How To Organize A Pantry That Works For You

A pantry is one of the most important areas in the kitchen you should definitely plan for. One of the things that wastes a lot of time is when all of your ingredients are in disarray and it takes you forever to start cooking.

1.    Make a List.

The very first thing you should do is take a list of what items you need to stock in your pantry. From this, you will know how much space to allot for each category and how to store it. You can use mason jars, baskets, bins, under cabinet shelves, stackable bins, lazy susans.

2.    Designate each shelf and group according to category.

Location of each category should be based on frequency of use. That means, your most used items should be in the middle, the least at the very top, bottom can contain bottles, paper goods, dog food. Store spices alphabetically and label all containers.

3.    Use the same container for similar items.

To maintain a clean, organized look, use the same containers. If you have extra space on the top portion of the shelf, use a wire shelf that you can slide into the top part, just like the photo seen below. That way, all space is maximized. It's best to use clear containers so you can easily see what's inside.

4.    Label all items. 

via Creativity Exchange

Yes, it’s a tedious task but somebody has to do it. Why? This is food we’re talking about. Especially for those items that you choose to remove from its original packaging, you should place the expiration date too. If you have fancy writing skills, go ahead and write on a blackboard type sticker. Another option is to buy sticker paper and print out the labels on the computer. I've found these free printable labels for you to use.

There's one thing that you need to remember: Personalize your pantry according to your needs.

Every person is different. Some may need a space for baking materials, others might need a whole area for coffee. The key here is planning for each area and allowing for the right amount of space.

If you need more help, e-mail me and we can design your own kitchen made especially for you! 

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Can You Luxuriate in a Clutter-Free Home with Kids?

Is it possible? Am I talking about utopia here? Read on and perhaps you might learn a trick or two.

I only have one kid. Yes, one. But his clutter is in all our living spaces. From the moment he arrives from school, drops his bag and eventually starts his homework. If you have even more kids, can you imagine the number of things doubles/triples/quadruples... Sorry my dear son, if you get to read this! Anyway, I've decided to take charge and remove that clutter forever ... or at least as long as possible!

First, outline your day. 

Via Houzz-Cottage Home Company

For each of your children/spouse/loved one, find out their routine. When they get home, where do they place their things? Do they remove their shoes? Place their bag on the floor? What do they do first? Find out their daily ritual all the way til they sleep at night. List down all the things and areas you need to provide organization-- such as keys, shoes, letters, jackets, bags.

Second, make space and make plans.

Ready an area for your command center. It should have all the basics. That means, a place to keep shoes, jackets/coats, bags, keys. Maybe even their schedules and chores!

I know it isn't really trendy here to have a command center. But once I placed mine, wow, the changes it made to a more organized home is immense! You don't need a large area for this, by the way. So no worries if you live in a studio unit.

Third, label each space.

Label them too. That way, they have a sense of ownership. The labels are important! Whether it's handwritten or printed, do make a label. If you have smaller kids, let them decorate their own name. They will feel proud and be more likely to actually use the space.

Finally, train your loved ones!

If they're used to putting their things everywhere, it's about time to train them that you specifically placed an area for all of their belongings. Yes, training is always key. No need to nag, mind you. But if you made everything real pretty too, won't it be pleasant to use?

Need more advice? Join my VIP list where I give more tips and tricks! (link at the bottom of the page).

KIDS AND YOUR SANITY!

Hate the mess? Having children does not necessarily mean a messy home. Making organization fun for them will also return your sanity as well.

via Better Homes and Gardens

Use colorful bins and LABEL!

I know it seems like another task to label but your kids will follow more if you teach them and label their bins. It will give them a sense of ownership.

via Better Homes and Gardens

Set up hooks and a bench at the entry of your home or at the entry of your child's room.

via Hobby Lobby

I never realized how important this is but having a command center is something I think everyone should have, kids or no kids. After all, we have letters, bills, shoes and other paraphernalia that will accumulate and create a mess if we don't have a space for it. Add bins at the bottom of the bench and label with each child's name.

Use a desk organizer, cork board/blackboard/whiteboard for their study.

Well, you're not the only one who needs this! Your kids do as well. They'll be studying for at least 16 years after all! For those with asthma, use a whiteboard. For older kids, a cork board and a blackboard is fun!

Place a bin near their bed.

I honestly don't know why my son has so much things near his bed. I solved the problem by adding a bin. It relegates his mess to one container! Sorry, son, you star in this role!!

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FROM HELL'S KITCHEN TO HEAVENLY COOKING

One of the things I wish I planned really well when I built my house was the kitchen. The funny thing is, in my previous house, the kitchen was well planned! In this post, I will discuss the importance of having a pantry no matter how small your space is. 

As a practice, most of us probably only do groceries once a week. Perhaps at the most twice a week. What does this mean? We need storage for our groceries--from our condiments, spices, flour to rice, pasta, canned goods, drinks and maybe snacks as well. That is why even if you live in a studio, having a pantry is something you should plan for.

How do we start? First, determine how you work in the kitchen. Do we simply cook a simple meal? Or are you an aspiring chef or even a baker? All of us have different needs. List down the things you normally buy to ensure that all is planned for. 

Next, measure your space. Where do you put your pantry? Here are some inspirational photos that will help you in planning your space. 

via Better Homes & Gardens

Even a small pull out cabinet like this will help.

via The Cabinet Knobs Company

I love these canisters and shelving! Very neat and easy to see everything.

via Better Homes & Gardens

You can add open shelves. The problem with exposed storage is that if you're not organized, your space will look unkempt.

via We are the Brauns

Next, consider using pantry organizers. This may seem expensive at the start but if you don't have a carpenter who can actually do everything you need for you, a simple pantry organizer will save you time and trouble. You'd be thankful when you have one. 

via Wayfair

Finally, when you organize your groceries, have a system. Categorize according to type of food. This will make it easier for you to find things in a snap. Think of it like a bookshop. How do you find the books you like if it isn't arranged according to genre? In the same way, apply this concept and you'll be cooking and enjoying your meals in no time!

via Mrs. Meyers

CREATIVE WAYS TO ORGANIZE YOUR MAKEUP STASH

Makeup is every girl’s best friend.

Admit it: You are obsessed with it too! Whether you use it to cover blemishes, highlight your facial assets or solve complexion issues, I know makeup is your secret sanctuary when it comes to boosting your confidence.

Don’t you hate it when you can’t find your favorite lipstick or your go-to shade of eyeshadow? From the number of products you own, from primers, to powders to lipliners, I understand that tracking down one specific product from a number of items can be very frustrating.

So if your makeup collection is in need of a major fix, these simple hacks and solutions will get you back in order.

Keep your brushes in jars or drinking glasses.

You can reuse jars, or buy mason jars for your brushes.

In the same way, lipsticks and other tubes look so glam in these acrylic holders. Simply add faux pearls.

via AliExpress

For powders, use a narrow holder similar to the one below.

You can actually make use of a pencil case to hold all these in. I do like the one in the photo  because there are dividers.

via Aliexpress

Remember, the important thing about organization in whatever room it may be is to have a system. That means have categories. Keep the same/similar ones together. That way it will be easier to put things back the way they should be and also help you in easily finding the makeup you need. Some categories that can help get you started: brushes, lip glosses, lipsticks, eye makeup, blushes, face powders, primer. If you have a huge collection, you can even sub-categorize them, for instance, lipsticks can be segregated according to brand.

Finally, corral your collection into separate bins, even going so far as to labeling it for easier access and use.

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MAKE SPACE AND MAKE ROOM!

Struggling with so many things, but so little space? Here are some tips and tricks for organizing your closet and saving space for new items in your wardrobe!

First, you need to determine which clothes, accessories, and shoes are going and which ones are staying. You can never have all of them forever. Truth be told, you probably don't use half the items in your closet. For all the clothes you haven't even used for six months, this includes those that you secretly wish you'd fit in again but somehow don't. Yes, I admit I have a lot of those. Sort out accessories and shoes in the same manner.

Donate them to an organization or have your own garage sale. H&M accepts preloved clothes and gives you a 15% discount voucher. Or try the app Carousell.

Next, follow some DIY blogs from where you can get ideas on how to make your own drawer organizers. These are easy to make and they will sure save you a lot of space in your drawers! Or if you're lazy, there are cheap drawer organizers in the department store. Very handy and makes it easy for you to see all your things at in a glance. I tend to look at the Japan Store (locally) or Dollar Store if you live in another country. Ikea has a large section on organizers too! 

Drawer organizers from Container Store

I was looking at scented drawer liners online and for the purpose, it seems unreasonable for the price. So I had a great idea to simply use cheap wrapping paper and spray them with linen spray. Isn't that such a wonderful idea?!

Another tip is to repurpose your shower curtain rings as hooks where you can hang your scarves, ties, belts, and other clothing accessories. And speaking of hooks and rings, install hooks at the back of your closet doors for your bags as well.

Rubbermaid closet system

When it comes to your apparel, one of the best ways to organize them is according to type and color. That means putting all your pants together, all your blouses, and so on. 

In addition, allot one section of your closet for your winter wear, another for office/school wear, another for casual, and the list goes on. This will actually help you decide on what to wear in the morning.

DESIGNER TIP: Use all the same type and color of hangers. It will make your closet look cohesive. Ideally, wooden hangers look more luxurious. However, sometimes limited space dictates you use a slimmer type of hanger to make way for more clothes. This tip will make your clothes look even better!

Sweaters should never be on hangers!!! You don't want to have those hanger marks they leave. Fold sweaters in a lovely basket.

When stacking shirts, don't stack higher than the height of your hand. It will be easier to remove. Don't you hate it when they look like a mess? For your kids, use shorter stacks or if you can, just hang them all. That will definitely make you sane and not let those piles look impossible.

Clear shoe box from Container Store

Looking for fun ways to store your linen? Place them in vintage boxes (or baul in the local vernacular). Woven baskets are a good place too.

Shoes are best placed in a shoe rack where you can see all of them in a glance. For those that you don't wear as often, keep them in clear storage containers. Make sure to keep those silica gels you find in shoe boxes. Use them in your shoe area to keep them dry and not musty. In case you threw them out, you can find some at your local hardware store. Try True Value or Ace Hardware.

Install hooks at the back of your closet and/or bedroom door. You can use these for those clothes you intend to reuse or for belts.

Finally, remember that you want your clothes dry and not prone to molds. For this, I seriously recommend buying a dehumidifier. These are available as well at Japan/Daiso stores or at your local hardware. They are a lifesaver.

You don't need to keep all your things.  You would be surprised to have more room than you imagined.

More tips and tricks in my blog, so stay tuned! Also, subscribe to my mailing list for updates and promos (see link at the bottom of page).