pantry makeover {& organization}

Behind closed doors we can easily let organization get out of control. This was especially true for me regarding my pantry. The issue had gotten out of hand, and it was time to get it under control.

I would like to insert a bit of realistic rant right here though.

I have seen over my days images of perfect looking pantries. Everything in separate containers, and everything labeled. Don't get me wrong, these pantries look great. However, there are three things I see when looking into these perfect pantries. 

1. money. filling your pantry with baskets and containers from wall to wall... well that would add up, real quick. 

2. upkeep. keeping those pasta and cereal containers filled seems like work. You'll have to clean them out between fills, and then taking the time to fill them every grocery trip... too much work for me!

3. functional. they appear functional, however, what about those miscellaneous items? I'm sure they are all tossed in "one" of those containers. so then you have to go digging for it. and do you remember where you categorized it?

If you have one of these fabulously organized pantries... a major kudos to you! 

Seriously! Especially after you see my pantry :0

I understand if your face immediately turns in disgust. But, this is it!

here's what I had let my pantry become...

I like an organized space as much as the next person. However, let's face it, it's a pantry. Most the time, it's behind a closed door. I want my organization to be more about function than looks. I want to be able to go in, grab what I need, and get out. I need my organizational skills to be manageable on a day to day basis.

I decided to get a few things to help my pantry organization along.

First. I got clear canisters to hold my flour, sugar, etc. Half the time I grabbed the wrong canister, and it was driving me nuts. This way, there's no guessing. It's there in my face, no forgetting which is which. If I grab the wrong one, well it's on me now.

Second. I got a bread box. I've always wanted a bread box. I loved the idea of it. I used to keep my bread up against the side, but I moved it down the shelf to use the bread box as a divider. Although I will admit, this one isn't super functional. There is an extra step to grabbing out your bread from behind the baguette for tomorrow's dinner. 

Third. I got a few wire baskets. I picked up five rectangular baskets that had a spot for a label and varied in size. I needed something to help keep things from piling over. The biggest disorganized spot in my pantry was all my baking supplies. So having these wire baskets to keep from pouring into each other really helped make the space look more organized, but more than anything - now I can actually find what I'm looking for without having to throw things around. That's always a plus ;)

That's all I bought for my pantry to help give it a little boost of organization. I spent around $100 on my organization makeover. It wasn't a night and day difference, however, I was definitely pleased with my results. I feel like the changes made are manageable and functional, which is what organization is really all about.

The main thing to get organization to take place in my disaster of a pantry...

 some conquer and dividing. I categorized areas the best I could, and that's pretty much it!

here are some before & afters for you...

... and yes, that's a microwave. 

We put electric in our pantry to run our microwave, toaster, 

and to keep a hand held vacuum charging in there as well.

bread box {amazon}

glass canisters {home goods}

wire baskets {home goods}