The inspiration: The picture perfect pantry
On Instagram, celebrities are regularly allowing a glimpse into their perfectly organized pantry. There, the focus is on chic storage solutions for pasta, flour and muesli. But you don’t need a large pantry. In every kitchen, food can be organized nicely AND practically.
Always remember: Even if a celebrity pantry serves as inspiration, every pantry photo on Instagram is staged! A professional organizer definitely spruced up the pantry for this purpose.
A kitchen where cooking and baking is happening doesn’t have to look perfect! However, a clever and simple organization system that makes everyday life easier and at the same time beautiful to look at is achievable.
Storage solutions for kitchen & pantry
Let’s take a closer look. What immediately stands out about the styled pantry? The following storage solutions are used:
- Storage jars or storage containers for sugar, flour, rice, semolina, pasta, oatmeal, cornflakes…
- Spice jars for cinnamon, curry, thyme…
- Boxes or baskets for snacks and sweets in bags, loose vegetables, potatoes and onions…
But is it even worth it in your own household to transfer food into storage containers – decanting as the professionals call it – or is it a waste of time and effort?
Three good reasons to decanter food
- Food lasts longer in an airtight can or jar than in the opened original packaging. They are spared from dust, moisture and insects.
- Uniform, transparent storage containers offer a better overview on the shelf. At a glance, you can see which foods are available and in what quantity.
- Uniform storage containers look much more visually appealing. In addition, the space in the kitchen cabinet is used optimally.
Here is a before and after example:
Tips for buying storage containers
- Before shopping, look carefully at what is already available and how many new cans or jars are really needed. With a shopping list, you can keep track of everything.
- Be sure to buy containers or jars that are big enough. If a third of the oatmeal remains in the bag in the end because the new container is too small, it doesn’t make sense. At the same time, pay attention to the height, because the containers should fit in the pantry and be stackable if necessary.
- Glass or plastic? The big question that everyone can only decide for themselves. If you want to act particularly sustainable, you can wash out disposable jars (i.e. jam jars or yogurt jars) and continue to use them.
- If you store your food in drawers, transparent lids are preferable so that you can see the content directly when you look down at them.
- A label maker can be used to create pretty labels. But you can also write down the content with writable stickers or a pen for glass or plastic. Instructions for preparation and the expiration date can either be written down or simply cut out from the original packaging and glued to the back or bottom of the storage container.
You also want more order, space and overview? Would you like professional support in your kitchen? Learn more about Professional Organizing: Service
Christin Köppen
Professional Organizer in Berlin