Pantry Organization on a Budget

I realized I write the best blog posts when it comes from an authentic challenge or situation in my life. After buying our very first home and turning our piggy bank upside down just to move in I have a new appreciation for how to organize on a budget. I don’t pretend we are struggling to eat but after becoming a full time entrepreneur two years ago (and leaving a steady paycheck), then having a baby, then buying a house – let’s just say I have become a much more savvy shopper in that last year! We all can’t have Amy Schumer money, right? (For the record, I think Amy is crazy, funny, talented, and deserves every bag of money she earns.)

Organizing doesn’t have to be expensive. While I would love for you to hire me and my team for every single project, I understand that my role usually comes into play when you get stuck with a certain room or space and need a personalized solution created by an expert. The rest of the time however, high five for tackling your projects!

My personal project this week was my pantry which created the perfect opportunity to share my best tips with you guys. The reason a pantry is hard to keep organized is because it is constantly morphing with your cravings. The theme for me is always grab and go, hence the handles and quick access to almost everything!

Here is what I learned about organizing our pantry on a budget.

1. Use what you already have! I have always encouraged clients to repurpose what they already own or reinvent something from another room. Chances are, this isn’t your first time organizing something! Most of us have an assortment we have collected over the years between moving to different places and changes in living arrangements. I used some unused cups as straw holders.
2. The Container Store is AMAZING. I think there’s a rule that you can’t leave The Container Store without spending $200 (or maybe I just don’t know how) but I have certainly had to reel in the project list as our budget allows. It is the creme de la creme of containers however it is not the only place you can purchase them! I found a few great finds over the years at HomeGoods, Ross, Target and even Walmart. Don’t forget online like Amazon and organizeit but make sure to read the reviews to check quality.
3. Think outside the box! We found two chip baskets in the craft section of Walmart that turned out PERFECT – whodathunkit. They were a steal for a few bucks a pop. Places like JoAnn’s, Home Depot and Lowe’s are upping their organizing game and you may just find a bargain!
4. Take a note from our beloved Tim Gunn and “make it work!” Rather than piecing together a custom Elfa system we spent a third of the cost and bought a ready to go Rubbermaid pantry organizer from Lowe’s and cut the shelves to fit the width of our pantry just using a hack saw. Easy peezy pumpkin squeezy. (And when I say we, I mean I made my husband do it for me, but I could have if I’d wanted to!)
5. Make your own labels! We found some awesome labels for free from The Creativity Exchange and printed on clear Avery labels (no fancy Silhouette machine needed BUT if anyone wants to send me a free Silhouette Cameo 3 I will video tape myself doing three cartwheels in a row, could be epic, could be fail, you’ll have to find out!)
   

6. Lastly, you don’t have to repackage EVERYTHING. While it looks pretty to rebottle the baking soda, reality says ain’t nobody got time for that. Unless you happen to only buy the same exact foods every single week, keep flexibility in mind before you label. Other than flour and sugar, all other baking goods are in original containers. The only snacks that are labeled are stapes like trail mix and goldfish (which are awesome with hummus and for the moms, also fabulous snack with wine if you don’t have fancy cheese readily available).

The end result (only tooting my own horn the acceptable decibel threshold) is some of my best work but bear in mind the largest expenditure was my time. It didn’t happen overnight. We have been here almost 2 months, learned our habits and preferences and the process happened in phases. The last phase was a hard push to line the wired shelves and label the containers, voila!

Now, let’s go out to eat so no one has to touch the pantry!