A convenient, accessible, well-organized pantry can make a huge difference in your quality of life. Good pantries keep your countertops clear and your cabinets uncluttered. Not to mention all the time and frustration you'll save if you don't have to hunt for each item you need. Below are some considerations to improve your pantry when remodeling your kitchen:
Small spaces: If your kitchen is too small for a regular pantry, here are some ideas when you plan your renovation. A narrow set of slide-out shelves can fit between cabinets. When you want something, you can slide it out and then put it back out of the way when you're done. You can get floor to ceiling models and others that are as tall as a cabinet. Some are only 9 inches wide but supply lots of storage capacity. Other space-saving pantries are basically cabinets with storage inside swing out cabinet doors as well as on the shelves.
Designing a Pantry: There are many options to remodel and create a pantry. Kitchen pantries range in size from as big as a room or small as a cabinet. Wherever you put it, make sure the shelves aren't too deep; this makes it hard to find items in the back. In general, wider and shallower shelves make it easier to find things. If you have to work with deep shelves, make them easier to handle with pull-out baskets and lazy Susans. The ideal space for a pantry is cool and dark.
Organizing a Pantry: Group similar items together. For instance, designate a shelf for cereals, a shelf for spices, one for cans, etc. Alternatively you could put together all the baking supplies, all the coffee supplies, etc. You can use shelf dividers to keep different kinds of food separated. Put taller items in the back where they are easier to find. Heavier items like big soda bottles can go on the floor. Organization makes it easier to find the item you need in a hurry.
