Maximizing Your Pantry Space

After the master closet, the pantry is the most popular and valuable area for maximizing storage and implementing some home organization. Here are some ideas to consider:

Shelving
* Type
* Ventilated shelving is cost effective, but things don't stack well
* Solid, fixed shelves, while better then ventilated do not provide adjustability
* Solid adjustable shelves give you the most flexibility to store various sized items
* Depth
* Some shelving is 20" deep which is really too deep. Smaller items stored in the back are never seen and therefore never used
* Typically, adjustable pantry shelving that is 14" is best
* Height
* Eight-foot high shelving in a pantry with 9' - 10' ceilings is ideal. The top shelves will be high, but are great for storing small appliances or dishes
* Consider space on the floor for storing large, heavy items.

Accessories
* Bins and Baskets
* Plastic bins or rollout baskets are ideal for items that don't stack easily
* Rollouts and Drawers
* Rollouts are great for cans. Drawers can store kitchen towels or recipes
* Wine Racks and Spice Racks
* If you have the space, consider a wine rack in the pantry
* Shallow shelves for spices or rollout spice racks will keep you organized
* Lazy Susan
* This works just as well in your pantry as it does in your kitchen cabinets

Appliances and Counter Tops
* Storing and Using
* If you are storing larger appliances, consider a designated place with deeper shelves
* Many people are setting up coffee makers or blenders in the pantry. Place an outlet at approximately 48" high if it's new construction or have an electrician add one
* Vertical Slots For Trays
* Include vertical storage for dishes or trays, even if you have these in your kitchen cabinets
* Unloading Groceries
* Use a 20" - 24" deep countertop as an additional workspace or place to unload grocery bags

How to Use the Wall Behind The Door
* Brooms and Mops
* Hang a strip of hooks or grabbies
* Bulletin Board
* A chalk board or cork board becomes a great communication device for all members of the family.
* Slatwall
* Slatwall is really upgraded pegboard for hooks or baskets
* Hooks or baskets only stick out 3" to 6" so they work well on shallow walls
* Hooks can store things from barbeque tools to dog leashes
* Baskets are great for seasoning packets, chip clips or Tupperware lids

Robert Coover is with Closet and Storage Concepts--a provider of home organization and storage systems. Visit their showroom located at 635 Pressley Road or call 704-525-6515 for a free in-home consultation.