How to Keep Your Pantry Organized - The Professional Edition
You've seen the Instagram photos of perfectly styled, curated, and labeled pantries. Scratch that — works of art. The colors are organized according to the rainbow. The labels are delicate and beautiful. The entire scene makes you want to open the pantry door and gaze lovingly at this masterpiece while ordering your kids not to touch anything. Nothing should interrupt this one little corner of life that is tidy and orderly, you think.
We get the infatuation — truly — but we also know your pantry has to remain functional. Even after your professional organizer (which could totally be me, by the way) is done, you'll want to maintain our hard work between our re-organization update appointments. If you aren't sure how to do that, keep reading.
1.
KEEP LIKE WITH LIKE
You've noticed that pretty much all professional organizers will group similar items together, further dividing them into subcategories if needed. We do this because 1) it is easy on the eyes and creates a sense of mental clarity and balance, and 2) it helps you find what you need more quickly.
As you begin using your perfectly sorted space, make sure you (and the kids...the spouse...the babysitter) understand that each item has its own place on the shelf, bin, drawer, etc. No, "I'm too busy," or, "I'll just set this here for a minute," excuses.
2.
AVOID ECLECTIC BUYS
Every mainline store from Target to Home Goods is going to tempt you with the latest lovely organizing gadgets. Wide-mouth jars pre-labeled for baking, rigid cloth bins to organize your tea bags and "add texture" to your pantry.... Don't fall for it. The more colors, sizes, and textures you introduce into your pantry, the less organized it will become.
If you find that you need more organization bins or jars, just let me know. I can make sure you get more of the right brand and size, ensuring consistency and prolonged organization of your space.
3.
REMOVE THE PACKAGING
ORGANIZING TIP #1
Go for glass, if at all possible
Store flours and other grains in sealed glass jars to prevent pests from taking up residence. Ensure the mouth is wide enough for easy scooping and measuring.
Remember to continue using your jars and containers. Have a new bag of cereal? Pour it into the clear container. Have more of your kids' favorite snack crackers? Put them in the child-friendly (or is it "childproof"?) container. Removing the outer packaging from your pantry purchases will save space and keep the shelves aesthetically-pleasing.
ORGANIZING TIP #2
Quarterly maintenance is key
Reassess your pantry once every three months to check for expired, forgotten items, or completely misplaced items. You'll be surprised what you find. An organizer's job is never done.
Robin Bond is a multi-award winning Austin-based interior designer. She is best known for her transitional and contemporary design aesthetic, which she brings to life through incorporating edgy elements into each of her unique, luxury designs.
Robin has been practicing interior design since 2003. Her training and experience include a Diploma from The Interior Design Institute, and the Sustainable Furnishing Council’s Green AP designation, and she is an HSR Certified Professional Home Stager and Redesigner. She is a member of ASID and WCAA, where she received her Certified Window Treatment Consultant designation.
Robin is a native Texan with strong family ties all over central Texas. She married her husband, Darren, in 1998 and they are proud parents of their son, Shelton. Their Ragdoll cat, Rocco, completes the family. Robin feels blessed to practice what she lives, loves and breathes as a career. When not designing, Robin stays involved at her local church, Antioch. She is a foodie and loves to cook. Robin believes in mind, body and soul wellness, so she spends free time exercising, watching movies, riding bikes and has a passion for the water. The greatest love of her life is building rich relationships with friends and family.
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