One of the hallmarks of good housekeeping is having an organized pantry. This particular art and science is centered mainly on how to make the most use of pantry space. Organization is not just arranging items for better and easier use but also being able to maximize the space in the pantry for the same goals.
Shelving
Experienced housekeepers use the traditional methods in having the most use of pantry space – assigning particular shelves (or cabinets) for individual item categories. Each shelf will have its own particular item (oils, spices, baking items, etc) and no other.
This makes it easy for whoever is cooking and using the pantry. The shelves (or cabinets) are the only ones opened during cooking sessions, and avoiding clutter all over the place.
Risers
Maximizing space in the pantry also includes the use of risers, baskets and containers – all in the service of making the most of pantry space. One tip is to buy in bulk and use the jars or baskets to store these items (sugar, baking items, etc.)
This method had been proven to eliminate clutter because you have eliminated the extra package product designs (protruding box signs, open flaps) intended to catch your attention at the supermarket shelves. In your pantry, they take up so much space for nothing.
Re-arrangements
Creating the most use of pantry space in your cabinets include the time-tested method of rearranging items in the shelves. Storing large and tall items (bottles, jars) at the back and bringing the small items up front can free up space.
The trick is being able to stack up the smaller items up front where they are seen rather than at the back covered from view by big and tall items at the front.
Baskets /caddies / other storage aids
Small items can take up space simply by lying around. These small items are usually those that cannot sit upright. Soup mixes, sachets of gravy mixes, packets of tea and many others can all be put in a basket of their own grouping.
The advantage is knowing where they are and their not taking up space strewn around the shelves or all over the kitchen counter tops.
This is also true with utensils that have different lengths, sizes, and shapes. Storing them in a drawer is a clutter by themselves. Having them all brought together in a take-all caddy and set at the counter top helps save up pantry space.
For hard to reach shelf corners, consider buying a double-decker lazy Susan. It doubles up storage space (double decks) and makes it easier for you to reach items (just spin it around) at far corners of the shelf.
Door space
One other tip of making the most use of pantry space includes the often-forgotten door. Instead of being a wasted space, the door can be utilized as another storage space.
You can buy small baskets or pouch-hangers and use it as storage of small items hanging from the inside the doors. They can serve as pouches for small sachet items. They have the advantage of being invisible since they are hanged in the insides of the pantry doors and cannot be seen when closed.
