Creating a Workable Pantry

by Wardeh Harmon

Many health-conscious cooks and mothers of large families often make bulk food purchases. It not only simplies shopping but often rewards the family with great savings in food costs. My family is no exception. We purchase non-perishables to last for one or two months or more. To make purchases this way requires workable pantry storage. My dream is to have a walk-in pantry for all pantry items. We don’t have that, and perhaps we never will. Even with more than adequate cupboard space in my kitchen, some items just won’t fit. This is often the case with bulk food purchases.

Would you like to develop a workable, efficient and even fun-to-use pantry? You don’t have to get fancy with store-bought solutions to get your pantry storage in shape. To make your time in the kitchen delightful and efficient, keep these things in mind.

PANTRY STORAGE TIPS

1. Think outside the box. It is probably true that most of us don’t live in our dream house with a huge walk-in pantry. Therefore, we must reconsider what “pantry” means to us. It is perfectly acceptable to have a pantry that extends through several cupboards and even into extra space of other rooms in the house. For instance, you might have extra space in a bedroom or family room where you can creatively conceal food items. I would encourage you to store infrequently used items this way, because the hassle required in fetching items more often used could eventually discourage you.

2. Take time to consider your needs and the possible solutions. Don’t start rearranging your pantry until you’ve taken some time to think. Consider what doesn’t work and what does in your current set up. Brainstorm possible solutions. Put it down on paper, even draw a picture, if it helps you picture your current situation and possible improvements. Taking this time will help you in the long run, saving you time because you’ll have a plan in mind. However, you might find that there are some pieces of the puzzle that aren’t clear at first. It may be helpful to accomplish a few rearranging and organizing tasks before the solution comes to mind.

3. Keep like things together for better efficiency and enjoyment in the kitchen. By “like things” I actually have two similarities in mind — similarity of purpose and similarity of container size. Many cooks keep all baking supplies together. Some might do this just for a season, while others do it year round. Also keep in mind that similarly sized items stack and fit well together, maximizing your storage space.

4. Break up the task of organizing your pantry into workable stages. If your kitchen storage isn’t ideal or if you have a seemingly insurmountable task to get it workable, please don’t be discouraged. Break it up into manageable tasks. Take one cupboard or area at a time. Once you accomplish the first task, that accomplishment will motivate you to tackle the next. Work at it a little every day, if necessary. If it takes you 2 weeks, that’s okay! My children recently sang a song at church with these encouraging words:

5. Use recycled containers and boxes to solve storage issues. You needn’t run out and purchase fancy storage solutions for every nook and cranny of your cupboards. Containers from other food or household purchases work great to store bulk food items. In addition, a handy benefit to buying in bulk is that you eventually end up with some nice, big containers. Boxes slid into a cupboard can contain all your pasta, spices, nuts, etc. I have used priority mail boxes from the post office before because I had some left over from Christmas shipping. It is okay if it isn’t fancy. Wouldn’t you rather have something that works, which may look plain, but prevents an unworkable mess in your cupboards?

6. After you’ve exhausted what you have on hand, consider making a few necessary purchases. Even though I’m a great advocate of making do, there may come a time when making a purchase of a baker’s rack, a couple of lazy susans,in-cupboard shelving, or food-grade buckets would be very helpful. Go for it! Save up if necessary. In most cases, these decisions are best made over time, when you’ve had time to consider what you really need.

7. Rearrange as needed to make things work. Pantry storage is never static or settled. I am constantly changing how my pantry functions to get it right. Food needs change from season to season. You may need to find more space in one place or another. I had a new need come up last week — the kids couldn’t reach baking supplies and spices, which made them less able to be a help in the kitchen. So I cleaned out the spice & baking cupboard and put the items that the kids need to reach on the bottom shelves. Be willing to take the time to make changes. I am certain that if you keep up with things in this way, you will enjoy your time in the kitchen more.

8. Get your whole family involved. Explain to them how your pantry storage works and ask them to help you keep it functioning. Seek their opinions about what works well and what could be improved. They may have some great suggestions to offer you. Finally, let them know that you enjoy cooking for them very much, and that you would appreciate their help in keeping things organized… for everyone’s sake!

Having a workable pantry requires patience, thought and a little creativity. If you have any thoughts to add on the subject — perhaps some tips or suggestions — please leave a comment below or email me at wardeh@christianhomekeeper.org. On my Such Treasures blog, I have made an entry including pictures to show my own pantry storage solutions. Feel free to take a peek.

© Copyright 2006 by Wardeh Harmon. Used with permission from the author.