Organizing tips from Tommie #2...the pantry

Ask and you shall receive. Many of you asked to see the pantry. I have had every kind of pantry imaginable: little tiny cabinets under the counter, an entire room in the laundry area (loved that one), and even a room away from the kitchen (in KS at a house built the early 1900's). I really like the one I have here.

This one has two smaller areas on the top and shelves on the bottom. Just like you would see in the grocery store, things are grouped in sections. They are also labeled on the front of the shelf. The things at the top are things that used to be in random shaped bags. To be able to maximize the space, I take them out of the bags and put them in the same shaped containers. There are small round ones, square and rectangle ones. They hold things like brown sugar, rices, nuts, and kids snacks (graham crackers, goldfish, rice cakes, animal crackers).

Here is the rest of the pantry. Each shelf has a label on the front.

• Shelf one is oils, vinegars, sauces, and teas.
• Shelf two is rices, pastas, mixes, kids' mac and cheese.
• Shelf three is baking stuff: chocolates, baking powder, baking soda, and cooking frosting stuff.
• Shelf four is canned goods.
• Shelf five is cereals and crackers.

But the best thing about this pantry is the shelves on the bottom SLIDE OUT!!! I love this!

I do have an 'overflow' pantry. I only go to the commissary once every two weeks. I fill in fresh fruit, veggies, and dairy from the grocery store right by my house. So in here are bulk things that will eventually get moved to the pantry in the kitchen. Don't laugh at my toilet paper and paper towels. Nothing says "I love you!" like never running out of toilet paper.

One thing you can't see on this overflow pantry is there is a list on the door. Long ago I made a grocery list by sections just like on the self labels. I have it in a Word document. Every time I take something out of the overflow pantry to restock the regular one, I highlight it on the list. I only purchase the things that are highlighted on the list.

I have all of these pictures and more on my Flickr. So click on the badge and it will take you over there. I am starting to organize them in a set labeled "organizing".

Happy Wednesday y'all.....