How to Maximize Space in a Small Kitchen Pantry

1. Use The Doors for Extra Space in A Small Pantry

Adding an over-the-door storage rack or installing a permanent rack of shelves behind your pantry door is a simple and easy fix for increasing storage space. Racks can be mounted with small screws and don’t require complicated tools or equipment. And, over-the-door shelves slide easily into place once assembled. They're perfect for storing condiments, jars, cans, spices, and oils used frequently in your dishes.

2. Add A Lazy Susan

Often used in other areas of a kitchen or dining room to display multiple items at once, a Lazy Susan can help in a small pantry too. Effortlessly bring items from the back of a shelf to the front in one simple spin. The organizational experts at HGTV list additional uses for Lazy Susans, such as arranging items by "theme." In other words, keep all of your special condiments (barbecue sauces, Indian spices, salsa, etc in one area). Take it one step further and add multiple Lazy Susans to your space. You'll be surprised how much more organized your small pantry will look after bringing in this handy accessory.

3. Create A Handy Snack Clip Wall

Life With Less Mess offers a genius solution for holding individual bags of chips, popcorn, and other bagged snacks by adding clips to available wall space. Similar to a grocery store display, it’s easy to install a narrow strip of clips that can hold single-serve snack bags. This storage method is also helpful when making a shopping list to know how many bags have been eaten and need replacing at a quick glance.

4. Don’t Forget About The Top Shelf

Top pantry shelves can be tricky for storage because they are out of sight and out of reach. Lesser used, bulkier items work well for up-high storage, such as waffle makers, juicers, or bread makers. High shelves also work well for things you want to keep out-of-reach for children, such as bottles of wine and liquor. Adding a wine bottle rack offers a great way to store adult drinks in your small pantry without worrying that the kids will have easy access. Also, if your pantry is extra tiny, try storing mini-size bottles of your favorite beverages up high.

5. Stack to Create Extra Space

By stacking baskets and bins inside your pantry, you can significantly increase your storage space. Similar items, like pasta and rice, can be grouped together in a wire basket or clear bin for easy access and visibility.

6. Add Storage to The Floor

When using your pantry floor for extra storage, be careful to only add large, bulky items. Smaller items like cans and small bottles will get lost, so be strategic on what you place on the floor. Juice box containers, 2-liter bottles of soda, family-size chip bags, bags of potatoes or onions, tissue boxes, or paper towel rolls are all ideal for placing on the floor.

Baskets that easily pull out are perfect for housing similar items, like keeping sweet potatoes and russet potatoes together in the same basket or storing tissues and paper towels together. Make sure your baskets are durable and easily washable. Good quality wire baskets are great because they can be shifted when necessary and are simple to clean. 

7. Use Space Under Shelves

When evaluating your pantry, it’s easy to forget about the spaces under the shelves, but they can be very helpful when used correctly. By sliding in under-shelf baskets below, this empty space becomes useful for storing smaller items needing a good home. Soup cans, tea bags, zip-lock bags, and other small-ish items fit well in baskets, without compromising space for other needed items.  

8. Organize By Groups

Grouping the right items together, whether in your small pantry or another area of your home, your life will become much more organized. Whether prepping for a large meal, baking bread, or even reaching for an afternoon snack, having the same or similar items side-by-side can save you time and effort. Understanding your family’s lifestyle is essential when arranging your pantry items and adjusting them as needed is equally important too so you can gather ingredients together quickly or find those favorite cookies or crackers in a pinch when guests arrive.

Conclusion

Once you’ve implemented these easy tips for reorganizing your small kitchen pantry, you’ll be thrilled with the time you save prepping for meals and grabbing a quick snack. Best of luck!

Sources

• https://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/kitchens/ways-to-maximize-your-pantry-space-pictures
• https://www.lifewithlessmess.com/maximize-space-small-pantry/