Organizing Our Pantry

I'm sure you remember that a few years ago that there was a HUGE boost in decluttering and organizing throughout social media. Marie Kondo and The Home Edit come to mind, although there is an endless number of those who attempt to assist us in finally unloading what we don't need and making what remains presentable.

I found myself saving photos and taking pictures of these GORGEOUSLY organized pantries. Of course, these pantries are the size of small bedrooms and nowhere near what I am working with.

Short story:

When Walter and I were looking for houses, which is the only sport that I like to play, the pantry was one of my favorite parts. We almost went with a house that had a "homework nook" that you could blow out into a walk-in pantry. I dream of that pantry sometimes. We decided to go with a house that fit our needs and, unfortunately, that house does not have the amplest amount of space. This makes it even more crucial that it be organized.

So, as I scoured Pinterest and Instagram, I finally worked up the nerve to get organized. This is not an easy task for me. First, I have to muster up the energy to make it happen. I wouldn't say that I am the laziest person, but I wouldn't shout that I am productive from the rooftops.

Another reason it is difficult is that I need everything to be perfect. As in, if I see a cute bin or tray in an Instagram photo, I am going to conquer the internet until I find it. Inevitably it will be either not available or precisely 3 times as much as I would like to pay for something to stash my protein bars in.

After months of searching, I finally pulled the trigger on some moderately priced clear bins on Amazon. Then the waiting began. Standing in front of the pantry trying to figure out how things would work spacially and what was no longer relevant.

Once the bins arrived, housed in about 13 boxes, I got to work. I pulled everything out of the pantry. Ev.ry.thing. If you've read The Life-Changing Art of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, she informs you that you are doing it wrong and then states that you need to uproot everything to clearly assess the space and contents individually.

After sorting the items by types and then reviewing best by dates, I then placed my trays as I felt they would be best utilized. I then began to place my items into these evenly spaced zones.

I promise you, although it can be quite stressful that this process is ever-so therapeutic. I somehow always manage to listen to a Taylor Swift album as I clean. Going through the many emotions as I toss a bag of 10% eaten cinnamon Cheetos that I didn't know existed.

Once the task was completed, I was giddy. It was a "look Mom!?" moment. My pantry was one of THOSE pantries from Instagram. I was so proud.

This organization is not a one-time deal. Since then, the pantry has begun to stack up in ways that are no longer defined by the delicate plastic bins. I'm thinking it's time to pull out the T-Swift and get to unshelving.