for door-mounted racks that can add a significant amount of storage space. Also create a plan for the best use of your shelving. If you have adjustable shelves, create spacing that works for the baskets or totes you plan to use. If you have oddly- shaped items like a thin, long griddle, create a narrow space by bringing shelves close together. Alternatively, store the griddle vertically or put it on the top shelf. If needed, make more shelves DIY style or with the help of a local contractor or home improvement store. If you don’t have adjustable shelves and find yourself with wasted space, get some shelf helpers. These create additional shelf space within your pantry so you can place cans or boxes beneath and on top of shelves.
Step 2 - Sort Perhaps the most crucial step in the entire process is sorting the items you plan to store in the space. This gives you a master plan for organization. Will you have small items like seasoning packets? Will the space house the slow cooker, waffle iron and griddle? Do the kids forage through the food supplies hourly? (We know the answer here). Sorting also gives you a rough idea of the quantities that need to be organized. Plan for the maximum amount. For example, if you buy pudding in four packs and only eat it occasionally, your storage needs will be much different than if you buy them in bulk at Costco and the family takes them for lunch daily.
Step 3 - Evaluate the Space Now is the time to install
additional shelving or bring in a store-bought rack. Think about whether you want solid shelves or if wire racks will do the trick. If you decide on wire, it’s helpful to lay a thin board or other material on each shelf to help create a level surface and keep small items from falling through the cracks. Consider the entire space. Use the highest part of the pantry for rarely used items like the punch bowl and turkey roasting pan, or store the lightest items like toilet paper and napkins above your head. Also, consider the type of door on your pantry. There are myriad options
Step 4 - The Door Rack
Door racks attach to the back of the pantry door and provide space to hold an assortment of items. They come in endless varieties ranging from inexpensive plastic to custom wood options. One budget-friendly hack is to use an over-the-door shoe sorter to handle the job. When selecting your door rack, consider your budget, the size of the door, the depth of the rack, and the way
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