My pantry needed reorganization.
Now, I know that many of you will not agree with me, because it did APPEAR to be well organzied.
However, from my persepective and need for function and "pretty," this pantry was missing the mark.
The floor area was slowly filling up. Random boxes and bags of food were shoved into open areas. Multiple bottles of the same stuff were open and at varing levels of empty. Things were dusty and hiding dirt and crumbs behind them.
It was driving me crazy.
So I dove it and removed everything!
About 10 years ago, I had a mouse problem that almost sent me to the psychiatric floor of our local hospital. I caught the culprit and then cleaned out the pantry thoroughly - because mouse droppings and urine can infect food, especially on cans and bags.
Less than a week later...more mouse evidence. Repeat thorough cleaning after said mouse was erradicated.
2 DAYS LATER...yep, you guessed it...another mouse.
I was literally in tears from having to spend hours and hours cleaning and recleaning this pantry!
Seems there was a family and as each "scout mouse" was eliminated, another was sent out in it's place.
I was so tired of cleaning out this pantry that I fully DEMOLISHED that mouse family, AND THE ENTIRE PANTRY WITH IT!
It was my attempt at reclaiming my sanity.
I pulled off the old 1963 sagging wooden brackets and warped shelves (finding hundreds of mouse droppings behind the brackets and shelves - yes, I gagged the entire time), wiped down the walls, and then wall-papered them in a heavy duty vinyl wallpaper.
It makes the pantry totally wipable, PLUS, cans and containers do not leave marks on the walls now.
The wallpaper was from Lowes. I believe they carry this type of paper still; near the curtain department.
I also installed a bracket and rail system for coated wire shelving which allows me to adjust shelving space as needed. The only drawback are those wire shelving spaces.
The Dollar Tree to the rescue. (Did you have any doubt?)
If you have wire shelving and you don't like how things wobble or fall through, create shelf toppers with foam board and contact paper from your local Dollar Tree.
Cut and cover to size per shelf and you've got wipable shelving at a low, low cost as compared to replacing with wooden or melamine shelves.
Once everything was wiped down and readied for the return of stuff, I did a bit of "triage" on the initial contents.
I started with the plastic containers.
We don't use plastic for leftovers in our house. Instead, we use glass because it's "green" and easy to reheat right in the containers (minus the plastic lids).
I do however use plastic for the RV when we camp as well as sending food to our parents or with friends. I keep a basket of them in our pantry for these situations. However, I too end up with non-matching pairs and need to periodically clean it out.
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| BEFORE |
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| AFTER |
The Dollar Tree carries these small black frames that are perfect as labels for baskets. I use my P-Touch label maker and some string to tie them to the baskets. It's easy to change as needed.
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| Use the sting by tucking it behind the cardboard piece in the back. You could also use hot glue. |
Next, I wiped down each food item and checked the dates. I was pretty surprised at how many items I had that were out of date.
Also, by going over each item I got a better idea of what I have in the way of food stuff and can plan upcoming meals around that, especially stuff that is close to it's expiration date.
I picked up some more containers (Amazon and The Dollar Tree) for a few of those items that were still in bags.
After my episodes with the mice, I realized that you can discourage them by not having "chewable" containers/packaging in your food areas. Using solid containers allows you to have a pretty pantry AND keep critters at bay. Once they realize that they cannot find food available, mice will move on looking for the next food source.
Containers CAN get pretty expensve IF you are not picking them up at The Dollar Tree.
Amazon periodically has them for sale on their daily specials, but I've also picked up many from Marshals and Home Goods. I like The Container Store, but I think they are pricey, especially when you have access to lower priced, good quality containers.
Not all my containers match, but the overall asthetic works, so I'm happy.
I use my label maker to label the outside and then I cut off the directions for cooking and place it in the container.
Here are my grits in their new home. When I add more, I will make sure to check the directions to see if they match the current ones. IF NOT, I will place these grits in a baggie with their directions and place the new grits and directions in the container. I will then place the baggie inside as well and use them up first.
At last is was time to put things back.
Up high I place items that I don't need as often. I use these fabric bins to store things like lunchboxes, aluminum pans, and my immersion blender.
Items like my crock pots go near or on the bottom.
Yes, I have 5 crock pots. They are all different sizes, and YES, I use them all.
Between our RV life and easy meal prep, I find a crock-pot is a life saver.
Our glass storage is put at arm height for easy reach. I bought this as a set, and see them quite often in my BJs.
Oils go on the door. I peridodically replace the paper towling beneath it to keep oil residue at bay.
Finally, I started placing "like" things back in where I felt made the most sense. It was a different placement than before, so I had to give hubby a "tour." (I knew there would be confusion if I didn't.)
Four hours later...
What's the best part?
ALL THAT EMPTY SPACE!
I mean seriously... It's like the best to see it there. It feels so un-cramped!
Before - not so organized.
After - ahhhhhhh!
I did re-home some of our entertainment items. If they were only used a few times a year, they went into the basement with their "friends."
The trick will be to keep this organization for a longer period of time then when I re-organized before.
I seriously have a rule-breaker in my house...
(not me obviously)
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