Pantry Purge

Raise your hand if you’re already getting stir-crazy. Since you’ve got excess energy to burn, why not get a jump on your spring cleaning by tackling your messy pantry? Whether you’re hoping to start a totally new organization system or you simply want some kinda order in there, we have tips to help you have a perfect pantry in 2023!

Timberlake

Trend: bins & baskets

TikTok has made pantry organization an art form (just search for “pantry restock” and you’ll see what we mean. So satisfying!) Most organizers prefer clear containers, as they allow you to see what’s inside at a glance. But wire, wooden and wicker baskets remain pantry staples for aesthetic reasons. Just a word of warning; if you’ve always struggled to keep up with organizing containers elsewhere in your home, maybe start small at first.

The Home Edit

Clean Sweep!

Get set up

Before you get started, gather up all the materials you will need. First, bring over your trashcan for items you’ll be throwing away and a box for items you might donate. You’ll need to have cleaning supplies so you can clean as you go. You might want to grab a notepad to make a list of items you’ll need to restock. If you want to use new organizing containers and dividers, have those on hand.

Evaluate

Take a look at the pantry. What isn’t working for you? What works really well? Most of us have little annoyances about our pantries, such as items we frequently need being too high up for us to reach. Take that into account when you’re placing items back; you may wish to move some things around to make your pantry work smarter for you.

Zoning ordinance

It’s tempting to try and do the whole pantry at one time; after all, you’re probably considering a new way of organizing things. But from experience, tackling the whole thing will lead to more confusion and chaos! Instead, tackle the project one shelf or section at a time.

Keep your mind focused on each individual shelf or section as you work. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed with the scope of the entire project, the state of the rest of your kitchen or even how you’re going to make dinner; be present in the moment (and order a pizza later.)

Remove and sort

Remove everything from your chosen shelf or section. Sort each item as you go, tossing anything that’s expired or unwanted and donating anything unopened and unexpired that you don’t need. Remember that you’re making room for new things. And it goes without saying that you should throw away anything that any bug or pest has infested.

If you have items that you’d like to reorganize, set them aside on a counter, grouped by their future home. Don’t worry about getting too specific; grouping them by their future shelf would be just fine.

TOP Tip: Use a permanent marker to write the expiration date on the top of any cans; it may also be helpful to write what’s in the can do you can see the contents from above without shuffling everything around.

Closet Factory

Scrub-a-dub

It’s time to clean up! If there are crumbs, heavy dust or flour, use a vacuum handle attachment first; pay attention to the corners. Next, wipe the shelf down with a damp cloth; soap and water is fine, but feel free to use an antibacterial spray if you like. If there are any sticky spots, spray them and scrape up the goop. Finally, towel dry the area. As you replace items, give them a quick wipedown, especially if the tops are dusty.

Organization situation

If you’re going to be utilizing new storage containers, organizing tools or shelves, get those set up in each area before you begin replacing items. Remember: since we’re focusing on one section at a time, you shouldn’t try to assemble all of the items you’ll be installing at once! Give yourself time to set up each shelf just how you’d like it.

The biggest exception to this rule? If you’re installing an entirely new pantry/closet system! In that case, you probably have no choice but to do it all at once. We recommend having a second pair of hands or a professional installer, such as Closet Factory.

Inventory

Remember that pad and pen you grabbed when we first began? Make a grocery list so you can keep your pantry well-stocked and ready for whatever comes next.

On the flip side, take a look at the items you purged. Do you tend to overbuy canned vegetables that you never end up eating? Do you get drawn into cute packaging on bougie little treats? Do you buy a bag of flour every time you’re at the store, whether you need one or not? We all fall into little grocery shopping routines that leave us with pantry items we simply don’t need. It might even be helpful for you to make a DO NOT BUY list for the next time you’re at the store.

Magnolia Home

Trend: found you!

Plenty of homeowners aren’t shy about showing off their pantries. Installing accent doors on pantry spaces has become a fun way to add character to a kitchen. Just imagine an antique French oak door with wrought iron detailing or a door made from salvaged barrel staves.

We’ve also seen a lot of pantries featuring clear or frosted glass doors, or even open archways. This look is best achieved with extremely organized pantries, however!

Trend: ladder up

One of the biggest struggles of kitchen storage is needing something from one of the topmost shelves when you’re in the middle of cooking. Rolling library ladders allow you to reach everything without dragging over a chair or stepstool. Plus, they look super cool!

Trend: hide & seek

If the purpose of a pantry is to declutter your kitchen, then the hidden pantry is a way to declutter the declutter!

More homeowners are designing their pantry doors to be more seamless with the cabinetry in their kitchens, as shown above. Still others utlize pocket doors that save on space and offer a more flush look.

We’ve seen some smart kitchen systems that hide the pantry inside the island! The shelves rise up from the countertop at the push of a button.

For people with little space, specialty drawers, hinged cabinets and sliding shelves can be utilized to add the storage a pantry would provide without changing the home’s floorplan.

Trend: butler's pantry

Realtors are noticing an uptick in the demand for butler’s pantries in homes. And we couldn’t be happier! These multi-functional spaces offer tons of storage on top of customized stations that serve your unique needs. Many people have coffee bars, food prep stations, wine fridges and more in their butler’s pantries.

What’s the difference versus a large, traditional pantry?

Think of a butler’s pantry as an extension of the kitchen rather than just a place to store food. They often have second sinks, extra counter space and/or storage for serveware. With so many “must-have” small appliances on the market, a butler’s pantry is a godsend; the extra storage space frees up your kitchen counters.

The Home Edit