Extreme Small Pantry Makeover
We've snuck into my mother-in-law's pantry, giving me a few hours to complete this project with my husband's help. If you dread opening the door and going into your pantry, then this pantry makeover is for you.
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Pantry makeover challenge
Below is a before photo of my mother-in-law's pantry, which she permitted me to organize.
Her primary goal was to create more space, but I knew there were a few additional elements we could incorporate to enhance functionality.
Practical storage was another critical need, so we headed to Walmart to find affordable solutions, with everything coming in under $10.
1. Initial steps
I began this pantry makeover by taking measurements of her shelves but also picked up various items, knowing some would fit and others would not.
Even though I didn't purchase certain containers, I liked them and noted they also came in under $10.
Our last stop was Dollar Tree, where I grabbed a couple of plastic baskets and planned to use a secret hack with the Walmart bins.
2. Organization strategy
To tackle a small space like this, clear everything out to make the task more manageable. Initially, I used dark bins for storage, which made the pantry look even smaller.
Revisiting the space allowed me to see what worked and what didn't, so my goal was to create a more open and larger-looking area. Small pantry makeovers are definitely challenging, but don’t try up. Play around with your options.
3. Canned goods organization
We always joke about wanting to be close to my mother-in-law during an apocalypse because she is the queen of canned goods.
Organizing these items in place, rather than removing them all at once, saved time and effort.
A common mistake in organizing a pantry is using bins that are too small or don't fit the shelves correctly. Therefore, take the time to measure the shelves and find the right fit.
4. Sections
We organized the pantry into sections: tuna, chili and beans, soup and gravy, tomato products, corn, peas, and baking items. We consolidated as much as possible, aiming for her to be pleasantly surprised.
5. Safety and practicality
Large, heavy jars were initially stored on high shelves, posing a safety risk. I relocated them to lower shelves. Using one solid light color, like white high-sided bins from Walmart, helps eliminate visual clutter.
Labeling clearly enhances functionality and reduces the overwhelming feeling. Despite hitting a wall due to the messiness of the project, I switched to quicker, easier tasks to regain momentum.
6. Efficient storage solutions
My mother-in-law and father-in-law, along with other family members, use the pantry, so labels were crucial for easy identification and return of items.
Pantry organization is a two-step process: tidy enough for immediate use and then revisiting for tweaks. Although some shelves needed repairing, removing dark bins made a significant visual difference.
7. Re-adjustments
After a week, my father-in-law repaired the shelves, and they tested the system to see what worked. We invested in more flip-top dry good containers for the higher shelf.
A search for a perfect container led to another Walmart find under $10. Labeling everything with my favorite label maker turned the pantry into a beautiful, functional space.
8. Clear bins and additional storage
While my mother-in-law liked some white bins, she preferred clear ones for better visibility. Clear plastic bins from Walmart were ideal for the top shelf, allowing easy identification of items.
We created a dedicated snacking shelf and used a Dollar Tree plastic basket for sorting onions, sweet potatoes, and baking potatoes.
Small pantry makeover
Instead of facing an overwhelming, cluttered pantry, my mother-in-law now enjoys a neatly organized space. This pantry makeover was a huge success.
We displayed some of her favorite items, consolidated canned goods, and cleared floor space.
Flip-top lidded containers replaced plastic bags, ensuring easy access and maintenance. The most sought-after snack items are now easily reachable, and we've created a more functional and visually appealing pantry.
What do you think of the results? Comment down below.
Next, check out these 10 Budget Organizers You NEED From Dollar Tree & Walmart.
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