If you realize you need a specific spice in the middle of cooking, rummaging through an unorganized pantry is the last thing you need. Keep your pantry clean and organized so that you can find anything you need in a pinch, using these ideas as a guide as you dive into your pantry organization projects. While you’re at it, label practically everything in your pantry. Labels help you stay organized. You can even purchase baskets with rails, so that you can slide them in and out easily. This also allows you to install multiple baskets vertically in one cabinet space, meaning you can store more items. Make sure the hook you use to hang your baskets is nice and strong and be aware of its weight limit (which is usually indicated on the product’s packaging). While you probably don’t want to store melons on there, hanging baskets are great spaces for apples, bananas, avocados, potatoes, and more. You could even designate one set of hanging baskets as your fruit basket and purchase another for your vegetables. Store them up high like this to free up counter space and display some functional decor. Bonus—fresh produce is gorgeous. Your farmer’s market purchase isn’t only delicious food, but it’s also cute decor. But don’t admire its beauty for too long—eat it while it’s fresh. If you decide to display your cookbooks as decor, consider finding ones with covers that match your home’s aesthetic. And consider adding a cookbook holder onto your pantry or kitchen counter to make your cooking experience even easier. Find plants with low light requirements if your pantry does not have a window. Alternatively, purchase a few faux plants. While fake plants have been a major no in the past, there are some convincingly cute ones on the market now. Some house guests may find a rack full of sharp knives intimidating, so keep these tucked away in the pantry or separate room if that’s a concern. And be sure they’re out of reach of kids and pets. This pantry tip is also budget- and renter-friendly. If you want to make your space feel more like your own without breaking the bank, buy some contact paper. It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so you can choose your favorite. You can follow this strategy for other ingredient types as well. Consider placing all of your taco seasoning ingredients together, for example, or place your breakfast favorites next to each other to make things easier on groggy mornings. Another great space-saving tool for tall kitchen cabinets like these ones is to install pull-out shelves. Keep in mind that butcher block counters do require sanding and oiling at least twice a year to keep them looking nice and functioning properly. Drawers aren’t the best place to store fresh produce, however, because they hide them away where you could forget about them and let them go to waste. Instead, store things like utensils and nonperishable items in your drawers.
