How to Double the Space of a Small Pantry Organization | IKEA & Amazon
Life By Melanie Life By Melanie
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 Published On May 28, 2023

Full pantry organization and hacks (with timestamps) using glass jars with bamboo and acacia wood.
Please turn on closed captions "CC" in the video settings for subtitles ❤
Update: 07/04/2024
Hi everyone! I just wanted to give an update on how the pantry since it has been about 1.5 years since the renovation.
First a little information on the pantry.. The closet that was renovated into a pantry is 47" wide and the shelving is Billy bookcases from Ikea. I chose Ikea bookcases because I wanted to mimic the modular shelving found in larger pantries, but I could not find a company in my area that offered shelving for a pantry space this small (under 48"). If you DIY shelves, please take into consideration the weight that the shelving can hold and place pantry items accordingly. The shelving height was adjusted allowing it to hold many ingredients for its size.
Are the containers keeping the ingredients fresh? I'm happy to say they kept my ingredients airtight and moisture free!^^ I like to give the lids a half turn when placing them back on the containers to ensure a seal. It's important to understand your climate when buying containers. We don't live in a humid area and we run a dehumidifier, so dry ingredients last a long time without becoming rancid here.
Is the pantry hard to maintain? It has become MUCH easier overall to maintain the pantry. I did a lot of research to make sure that the container sizes were equivalent to most of my ingredients, so they could be fully decanted. I don't have to refill containers often and it's easy to refill items when they are empty (as seen in recent vlogs). It's easier to find items, so they get used up while fresh. There are less messes and spills without bags/boxes. It's also easier to open and measure ingredients from the glass containers. I'm able to "shop my pantry" instead of making trips to the grocery store. I also get cooking inspiration just by opening the pantry door which takes a huge mental load off deciding what to cook. Everything is functional, practical and works exceptionally well with my cooking habits.
In previous homes and apartments, I did not have a pantry (I used cabinet space), so from experience, I know these organization concepts work in cabinets too. Just be creative with your space as everyone's space is different ❤

Tips:
1) Measure the pantry shelves before buying organizational items
2) Make a list of items or try to have an understanding of your food consumption and cooking habits. For example, are you a person who makes home cooked meals daily or do you only cook on the weekends? Taking your food consumption into consideration might help you decide if you would need more bins versus containers like jars. Pre-made packaged items are typically grouped better in bins.
3) Once you have your organizational items, make categories or “zones”. Place related items together.
4) Use a dry erase marker for expiration dates or a piece of tape and a marker.
5) Using baking soda paste to remove label residue from containers

Items in video:
https://amzn.to/3Gh7OJ6 Glass Food Jars with Bamboo, 30oz + 47oz, Set of 6
https://amzn.to/3N0q3pu Glass Spice Jars with Airtight Bamboo Lids, 10oz, Set of 15
https://amzn.to/3q6SF7s 9" & 10" Acacia Wood Turntable
https://amzn.to/3MZEEkX Two-Tier Bamboo Lazy Susan Turntable (similar)
https://amzn.to/43x917I Large Glass Canisters with Airtight Wooden Lid, 66z (1950ml), Set of 2
https://amzn.to/43aBjW2 Stackable Glass Kitchen Canisters with Acacia Lids, 20oz, Set of 8
https://amzn.to/3qh8pVF Brown Sugar Bear Original Sugar Saver and Softener
https://amzn.to/3PNaT6V Glass Spice Jars Labels 24 Pcs, 4oz
https://amzn.to/3BXR4n4 Wall Mounted Spice Rack Organizer, Set of 4
https://amzn.to/3MycvQG 3 Inch Stainless Steel Gold Chip Clips Bag Clips, Set of 8
Bins for the snack pantry are from the Home Edit line sold in select stores
Some links in this post are affiliate links, so I may receive a small commission.

0:00 - Introduction
1:18 - Unloading pantry and unboxing
4:10 - Snack pantry
10:35 - Main pantry pasta organization
12:40 - Sauces and turntables
13:44 - Ikea plate holder hack
14:55 - Spices and aromatics
17:37 - Seasonings
18:55 - Decanting and vacuum seal bags
23:00 - DIY resealable bag
24:44 - How to store flours
26:37 - Main pantry organization
28:36 - How to keep brown sugar fresh
32:21 - Main pantry organization
35:18 - Tea drawer
35:37 - Recycling
37:11 - Enoki pancakes
42:00 - Label and pantry diagram

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