The new year always feels like a great time to do some purging and organizing. Last year, I got so organized that I didn’t feel the need to do a lot this year. My theory is that if you spend the time to create systems that work, then you don’t need to constantly reorganize. Today, I’m going to share a few strategies and products that help me every day. At the bottom of the post, you will find additional posts I’ve done on the topic of organizing.
We installed a closet system in my reach-in closet last year. It has been a game-changer for me! One thing that really helps with space is to store out-of-season clothing elsewhere. With limited space, this is a must! You can read all about it as well as other tips here.
Moving on to the pantry. I’d love to have a gorgeous pantry with no visible packaging, etc., but that just doesn’t work for us. I find that if I group like things together, and corral them in baskets or bins, this helps so much. I really prefer to be able to see everything so that I don’t buy duplicates. Snacks are kept in a basket. Rice, pasta, and flour are kept in canisters. It’s easy to see when we are running low on ingredients when they are in open baskets and glass jars.
Stacking shelves help to maximize space vertically like here with our coffee shelf. If you are a tea drinker, this is super handy to hold tea bags rather than twenty boxes.
We have four of these plastic bins. One holds paper products. Another holds baking items, filters, etc. The one pictured holds oils & vinegars.
The gravity feeder holds canned goods. Cans are actually supposed to lay horizontally but I prefer to use it this way. I feel like I can fit more on the shelves and the contents are more visible. Again, I have to see everything, lol! With limited drawer space in our kitchen, this foil and wrap organizer is quite handy. We also use canisters for cereal, dog treats, and overflow snacks. Have you been doing any organizing this month? I’d love the hear about it in the comments below.
A FEW MORE POSTS ABOUT ORGANIZING
Products we use in our home to stay organized
I am always interested in how people organize. Most organizing systems don’t work well with the new reality: I shop at Costco or sams club every couple of weeks just to lay in a baseline of staples. When I shop at a nearby store, I stock up on items like my tea or other necessities for other family members, if they are in stock. One can’t rely on any item being regularly available any more. If I go to Trader Joe’s to buy items, I also stock up because the TJ store is not close by and it is always super crowded and I avoid crowds. So, organizing has totally changed in the last two years!