Pantries are essential kitchen storage but, as most people will tell you, there just isn’t enough space to store everything!  This can be true of even the biggest of pantries so we thought we’d take the time to find some pantry storage solutions to help you make the most of your pantry space, whether it’s a little or a lot.  If you need any more ideas or tips, have a chat with your local kitchen storage professional.

The “If You Can See It, You’ll Use It” Principle

The key with pantry storage is to maximise how much you have without having things shoved away into corners where they’re likely to get forgotten about.  Basically, it’s the “if you can see it, you’ll use it” principle.  Adhere to this by looking for organisers and shelf helpers that expand your space while keeping everything visible and accessible.

Shelf Helpers

One of the best ways to increase your pantry storage is by the use of shelf helpers.  These are simply things such as wire shelves or racks that double the usable space on each shelf.  For example, you could use expanding wire shelves to hold cans underneath and boxes on top, or cans on top and underneath. They’re very cheap to buy and you can organise them to specifically suit your needs.

Use Baskets

Another easy way to increase the amount of pantry space that you have is by using wire baskets to hold items.  They are particularly suited to small packets that would otherwise flop everywhere (think sauces, spices, herbs, soup mixes, rice, pasta, etc).  These stack very easily so you can have all your packets on the side of one shelf, leaving the rest of the shelf free for other items.

Use the Door Space

The back of the door is wasted space in many pantries but this doesn’t have to be the case at all!  Simply install a rack, and this can be used to hold stock, sauces, condiments, and spices.  As well, you can also get special door mounted dispensers for alfoil, cling wrap and paper towels, saving you having to find somewhere else to keep it.  As a bonus, it’s super accessible when you’re cooking!

Organise Pantry Goods

No matter how many pantry organisers you use, your pantry will never be truly organised until you make the effort to clear out all the old, unused and out of date goods and organise what remains.  Here are a few tips to organise your pantry goods so you get the most out of your space.

• Group like items together (all cereals together, all pastas together etc)

• Put taller items at the back and shorter items at the front

• Double stack cans with the labels facing out – you’ll get double the space but you’ll still be able to see exactly what you have

• Put large, heavy items on the floor so they’re not taking up valuable shelf space

• If keeping items in containers, make sure containers are clearly labelled with what’s inside as well as any applicable use by dates