KonMari Master warns against this pantry organization mistake – and suggests this clever zoning solution

Many individuals struggle with maintaining an organized closet, often leading to a chaotic space where items are difficult to find. This common issue stems from several organizational missteps that professional organizers frequently observe. Understanding and rectifying these mistakes can transform a stressful wardrobe into a streamlined, functional area. One prevalent error is acquiring organizational products without a clear strategy. Simply buying baskets and bins does not guarantee an organized closet; it can even exacerbate clutter if these items are not integrated into a well-thought-out plan. Before any purchases, it is crucial to assess the existing wardrobe, declutter unnecessary items, and consider personal usage habits. Storage solutions should align with individual needs and preferences; for instance, opting for open shelves if visual access is preferred, or more hangers if hanging is the primary storage method. The goal is to avoid creating additional tasks in the name of organization. Another mistake involves storing all clothing items in the closet regardless of seasonality. Professional organizers advocate for a seasonal approach, keeping only current season attire readily accessible. Off-season clothes should be stored elsewhere, perhaps in underbed bins or dedicated storage bags, to reduce clutter and simplify daily dressing. The change of seasons also presents an opportune moment for decluttering, allowing individuals to evaluate which items are still worn and which can be donated or moved to deep storage. Individuals often make decluttering plans with good intentions but fail to follow through. A common scenario is setting a deadline to discard items not worn within a certain period, only for those items to remain in the closet years later. To combat this, experts suggest creating a designated 'holding' section in the closet for items under consideration, complete with a clear decluttering deadline. This systematic approach ensures accountability and helps in making final decisions about what to keep, store, or donate. Organizing for aesthetics over functionality is another pitfall. While Pinterest-worthy closets may appear appealing, they may not be practical for everyday use. For example, meticulously folded piles of denim or sweaters might look neat, but if they are difficult to maintain or if pulling one item disrupts the entire stack, the system is dysfunctional. Similarly, color-coordinating a closet, while visually pleasing, can become a tedious chore for some, making the act of putting away clothes feel burdensome. Organizing by category is often more efficient unless color-coordinating genuinely suits one's preferences and lifestyle. Incorrect storage methods can also damage clothing items. Certain garments, like sweaters, are best folded on shelves to preserve their shape, rather than being hung, which can cause stretching. Purses also benefit from shelf storage, appearing neater when lined up. Overstuffing shelves is counterproductive, as it makes accessing items difficult and can lead to disorganization. Adjustable shelves, along with clear bins or baskets for accessories and shoes, can maximize space and maintain order. Using the wrong types of hangers is another common error. While slim velvet hangers save space and look elegant, they can be impractical for those who lack the patience to carefully place items without stretching or wrinkling them. In such cases, sturdy plastic hangers may be a more suitable and less frustrating option. Finally, individuals should not feel constrained by their closet's existing layout. Closets are customizable, and elements like poles and shelves can be adjusted or replaced to better suit the types and quantities of clothing owned. Exploring pre-designed closet systems or consulting professional closet companies can offer tailored solutions that enhance functionality. #ClosetOrganization #HomeStorage #DeclutteringTips #WardrobeManagement #HomeDecor #ProfessionalOrganizers #SeasonalStorage #FunctionalDesign

Marie Kondo, renowned for her KonMari method, offers practical advice for pantry organization, emphasizing that a tidy pantry can inspire cooking and overall well-being. She acknowledges that the kitchen, particularly the pantry, can be one of the most challenging areas to maintain order. However, her five key suggestions provide a clear roadmap for anyone looking to transform their pantry space. The first step in Kondo's method is to make taking inventory a regular habit. Before introducing any organizational tools like risers or racks, she recommends thoroughly tidying all food items. This involves identifying expired goods, items that are missing, and products that are excessively stocked. She advises repeating this process every couple of months to stay on top of inventory, ensuring awareness of approaching expiration dates and facilitating replacement planning. Next, Kondo advocates for sorting items by category rather than by individual ingredient or location. This means grouping similar items together, such as seasonings, dried carbohydrates, canned goods, and baking essentials. Within each category, she suggests arranging frequently used items at the front and center for easy access, while less-used or bulk items can be placed on lower or back shelves. The core principle here is to consider whether each item "sparks joy" when one is cooking, guiding decisions about what to keep. To maintain order, Kondo recommends utilizing bins, baskets, and boxes to give ingredients boundaries. These containers prevent items from falling over or becoming disorganized, especially when opening and closing pantry doors. She highlights her preference for stackable organizers that maximize vertical space, citing a tiered, expandable spice rack as a favorite for its ability to display all labels clearly. The KonMari method extends to kitchen tools as well. Kondo advises evaluating each kitchen tool and letting go of those that are worn out or chipped, expressing gratitude for their service. This practice encourages investing in quality replacements and thoughtful storage solutions. For instance, she uses an in-drawer knife block for safety and a decorative utensil holder to keep frequently used items like wooden spoons and tongs within easy reach on the countertop. Finally, the cornerstone of long-term pantry organization, according to Kondo, is to designate a specific home for everything. From spatulas to salt, every item should have an assigned place. This approach prevents clutter from accumulating on countertops and ensures that everyone in the household knows where to find and return items, thereby maintaining an organized and functional kitchen. #MarieKondo #PantryOrganization #KitchenOrganization #KonMariMethod #HomeOrganization #Decluttering #StorageSolutions #KitchenDesign #Housekeeping

The article addresses a common kitchen organization challenge: the chaotic storage of plastic food storage bags. Many individuals struggle with drawers overflowing with ripped cardboard boxes containing various sizes of plastic bags, leading to frustration and inefficiency. To combat this issue, Target's Brightroom brand has introduced a bamboo plastic bag organizer that is gaining popularity among shoppers. This organizer features four individual slots designed to neatly accommodate snack, sandwich, quart, and gallon-sized bags, effectively eliminating the mess associated with traditional box storage. The modular design of the organizer allows for flexibility, as the four separate sections can be arranged to best fit various drawer layouts. When assembled in a square configuration, it measures just under 13 inches, providing a compact and aesthetic solution for drawer clutter. Reviewers highlight the product's sturdy bamboo construction, its ability to transform messy drawers into visually appealing, organized spaces, and its ease of use for refilling and retrieving bags. The article emphasizes that this organizer is an affordable and practical tool for enhancing kitchen efficiency and aesthetics, making the daily task of grabbing a plastic bag much simpler. Beyond the primary focus on plastic bag organization, the article also showcases other kitchen storage and organization solutions available at Target. These include a large marble utensil crock from Threshold, praised for its weight and ability to hold bigger cooking tools without tipping. It also features Rubbermaid's Brilliance line of leak-proof food storage containers, which are highly regarded across various online platforms for their airtight seal, clear BPA-free plastic, and versatility for leftovers and pantry storage. Another recommended item is a stackable wire pantry basket with rubberwood handles, ideal for housing produce due to its ventilation and convenient front opening. For those looking to streamline their countertops, a stoneware oil pour bottle from Figmint is presented as a stylish alternative to store-bought oil bottles. A two-tiered slide-out organizer, while shown with bathroom supplies, is suggested for use under the kitchen sink to manage cleaning products and sponges. Additionally, a vertical storage rack is highlighted for organizing awkward items like baking sheets, cutting boards, and frying pans, helping to clear countertops. For smaller items, a set of magnetic bag clips offers a neat way to seal open bags, and a large glass storage jar provides an aesthetically pleasing option for dry goods in the pantry. Finally, for knife storage, an in-drawer bamboo knife organizer is recommended to preserve blade sharpness and keep cutting implements safely arranged, alongside a rotating two-tier spice rack for easy access to frequently used spices and a cabinet-mounted rack for discrete storage of spice collections. A rubberwood cookbook or tablet stand is also suggested for keeping recipes accessible yet away from food prep areas. All these products aim to improve kitchen functionality, reduce clutter, and enhance the overall visual appeal of the space. #KitchenOrganization #HomeDecor #StorageSolutions #TargetShopping #PlasticBagOrganizer #KitchenStorage #DrawerOrganization #HouseholdEssentials

The article highlights how Ali LaBelle transformed her rental kitchen from an “ugly” and “somewhat nonfunctional” space into a more practical and aesthetically pleasing area, particularly by utilizing previously overlooked storage opportunities. Initially, LaBelle found her kitchen adequate for her lifestyle, but the increased time spent at home during the pandemic brought its deficiencies into sharp focus. Key issues included haphazardly installed faux oak cabinets and significant dead space above the upper cabinets. LaBelle initiated her kitchen renovation by painting the existing cupboards a soothing pistachio green, drawing inspiration from Dakota Johnson’s viral kitchen. During this process, she identified nearly two feet of unused vertical space above her upper cabinets. Her initial thought was to install bookshelves, but she quickly realized that the flimsy cabinet tops would not support the weight of her cookbooks, glassware, ceramics, and extra plates. This challenge led her to seek a more robust solution for incorporating additional storage. To address the structural limitations, LaBelle enlisted her sister’s partner, Lucas, a woodworker. Lucas designed and constructed two long shelves specifically to be drilled directly into the wall, thereby bypassing the need for the cabinets themselves to bear any weight. To keep the project within her budget of approximately $600, he ingeniously combined butcher block for anchoring the shelves to the wall, with MDF for the main shelving material. This approach allowed for substantial storage capacity, enabling LaBelle to display various items, including planters, pots, and even a large Dutch oven, without compromising the integrity of the existing rental fixtures. In addition to the new shelving, LaBelle also customized her small Home Depot rolling cart to complement the renovated kitchen. She had previously painted the cart the same pistachio green as the cabinets. To further elevate its appearance and functionality, Lucas replaced the original granite top with a butcher block slab, giving the cart the look of a custom island. This butcher block surface requires regular oiling every couple of months to maintain its natural, warm appearance. The overall renovation demonstrates how strategic, cost-effective modifications can significantly enhance both the utility and visual appeal of a rental kitchen, turning previously wasted space into valuable storage and display areas. #RentalKitchen #KitchenRenovation #DIYStorage #SmallSpaceSolutions #KitchenDesign #BudgetRenovation #CustomShelving #HomeImprovement

Pantry organization, particularly for seniors or individuals with accessibility challenges, extends beyond mere tidiness to encompass safety and ease of access. While many households accumulated shelf-stable goods during periods like the pandemic, for seniors, excessive inventory can create clutter, making it difficult and potentially unsafe to locate necessary items. This article outlines four key organizational strategies designed to enhance pantry functionality and safety, specifically addressing the needs of seniors. The first strategy focuses on optimizing lighting and item placement. Given that most pantries are deep, adding adhesive touch or motion-sensor lights, such as those from Searik, can significantly improve visibility into the deeper sections. Experts recommend installing these lights at a mid-level height rather than high up, ensuring they are easily accessible and effective. Furthermore, items should ideally be stored at eye level to minimize the need for stretching or bending, which can pose fall risks. Only the lightest, least hazardous items, like paper products, should be stored above shoulder height to prevent injury if they fall. The second strategy involves maximizing storage options through various organizers. Permanent shelving is often unnecessary, as low-cost shelf risers, like those from HomeEdit, can create additional horizontal storage space. Expandable shelf and spice organizers, such as Madesmart products, also provide flexible storage solutions. Clear, deep bins, like the standard Everything Organizer, are recommended for smaller items such as snack bars, chips, and dried fruit, allowing for easy visibility and retrieval. However, heavier or slippery items, such as oils, are best stored on a lazy Susan, with the Deep Turntable design being a preferred choice for its stability and accessibility. The third strategy, dubbed a “can-do attitude,” addresses the organization of canned goods and spices. Instead of constantly rotating a large stock of canned goods, using a cuttable non-stick drawer liner is suggested. This material creates rows that can also effectively organize spice bottles of varying heights. Another highly recommended product is the YouCopia SpiceStack adjustable rack, which features adjustable interior compartments for different bottle sizes and trays that pull down at a 45-degree angle for easy access. These narrow racks can be stacked to create multiple layers on a countertop, providing quick access and saving valuable pantry space, especially since items should not be stored too high in pantries used by seniors. The final strategy emphasizes the importance of maintaining a detailed inventory. Utilizing the back of the pantry door with a dry-erase board or a digital device to create a “stock list” is an effective method. This list should be updated as items are used and consulted before shopping to prevent over-buying. Additionally, marking expiration dates directly on dry goods with a marker immediately after purchase eliminates the need to search for small print later, ensuring that older items are used first. By consistently pulling items from the back of the shelf to the front when restocking, seniors can reduce waste from expired products and even find inspiration for meals from forgotten ingredients. #PantryOrganization #SeniorAccessibility #HomeSafety #KitchenStorage #OrganizationalTips #AgingInPlace #HomeImprovements #SmartStorage

Marie Kondo, the tidying-up expert, shares five key principles from her KonMari Method to organize a pantry effectively, regardless of its size. These principles are designed to maximize storage, maintain order, and ensure that a kitchen runs smoothly while also being aesthetically pleasing. The first principle emphasizes the importance of selecting items that 'spark joy.' This concept, central to Kondo's philosophy, is applied to pantry contents, including food, utensils, and other kitchen accessories. The advice encourages individuals to consider their favorite recipes and foods that bring them happiness when deciding what to keep and what to discard, thereby reducing clutter from the outset. The second secret focuses on the method of storage: storing items upright. Kondo explains that arranging items in an upright position, where packaging allows, helps to create more space and makes it significantly easier to see and access contents at a glance. This technique is particularly beneficial for maximizing storage in smaller pantries and contributes to overall kitchen organization. Grouping items by category is the third principle. This involves organizing similar items together, a core aspect of the KonMari method for decluttering. For a pantry, this translates to categorizing food items, such as storing dry carbohydrates like pasta, rice, and grains together. Canned goods should also have their designated area. To further enhance organization within these categories, Kondo suggests using small boxes or bins as dividers on shelves. The fourth secret involves utilizing clear storage containers. Kondo highlights that seeing an organized space can itself bring joy. By transferring dried foods like pasta, grains, and cereals into clear, matching containers, the pantry instantly appears more orderly. This eliminates the visual clutter of various product labels and allows for easy identification of contents, contributing to both functionality and a sense of calm. Finally, the fifth principle advises against overstocking and encourages keeping only what is truly needed. While it might be tempting to buy in bulk to reduce trips to the grocery store, Kondo warns that a surplus of items can lead to unnecessary clutter in the pantry. She recommends being mindful of purchasing habits and considering consumption rates between grocery runs. The emphasis is on buying only what will serve an immediate use, preventing the accumulation of items that may not be used promptly, thereby maintaining an uncluttered and efficient pantry space. #MarieKondo #PantryOrganization #KonMariMethod #KitchenStorage #HomeOrganization #DeclutteringTips #JoyfulLiving

The increasing popularity of open kitchen shelving as a design trend has led to a re-evaluation of kitchen storage practices. While open shelving can enhance a kitchen's aesthetic by making it feel lighter and brighter, it comes with specific considerations to prevent clutter and maintain functionality. Professional organisers highlight certain items that should ideally not be stored on open shelves due to practical or aesthetic reasons. Medicine is one such item that should be kept off open kitchen shelves. Safety protocols dictate that medicine must be stored out of reach of children and away from direct sunlight and heat, conditions often not met by open shelving. Another category to reconsider for open display is wicker or wood baskets. Despite their potential as stylish storage solutions, these materials are prone to collecting dust and can be challenging to clean, particularly if exposed to kitchen grease, leading to a perpetually untidy appearance. Cookbooks present a nuanced case. While some find them visually appealing on display and convenient for quick access during cooking, professional organisers caution against storing too many. Overloading shelves with cookbooks can contribute to a cluttered look, and those placed too high become impractical for regular use while also being susceptible to grease accumulation. The recommendation is to limit display to a few treasured volumes that are frequently consulted. Bulk items and certain types of packaged goods are also ill-suited for open shelving. Open shelves often serve a dual purpose as kitchen wall decor, and displaying unappealing or messy items like tinned peaches, sachets, or snack packets detracts from this aesthetic. Such items are better kept within closed cupboards or a dedicated pantry. If absolutely necessary to keep them on open shelves, decanting them into attractive storage baskets is advised to maintain a neat appearance. Storing anything excessively heavy on open shelves poses a safety risk, as items could fall and cause injury. This is a fundamental consideration for any shelving unit, but particularly important in a busy kitchen environment where items are frequently accessed. Finally, the overarching advice is to avoid overcrowding open shelves. They are best used for daily essentials and decorative items, not as replacements for full kitchen cupboards. Decanting attractive items like tea, coffee, or pasta into clear glass jars can enhance visibility and appeal, but shelves should not be overstocked. Similarly, while colourful spices can add a decorative touch, they should only be displayed if used regularly, otherwise, they will merely gather dust and become sticky. The consensus among professionals is that 'less is more' when it comes to open kitchen shelving, prioritising a clean, uncluttered look that enhances the kitchen's spaciousness rather than diminishing it. #KitchenDesign #OpenShelving #KitchenStorage #HomeOrganisation #Decluttering #InteriorDesignTips #KitchenDecor #PracticalStorage

Content creator Erin Zubot undertook a significant kitchen renovation in her 1990s Alberta, Canada, home, addressing numerous functional and aesthetic issues that had bothered her for five years. The initial kitchen suffered from an awkwardly angled island with a large electric cooktop, a too-deep corner pantry, insufficient cabinet space, and dim recessed lighting, all exacerbated by dark brown walls. Zubot's primary goal was to enhance functionality and create a more open, airy feel, aligning with the rest of her home. The renovation began with reconfiguring the island. The old, oversized electric cooktop, which left minimal prep space and even served as a landing zone for groceries, was removed. Zubot sold the cooktop and her wall oven to invest in a new, all-in-one appliance. This allowed her to design a rectangular island featuring butcher block counters, stained to complement the existing floors, and ample drawer storage for kitchen essentials like Tupperware and small appliances. This change significantly improved the usability of the island and the overall kitchen flow. Another major modification involved the cabinetry. The original cabinets were set almost 18 inches below the ceiling, creating an odd, truncated appearance and contributing to a cramped feeling despite the room's high ceilings. The overhead lighting was also integrated into this ill-conceived ledge. Zubot removed the entire platform and installed IKEA Sektion cabinets with custom Shaker fronts, extending them to the ceiling. This not only maximized vertical storage but also eliminated the visual clutter, contributing to a more expansive aesthetic. The large, inefficient corner pantry was identified as a significant source of wasted space. Despite its size, it offered poor accessibility and dim lighting, making it impractical for storage. Zubot decided to remove it entirely, explaining that "anything is better than dead space." This demolition allowed her to extend the new upper cabinets into the true corner of the room and incorporate a custom arched stove-hood cover, adding a bespoke design element while further optimizing the layout. Zubot also tackled clever storage solutions for smaller appliances and spices. Due to local electrical codes preventing permanently plugged-in appliances in closed compartments, her idea of a traditional appliance garage was adapted. Instead, she implemented a pull-out tray for her coffee maker, positioned conveniently next to the stove with mugs on a shelf above. This setup ensures ease of access for her morning routine. Adjacent to this, a custom niche with mini gallery bars was created to organize spices, keeping them within reach while cooking. Finally, Zubot demonstrated a resourceful approach to the backsplash. Unable to find an octagonal marble tile that fit her specific vision or budget, she opted to create her own. She purchased less expensive large slabs of black and white marble and used a rotary saw to cut them into the desired octagonal shape. This DIY approach not only saved costs but also allowed her to achieve a unique, custom look for her kitchen backsplash, embodying the theme of a scrappy yet effective renovation. #KitchenRenovation #HomeImprovement #DIY #KitchenDesign #BeforeAndAfter #IKEAHacks #StorageSolutions #CustomCabinetry #InteriorDesign

The article offers guidance on organizing a pantry, drawing insights from professional organizers Julie Hovnanian of Hovie Interiors and Amanda Titchenal, founder of Well Organized. It emphasizes that these tips are applicable whether a pantry is large or small. The first step in pantry organization is to initiate a fresh start by completely emptying and cleaning the space. During this process, it is crucial to check expiration dates of all items and assess their usage. Any expired or unused food should be discarded, while unexpired, unwanted food can be donated. The second task involves categorizing pantry items. Professional organizers suggest grouping items into categories such as breakfast, snacks, baking, cooking, and backstock. For households with children, adding a dedicated lunch-making section is also recommended to streamline meal preparation. The third essential step is to invest in appropriate storage solutions, including baskets and canisters. Four main types are highlighted: airtight canisters for baking ingredients like flour and sugar, clear bins or containers for snacks to improve visibility and save space by removing bulk packaging, stackers or lazy Susans for canned goods and condiments, and decorative baskets for backstock items that are not frequently used. While an initial investment in these containers may seem significant, it ultimately helps reduce food waste and save money. Optimizing the pantry layout by placing frequently used essentials at eye-level is the fourth key task. Items such as breakfast foods and snacks, which are typically grabbed often, should be easily accessible. Similarly, frequently used appliances like a Nespresso machine should be placed in a convenient spot. Backstock items and seasonal or specialty tools can be stored on higher or lower shelves, or in less accessible areas. The suggested order for placement is often breakfast items on the top shelf, followed by snacks, and then dinner-related items, ensuring a logical flow. Fifth, acquiring and utilizing a label maker is highly recommended. Labeling containers helps identify contents, track inventory levels, and prevent accidental overstocking of specific items. Labels can indicate broad categories for baskets, such as "snacks," rather than highly specific items like "granola bars." For managing expiration dates, a dry-erase marker can be used on containers or a separate label can be affixed to the bottom. Labeling also prevents mishaps, such as confusing salt for sugar, which can impact cooking and baking results. Finally, for those looking to undertake a more significant renovation, investing in a closet system for the lower section of the pantry is suggested. This can involve installing drawers or other organized systems to ensure quick access to everyday essentials and maintain a tidy appearance. Such a system helps keep the pantry neat even when time for detailed organization is limited, ensuring items are properly stored. Ultimately, an organized pantry provides benefits such as easier inventory management, reduced food waste, and financial savings by minimizing the need for last-minute grocery runs or takeout orders. #PantryOrganization #HomeOrganization #Decluttering #KitchenDesign #StorageSolutions #InteriorDesign #Efficiency #Labeling

Professional organizers often share advice on decluttering, but this article focuses on what they actively avoid in their own pantries, highlighting common mistakes clients make. The primary concern is storing cleaning products alongside food. Experts like Ashley Hines of Thee Tailored Life emphasize that toxic household chemicals can contaminate food through spills, leaks, or fumes, posing serious health risks. A pantry, according to Hines, should be a safe and nourishing space dedicated to food. Therefore, separating cleaning supplies from food items is crucial for household safety. Another key area professional organizers avoid is implementing overly complicated or rigid storage systems. Ashley Hines suggests that pantry organization should be flexible enough to accommodate daily grocery changes and evolving tastes. If multiple people use the pantry, simplicity is key to ensuring everyone can easily access and put away items. Lindsay Melvin, owner of Orchid Organizing, notes that an excess of bins or mismatched storage solutions can disrupt the pantry's flow, making clear containers a preferred choice for visibility. Going overboard with labels is another common pitfall. While labeling is generally recommended for bins and decanted containers, organizers advise against excessive detail. Melvin recommends broad categories like "breakfast," "grains," "snacks," "baking," and "canned foods," which offer structure without sacrificing flexibility. Cheryl Russo of Organizing by Cheryl points out that clients often label every single item, which becomes counterproductive as people don't want to read dozens of labels when they're simply trying to find food. Professional organizers also make it a point to not keep food items that their household doesn't consume. Hines explains that unwanted food, snacks, or ingredients take up valuable pantry space and are likely to expire, leading to waste. She advises against letting guilt dictate what is kept, suggesting that unopened, non-expired items be donated to neighbors, friends, family, or local food pantries. Furthermore, organizers strictly limit non-food related items in the pantry. Cheryl Russo states that only food and food-related items, such as lunchboxes and small appliances, should reside there. While some might store serveware, paper products, or kitchen tools, the pantry should not become a general household storage area, especially for items like toxic cleaners, batteries, or lightbulbs, which can pose contamination risks. Proper sealing of food bags and containers is paramount. The article stresses that open bags or containers should never be left, as they can compromise freshness and attract pests. While many organizers decant food into glass jars, Melvin notes that it's not a strict requirement; clips or rubber bands can effectively seal bags. This approach also allows for flexibility with different food items over time without needing a specific jar for every single ingredient. Finally, the advice extends to choosing storage bins for function over aesthetics. While a visually appealing pantry is desirable, functionality should always take precedence. Hines cautions against selecting bins that don't fit shelves properly or have textures that are difficult to clean or shed material. Clear bins or mesh baskets are favored because they allow for easy visibility of contents, preventing items from being forgotten or expiring unseen. #PantryOrganization #HomeOrganizing #DeclutteringTips #FoodStorage #KitchenSafety #StorageSolutions #LabelingSystems #ProfessionalOrganizers

A Kmart shopper has shared an innovative adaptation of a popular kitchen storage hack, utilizing a different Kmart product to create a stylish and functional shelving unit. The original hack, which involved transforming $15 three-tier bathroom caddies into a space-saving kitchen bench organizer, gained significant traction among Kmart enthusiasts. This new variation employs a $15 chrome corner caddy, also from Kmart's bathroom section, offering an alternative aesthetic that appeals to those whose kitchens do not suit the original black caddy. The shopper posted images of her modified hack in the 'Kmart Home Decor & Hacks Australia' Facebook group, where it was met with positive feedback. Instead of the conventional three-tier floor caddy, she opted for the chrome corner caddy, which features three sections suitable for inserting shelves. For the shelves themselves, she ingeniously repurposed placemats from the craft section at Bunnings, covering them with white contact paper to match her kitchen decor. The entire structure is secured with zippy ties, super glue, and clear tape, ensuring the shelves are aligned and stable. This fresh take on the hack was widely appreciated within the online community, with many users expressing a preference for the chrome finish over the original black. Suggestions for further enhancements, such as incorporating a cord hider from Amazon, were also shared. The original concept of converting shower caddies into kitchen shelving units is attributed to New Zealander Lainee Hermsen. Hermsen's initial motivation stemmed from a desire for additional kitchen bench storage without committing to permanent fixtures. She explored building a custom unit but found the cost prohibitive, estimated at around $200. Her discovery of the versatile Kmart caddies provided a cost-effective solution, allowing her to construct a removable and portable shelving unit using two three-tier floor caddies and a wooden plank. Hermsen noted that the hack significantly improved the functionality of her kitchen, offering customizable shelf heights and lengths, and providing convenient storage for items like fruit or teas. She emphasized the practical yet aesthetically pleasing nature of her creation. The success of Hermsen's original hack has inspired numerous Kmart shoppers to replicate and adapt the idea, extending its application to various areas of the home, including home offices for desk storage. #KmartHack #KitchenStorage #DIYHomeDecor #BudgetFriendly #HomeOrganization #CreativeSolutions #ShopperInnovation #InteriorDesign

The aspiration for a perfectly labeled and functional pantry is a common desire, addressing frustrations arising from disorganization and mismatched storage. The goal is to create a pantry where items are easily located, containers are uniform, and storage solutions effectively accommodate their contents. This process involves a structured approach, starting with a clear vision and progressing through several key organizational steps, drawing on the expertise of professional organizers. Establishing a clear vision is the foundational step. Before commencing any physical reorganization, it is crucial to define the desired outcome. This involves considering the aesthetics and functionality of the pantry, including whether to label shelves, categorize items in open bins or baskets with labels, or implement a combination of both. Reflecting on the desired feeling when interacting with the organized pantry—whether it's visual clarity or an inspiring cooking environment—guides decisions on container types, such as opaque storage for a minimalist look or visible recipe cards for culinary motivation. Linda Samuels, owner of Oh, So Organized!, emphasizes the importance of these preliminary questions to tailor the organization system to individual needs and preferences, preventing the task from becoming overwhelming. Following the vision-setting, the next critical phase involves emptying the pantry entirely and categorizing its contents. This step allows for a comprehensive inventory of all items, identifying what is present and facilitating a strategic approach to organization. Cheryl Arzewski and Jordan Marks, co-owners of It's Organized LLC, advise against attempting to organize without first assessing the existing items, particularly in previously unorganized spaces. They recommend spreading all items on a large, flat surface to clearly visualize categories and their potential placement. This provides an opportunity to declutter expired or unused items and to group similar products. The suggested categories include snacks (placed for easy access, especially for children), breakfast items, meal staples (pasta, sauces, rice, grains), canned goods (displayed for visibility), perishable items (breads, fresh fruit), baking supplies (often decanted for easier storage), and drinks. Considering where each category will ultimately reside within the pantry is beneficial at this stage, particularly for smaller spaces. The third step focuses on crafting the labeling system itself. It is often more practical to acquire storage containers and labels after a clear understanding of the necessary storage types has been established. This ensures that purchased items align with the determined categories and subcategories. Linda Samuels suggests further breaking down main categories into subcategories, such as separating 'Salty Snacks' from 'Sweet Snacks,' to refine the organization. The choice of label type—typed for a uniform look, handwritten for a personal touch, or labels directly on shelves—depends on personal preference and functionality. Various labeling products are available, including label makers, plastic label holders for shelves, and clip-on labels for baskets, catering to different container and shelving types. The final stage involves meticulously returning items to the pantry in an ordered manner. Before restocking, it is advisable to clean the pantry interior thoroughly. Lisa Jacobs, founder and CEO of Imagine It Done, highlights that the strategic placement of items is as crucial as the labeling itself. She advises considering lifestyle and usage patterns: frequently accessed and lighter items should be placed within easy reach, while heavier or less frequently used items, such as baking supplies, can be stored on lower or higher shelves. Testing reachability from an empty pantry helps determine the most ergonomic placement for different categories. This ensures that the organized pantry remains functional and easy to maintain, facilitating daily routines and contributing to an overall sense of order and calm within the home. #PantryOrganization #HomeOrganization #KitchenStorage #Decluttering #LabelingSystem #ExpertAdvice #FunctionalDesign #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesignTips

This blog post offers practical advice from professional organizers and chefs on what items should never be stored in a kitchen pantry, focusing on maintaining food quality, safety, and efficient organization. The discussion highlights common pantry staples like nuts, shredded coconut, certain flours, opened condiments, and spices, explaining why refrigeration or alternative storage methods are often superior for these items. For instance, nuts and shredded coconut are prone to quickly going rancid, especially in warmer conditions, and are best kept in the freezer to preserve their freshness and flavor. Opened nut butters, particularly natural varieties lacking preservatives, should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage and oil separation. The article also advises against storing whole grain flours in the pantry, suggesting the freezer as a better option due to their faster degradation compared to refined flours. Further, the post extends its recommendations to open condiments such as ketchup, soy sauce, and maple syrup, emphasizing that refrigeration prolongs their shelf life and maintains their flavor profile. It also addresses the issue of open bags of dry goods like flour, sugar, and rice, noting that these attract pests and quickly become stale. The experts recommend transferring these items to airtight containers or storing them in the refrigerator to mitigate these problems. Expired or duplicate spices are another category identified as unsuitable for pantry storage because they rapidly lose potency, leading to wasted space and reduced cooking efficiency. Professional organizer Molly Heartfield suggests regular decluttering of spices to ensure freshness and maximize pantry utility. The article also underscores the importance of segregating non-food items from food storage areas. It explicitly advises against keeping items like lightbulbs, batteries, or cleaning products in the pantry due to potential chemical exposure risks and inefficient use of space. Maintaining a clear distinction between food and non-food items helps to ensure safety and streamlines the overall organization of the kitchen. The advice provided aims to help readers optimize their pantry space, minimize waste, and enhance the overall freshness and safety of their food items, transforming even a small pantry into a well-organized and functional area. #PantryOrganization #FoodStorage #KitchenTips #FoodSafety #ProfessionalOrganizers #ChefRecommendations #HouseholdManagement

Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, the founders of The Home Edit, renowned for their organizational prowess for celebrities like Khloé Kardashian and Mandy Moore, emphasize the kitchen and pantry as the "Grand Central of the home" due to their high-use nature, making them prone to disorganization. For those looking to start the new year with a highly organized kitchen and pantry, The Home Edit provides actionable tips and product recommendations. For individuals overwhelmed by the prospect of organizing their kitchen, Teplin advises starting small, such as with a single drawer. This approach allows for a complete understanding of the organizational process, which can then be applied to larger areas. Focusing on a small, isolated space makes the task more manageable and less daunting. Shearer recommends a blend of products for pantry organization, including bins for grouping larger items, canisters for dry goods, and turntables for corner spaces. She notes that smaller spaces often require a more meticulous approach to organization. When organizing a pantry, Teplin stresses that categorization is more critical than color-coding. Suggested categories include dinner, lunch, breakfast, baking, sweets, and snacks, helping to create logical groupings for items. Maintaining an organized space is crucial, and Teplin highlights maintenance as the key once systems are established. The process becomes "plug and play." While ideally people would go through their belongings frequently, committing to cleaning out the pantry at least once a quarter is highly beneficial for sustained organization. The Home Edit's signature aesthetic combines functionality with beauty. Shearer explains that their approach begins with establishing smart organizational systems first, then enhancing them to be as visually appealing as possible. The article also recommends specific products from The Home Edit's collection, available at Container Store, to assist with kitchen and pantry organization. These products include various sizes of all-purpose bins (with and without dividers), medium bin organizers, small canisters, 9-inch turntables, 2-tier lazy Susans, and 3-tier shelves, alongside "The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing" book. These tools are presented as practical solutions to implement the organizational strategies discussed. #HomeOrganization #KitchenOrganization #PantryOrganization #HomeEdit #OrganizationalTips #InteriorDesign #Decluttering #StorageSolutions #ProductRecommendations

The "countersplash" trend, where countertop material extends up the wall as a backsplash, is becoming a favored design decision, especially for small kitchens. This approach aims to create a seamless, sleek, and high-end aesthetic while also offering practical benefits. Jennifer Verruto, founder of Blythe Interiors, notes that a countersplash reduces visual clutter, which is crucial in making a small space appear larger. The absence of grout lines, common in traditional tiled backsplashes, contributes to this streamlined look and simplifies cleaning, making it a low-effort, chic option for homeowners. Designers Kailee Blalock and Taylor Troia from House of Hive Design Co. highlight that this cohesive look elevates the kitchen's appearance, allowing cabinetry and architectural features to take center stage. It also emphasizes the natural beauty of the chosen material, whether it's a richly veined marble, warm quartzite, or subtle quartz. Jonathan Stanley of Caesarstone further emphasizes the practicality, stating that the continuous surface from countertop to wall eliminates grout lines, making it significantly easier to maintain cleanliness. Interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe adds that this visual consistency elongates surfaces, creating the illusion of a larger and more open kitchen by minimizing visual interruptions. Beyond aesthetics and ease of maintenance, the countersplash trend offers sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Magd Riad, president of Marmi, points out that using the same material for both countertop and backsplash can optimize the use of a natural stone slab, reducing waste and potentially saving money, particularly in smaller kitchens that might not require an entire slab for separate surfaces. This method transforms a functional element into an integrated design feature, promoting a more responsible use of materials. When selecting materials for a countersplash, stone, both natural and engineered, is the most recommended choice for achieving a seamless finish. Lauren Gilberthorpe suggests natural stones like marble or lava stone for their unique character and movement, while quartz can provide a softer, pared-back finish for a more understated look. Kailee Blalock and Taylor Troia advise considering the boldness of the slab; a quieter slab can allow other design elements to shine, whereas a heavily veined or uniquely colored stone can become a focal point in a minimalist kitchen. Steven Cooper of Cooper Pacific emphasizes that a richly veined slab can act as a piece of art, enhancing the room's overall aesthetic. However, Cooper also warns against visual clutter, suggesting that decorative items should either complement the stone's undertones or provide subtle contrast without overwhelming the countersplash. For those on a tighter budget or in less permanent residences, engineered options like quartz or porcelain are excellent alternatives, offering durability, heat, and stain resistance, which are ideal for busy kitchens. Jonathan Stanley highlights that engineered stones provide a flawless, cohesive finish with exceptional durability, unlike natural marble where veining can be challenging to align. To ensure an elevated and well-executed countersplash, several considerations are important. Lauren Gilberthorpe stresses discussing sealing and maintenance with the fabricator, especially for porous natural stones. Precise templating is crucial, particularly for strongly veined stones, to ensure a natural flow from countertop to wall. Jennifer Verruto recommends bookmatching multiple slabs to align veining, creating a custom and visually stunning effect. The installation process requires experienced fabricators due to the weight of slab backsplashes and the precision needed around outlets and corners. Ultimately, a countersplash represents a significant investment, making the choice of a timeless material essential. Steven Cooper advises selecting a color, veining, and finish that will be loved for years, as it will define the space. Thoughtful planning of the slab layout is key to achieving an exquisitely custom look rather than an ordinary one. This design choice is suitable for both modern and traditional kitchens, effectively creating an illusion of greater space and combining elegance with practicality. #Countersplash #SmallKitchenDesign #KitchenBacksplash #InteriorDesignTrends #KitchenCountertops #NaturalStone #EngineeredStone #SeamlessDesign #HomeRenovation #KitchenRemodel

The article addresses the common design issue of kitchen peninsulas, which designer Rosanna Bassford of Memmo Interiors identifies as an outdated amenity that hinders both visual and functional flow within the kitchen. A specific kitchen in Santa Clara, California, is presented as a case study, showcasing its original state from the 1970s with honey oak cabinets, linoleum flooring, and white square tiles with thick black grout for countertops. The former layout featured a peninsula that divided the kitchen from a small dining nook, effectively bisecting the room. The cooktop was inconveniently located, surrounded by appliances and limited counter space, and was positioned opposite the sink, leading to inefficient food preparation and cooking. Furthermore, the kitchen lacked a dedicated pantry, severely limiting functional food storage. The homeowners, a couple with a young child, sought a comprehensive renovation to create a more spacious-feeling kitchen and dining area, incorporating functional storage and a contemporary design. The central modifications involved replacing the peninsula with a kitchen island, relocating the cooktop, and installing a full wall of pantry and food storage, which integrated a built-in refrigerator. The transition from a peninsula to an island opened up the kitchen to the dining area, allowing for an extension of the kitchen countertops and the creation of a cozy built-in breakfast nook. Moving the cooktop to an adjacent wall closer to the sink provided more functional counter space on both sides of the cooktop. This strategic placement also facilitated the integration of a full wall of cabinets, including a pull-out pantry, built-in refrigerator, double ovens, and a warming drawer, which maintained a sleek and uncluttered aesthetic. Bassford emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' specific needs and inventorying their kitchen items to tailor storage solutions effectively. For instance, if clients frequently bake, provisions for a stand mixer or baking sheets are incorporated for easy accessibility. This personalized approach ensures a clutter-free kitchen where every item has its designated place. The renovation also necessitated changes to the windows; while some structural constraints led to shorter windows than initially desired, a wider window was installed in front of the sink, offering an improved and more expansive view of the backyard. The transformed kitchen and dining nook now serve as a functional and central gathering space within the home, fulfilling the clients' desire for an updated, spacious, and efficient living area. #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #KitchenMakeover #SpacePlanning #KitchenStorage #DesignTrends #BeforeAndAfter #KitchenIsland