Kitchen Projects....Pantry

With my two girls back in school, I now feel like I have time to do some of the organizing projects that have been neglected over the summer.  My first project--the pantry.  I have never really liked my pantry....the bi-fold doors that never seem to close right, the metal wire shelving that isn't spaced correctly.  I guess I shouldn't complain.  At least I have a pantry, and I don't have to take up precious cupboard space for my food.

Since we moved in, 7 years ago, I have been trying to come up with some sort of good system to keep everything in the pantry organized.  Countless times I have taken everything out, sorted it all into like items, and placed it back on the shelves thinking, "how hard could it be, now that it is organized, to keep clean?"  But after only a few days the old habits and mess would be back.  

I browse a lot of organizing blogs, and the other day, while reading one of my favorites orgjunkie.com, I came across her ideas for getting your pantry under control.  It was simple, really.  Some baskets.  A few labels.  This was something I could easily do, and hopefully my family could keep organized.  

So off to the dollar store I went in search of baskets.  And then to Walmart for something to hold labels in place.  I was successful and came home with these...

Seven blue baskets, a cool two-tier shelf that works with wire shelving, and some things for labels.  Now to tackle this.....

I took everything off of the shelves and put everything in categories....pasta, crackers, etc.  Then I got rid of anything that was out of date and started putting things in the baskets.

Things were so unorganized that I found some fruit bars that expired in 2009..... 2009?  Are you kidding me?!  Anyway, I got everything in the baskets and put back on the shelves (the two-tiered shelf worked great for my canned items!) and I was shocked at how much room I had now!  Yay!

Looks great huh?  Now on to the labeling......

I printed out what items I wanted, cut them out and put them in these clear sleeves, clipped them to the correct basket, and viola!  Easy!

Hopefully this will be the solution that works!  And look at all the boxes I got rid of.....

I will let my 8 year old break these down for the recycling bin because she is trying to earn a little extra money. :)

I am so pleased with how this project turned out that I think I will tackle this horrible mess next.....

Check back soon to see how my freezer organizing goes......