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Storage issues in the kitchen are often not the result of a lack of space, but poor design, like oversized drawers, awkward corner cupboards and deep shelves. This can be a particular problem in pantry cupboards, where a lack of organisation can lead to food waste and shopping double-ups. Knowing what’s already on your shelves is an easy way to cut your costs at the supermarket. In addition, the satisfaction of a tidy pantry is priceless. From clever internal fit-outs to smart shelving suggestions, find fixes for your pantry and kitchen cupboard challenges right here.
A key part of planning a new kitchen is figuring out where you want everything to go and then designing storage to suit. Even an existing layout can get a new lease of life if you rejig its interior workings and storage. Think about the bigger picture – for example, how you cook and what items are best kept readily at hand. Chelsea Smith of The Organising Platform (theorganisingplatform.com) suggests storing spices “in a narrow drawer close to the cooktop”. Consider, too, if oils and condiments might be better located in a narrow pull-out cupboard near the stove.
Within the pantry, it’s useful to position items according to how often you use them, says Monique Parker of Kaboodle Kitchen. “Place frequently used items on the shelves that are at eye or chest level, as these are the most accessible shelves in the pantry,” she advises. “Items that aren’t used as frequently should be placed on either the top or bottom shelves, and the ones in between should house all your ‘extras’ – think rice, tuna, soup – things you don’t need every day but may need throughout the week. Plan meals (weekly or fortnightly) and shop with a detailed list of the items you need from the grocery store. This cuts down on food waste,” suggests Chelsea.
Deep shelves in the pantry “are not functional pantry storage”, explains Monique Parker. “They are hard to access and make it easy to forget what you actually have on hand.” Think about replacing deep shelves with shallow ones at head height so ingredients won’t disappear. The unused space this creates can provide an opportunity to set up a coffee and tea station, so you can work within the pantry and keep clutter hidden.
Tip: Adjustable shelves allow you to customise according to the height of your containers.
Pull-out baskets are great if you are short on space or find it hard to access items on lower shelves, suggests Monique Parker. “They can also help to categorise the contents of your pantry,” she says. Drawers are replacing cupboards as the go-to kitchen storage solution. “Ideally, drawers are a great way to make best use of your space while still having everything visually and easily accessible,” says Chelsea Smith. This might mean rearranging your kitchen so some foodstuffs are stored in existing drawers.
“Corner cabinets are often underused due to their hard-to-reach location, so retrofitting some wireware will help increase functionality,” says Monique. “You can use corner or blind corner baskets for storing appliances, large bowls and containers, or you could even use the space to store all your baking trays and ingredients. Group pantry foods into like categories and then allocate places in the pantry based on frequency of use.”
Level things up even further with a few handy organisational products. In drawers, use non-slip liners to stop contents sliding around like pinballs. Drawer inserts are even better – use them to group like items and to pack things more tightly for less movement when you open and close the drawer. A turntable is invaluable for corralling jars and bottles within a cupboard – give it a spin and you can access what you are after and monitor what needs using up or replacing. Opt for spice racks or baskets which can hang on the door, keeping small items visible and tapping into a whole new source of storage real estate.
Another trick for tiny items is using shelf stackers or tiered shelves so anything at the back can be seen. Also remember that baskets and tubs are a great resource to keep packaged or loose items under control. “Store like items grouped together and clearly labelled in a clear divided tub – this makes it easy to keep track of what you have and manage bulk packaging,” Chelsea suggests.
You’ve set yourself up for success – now take your skills to the next level. Matching containers (clear containers with timber lids or glass jars, for example) look great in the pantry. Decanting dry goods into them also helps to keep food fresher and ward against pantry moths and pests. Choose stackable tubs to maximise every centimetre. Label containers and, for bonus organisational points, Chelsea suggests noting the food’s expiry date on a little sticker, which you can put on the container’s base.
Browse our D.I.Y. advice page for helpful renovation advice and moodboard-worthy inspiration.
Photo Credit: Kaboodle Kitchen and Anna Robinson.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
