How to organize a pantry

[Adamsmama]

I really need help ... does anyone have any suggestions on how to organize a pantry closet?  I would like ideas on organizational tools ... right now it just has those plastic wire shelves that aren't too deep and stop about 3 feet from the floor ... I would love to change it around some so that I have more "space" to store food.  Thanks!

[laurabfig]

Some ideas that have worked for me:

-canned goods on graduated shelving (those shelves that look like little steps) so you can see what you have

-putting like items in clear shoeboxes so I can easily pull out just the "oils and vinegars" box to grab the canola oil or whatever :)

-alphabetizing my spices.  little used ones go in the pantry, ones i use frequently are in a shelf by the stove

-storing bulk goods (beans, pasta, popcorn, rice, oatmeal, etc.) in clear glass jars.  i saved jars and just re-used them and also have some nice antique ball jars that i use for this and we have them on an open shelf in our kitchen.  i LOVE this system b/c it looks pretty and vintage and also is functional b/c when I'm at the store I can easily remember if we are almost out of something b/c I see it every day and can easily remember that the oatmeal is almost gone or whatever.

-i keep onions and garlic in a open bowl in the pantry b/c they should be kept out of sunlight and this works well too. (usually i can remember if i'm out when i make an impromtu trip to the store)

-i use a small lazy susan for small containers of various items too, and this saves space

-in the space under the pantry, you could store appliances in plastic bins maybe

I'd love to hear ideas from other people too.  I love organizing in my kitchen! 

[boogiemonster]

Chez Larsson should have a few helpful tidbits: http://chezlarsson.com/myblog/organizing.html  I notice she has links to both her kitchen pantry and the basement one.

[jtsmom]

 Here are my suggestions: 

Never, ever store cleaning products on the same shelf as or above food products. 

In my pantry, the bottom shelf is heavy glass items and condiments, the second shelf is canned items, the 3rd shelf is baking supplies and pastas, and the top shelf is chips and paper goods.