Overhaul Your Pantry

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

03 Apr 2008 02:02 AM

When you open your pantry, do you find a tumble of cereal boxes, cleaning products and snacks? As homeowners, we tend to stash everything that we possibly can into a pantry. There is something about being able to stash it and close the door that can make a pantry quickly become a mess. A pantry can be so much more. You can have an organized food pantry, or an extended butler's pantry that is truly functional. Turn your pantry into a purposeful space with the following tips.

If you have a large, walk-in pantry, consider moving the microwave, the mixer or other small appliance to the pantry, to allow you more work space in the kitchen.

Make sure that your pantry has adequate lighting. Track lighting is especially nice in a large pantry, because it can be adjusted as needed.

For a food pantry, group items by type, such as putting all of the canned goods on one shelf and the cereal and breakfast fixings on another. Don't forget to rotate food items as new ones are added.

Install a large chalk board or paint the inside of the door with chalkboard paint. Keep a list of items that you have, so you know what might be lurking in the back of the pantry and out of site.

Stand alone pantries can substitute for built in pantries if your home doesn't have the later. We have two pantries in our dining room. One holds baking ingredients and cereal, while the other has items that are used for lunches and dinners.

If you do have a large walk-in pantry, consider laminate flooring. It is durable, will protect dropped glass jars and is easy to clean.

Floor to ceiling shelving will maximize your pantry space. Be sure to include a step stool inside the pantry or nearby if needed.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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