christian says
January 14, 2013 at 10:15 amI love the baskets you used! I so need to do this!
Brittany Kuhn says
January 14, 2013 at 11:02 amyour pantry looks awesome!! I love the baskets and the chalkboard labels just top it off! Hopefully this helps you keep organized.
Thistle says
January 14, 2013 at 2:09 pmTaryn,
I love your baskets and chalkboard labels! What fun! Thanks so much for inspiring me today to get organized!
blessings,
karianne
Jenn @ Home Style Report says
January 14, 2013 at 3:37 pmI love it! I keep seeing those labels everywhere. I should probably grab a couple or DIY some! Thanks for hosting!
kristin says
January 14, 2013 at 5:14 pmThis is fabulous! My pantry is in need of another makeover.
Thanks for linking up.
XO
Kristin
Missy Inspired says
January 14, 2013 at 6:31 pmGreat job on your pantry. It looks really good and it’s really inspiring!
Brooke says
January 15, 2013 at 7:14 amThis looks amazing! Thanks for sharing and the great motivation! I love the baskets you used. Nothing beats a clean, organized pantry. Have a great day!
Jodi says
January 15, 2013 at 10:10 amwhere did you get the baskets? I would LOVE to do something like this but am so afraid it will cost a small fortune which is not happening at the moment. I really love the look of those baskets and makes your pantry look so clean and pulled together.. what I wouldn’t give :)
stoppingby from sugar bee!
Gaby {lifeineight.com} says
January 15, 2013 at 3:27 pmTaryn, what a difference! I love what you have achieved with your pantry. I’m working through mine at the moment (among another 100 projects that are going on at the same time!) so hopefully I’ll end up with something us nice and tidy as yours :)
Anu@MyDreamCanvas says
January 15, 2013 at 6:09 pmWow this is amazing!! This is so gorgeous. Love your style. I look forward to seeing you at My Dream Canvas. I am visiting you from Tuesday Treasures. Thanks Anu!
Kimm at Reinvented says
January 16, 2013 at 3:53 amWow, what a transformation! I love those baskets, the texture is amazing!
rea says
January 17, 2013 at 7:36 amwowser!! love how it looks now and i agree with you that organizing something that should work for you..those baskets are definitely are a steal!!
good job! huggies***
rea
http://homefor4sweethome.blogspot.com/
Marsha Cooper says
January 18, 2013 at 4:27 pmIt looks wonderful!
We don’t have a pantry…I wish we did. We do have tons of kitchen cabinets though. Most all of them need to be reorganized, especially since I’ve gotten back into stockpiling with sales and coupons.
Kris {Driven by Décor} says
January 18, 2013 at 6:48 pmHopping over from the linky party at Our Fifth House! I sooo need to organize our kitchen pantry, especially the floor area that is a mess of garbage bags, phone books, and who knows what else. Thanks for the inspiration!
Jocelyn @ Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows says
January 21, 2013 at 11:09 pmWow, this is inspiring! Now I really want to organize our pantry. It’s kind of a weird shape (the shelves are triangular), but I know that it could be better than it is now. Thanks for sharing!
Gracie says
January 29, 2013 at 7:44 pmWhere did you get the baskets?
Kalyn Brooke | Creative Savings says
February 4, 2013 at 8:47 amLove those labels! We are in the process of moving, and I can’t believe how much expired food I had in my pantry, along with 2 opened containers of the exact same product. LOL.
Jenny @ Simcoe Street says
February 4, 2013 at 10:05 amSo organized! Great job!
Jenny
http://www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com
Diana @ Moms Living Leaner says
April 8, 2013 at 12:25 pmI am currently trying to organize my pantry and found your website. Thanks for the tips I am going to use a lot of these ideas!
Maria says
March 9, 2014 at 9:16 amYour pantry certainly looks great BUT do you realize that these straw- or other natural fibre baskets do tend to attract bugs? There is always a change of “importing” bugs from grocery stores …. or our natural home environment harbors larvae or bugs ….
Stainless steel, metal, glass (non-porous material) containers are a better choice for storing food items.
Mimi says
May 4, 2015 at 4:36 pmHow do you plan to keep these baskets clean? Crumbs are going to get stuck in the wicker… and dust will settle at the bottom. I use clear glass pans for organizing my pantry; I can see through them and they’re very easy to clean. Good luck with those wicker baskets which, in my opinion, are better suited for linens.
Charlsa Schwartz says
January 22, 2018 at 5:54 amGood morning!
Am trying to help my daughter organize a very small kitchen and we’re looking for small wire baskets or clear ones like I saw on ur posts w/pkgs of dressings, etc. she needs this for spices but width is only ab 8 1/2” in length. Where can we find the clear plastic ones u show? Would really appreciate any help.
Thank you
Charlsa Schwartz
Taryn Whiteaker says
January 22, 2018 at 9:16 amI would check the store Storables or The Container Store, they tend to have everything!