Small Pantries with Big Storage Solutions

Having the space available or budget for a walk-in pantry can be a luxury. So in the spirit of storage solutions, we’ve gathered together a few smart ways to help you stay organized with even the smallest of pantries. 

As always, we know that organization brings peace of mind and keeps our days manageable. The kitchen is a prime space for the need to store items and keep it simple in the process.  We’ve culled together eight easy solutions to help you make the most of kitchen stowaways! 

1. Use Available Space. Though a custom kitchen pantry is ideal, there are other options to use every inch of space in your kitchen. Consider existing cabinets, drawers and how they can be repurposed with simple accessories to help you store and organize. That “junk drawer” that holds everything from bread ties to random screws to expired coupons? It’s the perfect spot for a new storage space. Unfussy drawer inserts become instant cubbies for kitchen gadgets, spice jars, utensils, or small dry goods. Shelves can be reconsidered too as a great spot to maximize space.
2. Reuse a Closet. Closets are sometimes overlooked as an easy way to create smart storage in a kitchen. With the addition of shelving, pull-out drawers, wire baskets and hooks for hard to store items, you can easily have a new area to organize kitchen goods.
3. Upcycle Existing Storage. You likely need to store potatoes, onions, garlic, etc. and can consider reusing existing storage containers, including magazine holders or other similar solutions. They’re slim and can hold a fair amount of dry foodstuffs. They also tuck away nicely to save space.
4. Use a Lazy Susan. If space will allow, we offer a corner lazy susan which allows items and ingredients to be easily accessible with independently rotating shelves. This eliminates the need to reach in deep cabinets. You’re also less likely to lose products in dark corners.
5. Build a Built-In. Are there blank walls that are otherwise empty and unused in your kitchen? We can help you consider a custom built-in wall unit.  What was once just a kitchen nook or wallspace can be made  into a legitimate pantry area with open shelving. Built-ins are an ideal way to use the exact space you have while making open shelving look neat and uncluttered.
6. Double Your Pantry Space. Don’t forget about using the backside of a door to hang hard-to-fit items – brooms, mops, etc. Or use hanging door baskets to hold taller jars, bottles and otherwise tricky-sized items. This increases storage considerably in your small pantry.
7. Style your space. Consider your color palette to add visual appeal. Colors can make a space feel larger or create interest. You can also use color to coordinate with your existing kitchen design for continuity!
8. Give Each Place a Purpose. When your kitchen goods have specific spots for the items you most often buy  it makes bringing in groceries and other items a timesaving tool.  Don’t be afraid to label the fronts of shelves, drawer inserts and such to encourage your family to know exactly where to put what.

Smart choices for small pantries are endless. Not only are you maximizing your space, but you are also creating an inviting design in the process of organization. 

At The Closet Works, our team of professionals can assess and assist you to find the right solution for your organizational needs. To learn more about organization and how an effective custom storage solution can transform your home, reach out to us for a free in-home design consultation. Qualified personnel with years of industry experience are waiting to help answer any questions you may have.