Wednesday, April 10, 2013

The Pantry

As many of you know, we just remodeled an older home and moved in back in August.  Our goal of remodeling was three fold: update, maximize livable/usable living space, and increase storage.  By moving our laundry room to the basement we were able to build a great mud room and add an extra-large pantry, both must haves for a family of seven.  Well, over time my extra-large pantry became a collect all for all miscellaneous items that ended up in the kitchen.....it needed help.  There were lots of great ideas floating around on Pinterest so I got busy!

Here you get to see my dirty little secret.  Let me tell you, I am not organized.  Although, I would like to be one of those people that has a home for everything, that is just not me.  Even if I did have a home for everything, I am sure that six other people in my house would not.  My house usually looks clean and put together, but open any closet and this is what you get.  If my pantry experiment works, perhaps I will put my new found skills to work on all of the other closets in the house....it should only take me 16 years!


3-29-001before


What do you think?  Much better.  The pantry has been organized for about a week.  I like it, but I do not think the kids do, they liked it much better when they could see the food boxes.  One thing I really like about this type of organization, is I know what I have, which will certainly help with my grocery list!


collage 3after
collage 4after


I found most of my supplies on line.  The snap top containers are Lock& Lock, from QVC, and the crates are from Storables.  I made the labels out of chalkboard contact paper, all you need is contact paper, a paper punch, and a chalkboard marker.  I put a Ziploc in the pantry filled with supplies to relabel when I bring something new home.


collage 7supplies
There you have it, my first attempt at some "real" organization.  Happy Wednesday!

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8 comments:

Hannah said...

Did you know I have pantry issues? I do. I'm a bit of a freak when it comes to my pantry. I love how organized yours is now. Mine is organized but not pretty...and it's stuffed. I mean like stuffed.

Krista said...

Looks amazing! I really need to revamp mine! Krista @ A Handful of Everything

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

It looks great! Unfortunately every time I go in that direction it lasts all about a week. Then the kids mix the popcorn in the chips bin and well, you know what happens after that.... Hope that doesn't happen to you!

Serendipityissweet said...

Wow, that looks fantastic!

Gina Kleinworth said...

You always inspire me to make everything in my life a little prettier. I love how this turned out. I really miss my walk in pantry now. Nearly impossible to feel organised when having to store food in cabinets meant for dishes. Especially after having a nice large walk-in.

likeschocolate said...

What a great makeover! yahoo!

Tricia said...

That looks so great! My panty is super organized...the cans one one shelf. baking on another and so one. I keep snacks in a separate cupboard so that no one messes around with my system :)

Elisa said...

this looks awesome. I can't wait to have a pantry to organize!