Tuesday, April 2, 2013

31 Day Challenge--Done!

Laura (at orgjunkie.com) had a 31 Day Challenge this month, and I decided to take it on.  Hooray for organizational motivation!

I organized my pantry.  Allow me to show you my pretty space:
I chose my pantry as my project because it's a manageable space, we use it all the time, and it needed help!  Here's what I used to see when I opened the door:
Oh boy!

In order to finish is this month, I split up the steps required to accomplish the job.  I had a few OXO containers, which I love, but they are too expensive for all my baking supplies. 

I picked up some Rubbermaid containers that are less expensive, quite clear, and stack well.

Next, I labeled the containers and filled them up.  Love!

Lastly, I took everything out of the pantry, cleaned it, and purged the unwanted items.  What did I do with all the stuff I purged?  Any outdated food (I'm talking to you, Valentine marshmallows!) went in the trash.  Canned foods went out to my Shelf Reliance can organizer. 

Aprons found a new home in a cupboard in the kitchen, and the leaves to the dining table went to a closet by the table.  Anything that didn't belong got put away.  What is left in the pantry belongs, and we use it.  For example, the top shelf holds paper products, drinks, vitamins, and cereal.
I created zones in the pantry (baking items here, kid snacks here, etc.) and put the bulkier refill items at the bottom.  The step stool stayed because 1) it fits, and 2) the kids use it to reach the cereal.

We kind of live in the middle of nowhere, which brought about two hard parts to this challenge.  First, I wanted to buy baskets to fill the pantry, but didn't love anything in our limited supply at Wal-mart.  Second, since we live out in the boonies, we stock up on food whenever we get near a Costco or Target.  So, we have a lot of food to store (which includes a lot of bulk items).

One of my proudest moments was realizing it didn't have to be perfect.  It was OK when I couldn't afford turntables or find matching baskets.  I remembered I already had some galvanized trays.  I love that I could finally clear our bread off our counter.  The other tray holds sticky stuff, like oils and syrups.  The trays catch messes, act as drawers, and are short enough for me to see what I have on hand. 


I even thought about leaving the extra and bulky stuff out before I took pictures, but what would be the point of that?  I need to have everything we use organized and available, whether it looks a bit cluttered or not.

Another tool I used was a command hook on the wall with a fun clipboard attached.  It is the perfect place for a shopping list!

My organizing advice to someone would be that "done" is better than "waiting on perfect."  Right now, we don't have the budget for the beautiful pantry I dream of.  It may not be perfect, but it is so much better, and we are reaping the benefits of good organization.  Here are a few more befores and afters.

Before:

And after:


What a difference!


10 comments:

  1. Great Job! I need to do our pantry next, and you are giving me some great ideas!

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    1. Thanks. It's nice to know exactly what I have in there. Good luck with yours!

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  2. You did a wonderful job! I like how you set your zones and made use of what you had available to you. We also live in the boonies, so I can relate to the problems you faced. Good for you! A pantry you should be proud of.

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    1. When I typed "in the boonies," I wondered if that was a lesser-known phrase. I'm glad you knew what I was talking about. I think we just have to get creative, and we can solve whatever problems come. Thanks for your sweet comment.

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  3. You did a fabulous job! It looks amazing, and so beautifully organized. Where did you find the shelf for the cans. That is so cool!

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    1. Ana, thanks. It is a Shelf Reliance product, and they are sold through consultants. I got mine through this girl and I love it!

      http://www.inthekitchen.thrivelife.com/inthekitchen

      One of my friends got hers at Costco and our Wal-mart even has them, but that's probably a Utah thing. Their warehouse (in American Fork, Utah) also offers a pick-up option.

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  4. Very nice! I love that you said done is better than perfect. That's a great goal and a great lesson. Congratulations on completing the challenge!

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    1. Being a bit of a perfectionist, it has been a hard lesson to learn. But if I only accept perfection, nothing will ever get done. Thanks for your comment!

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  5. Great job! My pantry is in need of some serious help too! I love your labels! And I am coveting your Shelf Reliance shelf! On my definite wish list!! Way to go!

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    1. Thanks. I love the Shelf Reliance shelf, too! I also want to get one that just holds #10 cans, but I think that will have to be my husband's and my Christmas gift to each other.

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