Laurie’s Beautiful Kitchen Pantry Organization + Free Labels

My Pantry Problems:

1.  My boys needed to help put groceries away.

2.  Last snack before bedtime was usually a sugary treat.  Resulting in daily repeat conversations. {a.k.a. nagging}

3.  Wire closet storage racks made things fall and stack wonky.

4.  It was ugly and dark.

My Pantry Solution:

1.  Labels {print the free labels}

2.  Bins.  I sat down and really evaluated how we ate, our routines and lifestyle, issues we have, and how we eat.

It’s no secret that I adore bins.  They bring order and color. Without a lid they provide my “dump method of organizing”.

3.  Bins not only created more space but also better containerized smaller items which wouldn’t stack properly on the wire wracks.

4.  I painted it a very light yellow and decorated with colorful fabric bins and bunting that I got from Etsy.  I added them at the top of the kitchen pantry to bring fun and sun to my dark kitchen pantry.

Since I have all boys, I went kinda crazy with the colors. {giggle}

The Strategy:

Thanks to the labels, now when the boys bring in our groceries they know exactly where to put them.

When we have “last snack” before bed I grab the snack labeled bin where they get to make their choice.  {sans sugar}  Treats are for after school or dessert after dinner thus creating less groundhog day type conversations by me. {giggle}

Also when the boys have friends over ~ I can quickly grab the appropriate bins and put them out on the counter in seconds.

Bin Tips:

I would suggest a fun color for your bins.  Grey and Brown overtime can feel dirty.  Black is too dark. White gets grodie.  So pick a fun color.

Also make sure your bins are plastic!  Wicker isn’t sturdy enough. Fabric gets gross.

Also, I would suggest your bins having a cutout handle so the younger kids can put them away easier.

The teal bins I used are sized 9″ high x 13.5″ deep x 11″ wide.

** Update ** I got these teal plastic bins from Walmart but it looks like they were discontinued as I looked for links but couldn’t’ find them. Sorry!

When deciding what to put in each bin ~ really think about what you eat and when.

I would suggest that your pantry system compliments your current routines rather than trying to make your lifestyle and eating habits work around your pantry.

Grab and Go:

When we moved to Texas, I added the smaller “grab and go” bins conveniently placed right when we walk in.  Those are for bread, protein bars, muffins, and weirdly wrapped cookies, etc.

Morning System:

Right below the cereal is a smaller bin of paper bowls and plastic spoons.

This has created less stress, less dishes, and a quicker morning routine.

Free Printable Labels for the Pantry include:

Baking Mixes
Baking Products
Bread
Breakfast
Bulk Items
Cereal
Chips
Cookies
Easter & Summer
Flour & Sugar
Halloween
Muffins
Oils
Panini Bread
Paper Products
Pasta
Popcorn
Protein Powder
Side Dishes
S’mores
Snacks Crackers
Treats
Valentine & St. Patrick’s

Just in case you were wondering. HA!

Tell me what you think! 

Leave a comment or question below.  I’d love to hear what you love about your pantry and see your organization.