Cleaning and Organizing the Pantry

Our "pantry" was in chaos.  Well, let me back up a bit - when I say pantry I mean old cabinet/hutch.  Old house = no real pantry.  So we have improvised and use an antique cabinet for a lot of our kitchen storage needs.  Its not that big so it tends to get overrun a bit - and by a bit I mean a lot.  It was definitely time to clean this little "pantry" out and give it better function and organization.  So here we go...

First, the mess - we had things shoved in some places and then we were not utilizing some areas that well at all.  We really just didn't have a plan or any kind of organization (obviously).  It was pretty much just a free for all.  Something I am learning through this "get organized" process is that small spaces need plans.  

I don't even know what to say, it was just obviously not working.  So first thing was first, everything was all emptied out and gone through.  There were definitely things in there that needed to be tossed and some things that needed to be scaled down.  Taking the little packages out of the bigger boxes really freed up a ton of space.  

After everything came out, all of the shelves received a good wipe down.  I also decided to line the bottom shelf.  I just measured and cut wrapping paper and then covered it with clear contact liner to make it more durable and easier to clean.

Next came the grouping of items.  I just tried to keep similar things together.  Like drink mixes, baking items, canned goods, snacks. paper goods, etc.  I had several plastic bins leftover from my big laundry organization project so I was able to just use what I already had.  I didn't have to buy any sort of organization item or container for this clean -out!

I decided to add a few labels to the bins to just help keep things neat in the future.  A simple label maker and a little washi tape was all I used.  If you are looking for just a basic label maker, mine is from Target - is was around $18, which is a super price for one of these.

Its nice to have everything cleaned out, neat and in its own place.  I feel like the space is being much better utilized now.

One small step at a time and things are getting organized around here and its so nice.  More things to come!

So are you guys getting excited about the Pinterest Challenge on Wednesday??  I can't wait to see what you have come up with!  I'm still working on getting my project completed, its organization related and I'm loving it.  Come by and link up your projects this Wednesday!!  It can be anything big or small!

Have a wonderful week!

Linking Up Here:

Clean It Challenge Link Party