Chances are, your pantry is one of the top contenders for the most trafficked storage space in your home. Whether you have a large walk-in space, or a small reach-in pantry, it is way too easy for this space to get crowded.

I've put together a simple recipe to turn your pantry into a gorgeous and functional space in no time, that the entire family can help maintain.

1. Discard Expired Goods and all Packaging – It's amazing how many items are hidden inside the pantry that expired one, two, sometimes eight years ago. Toss anything expired and consider donating items to a local food pantry that won’t be consumed in time. From there, pull all beverages from their cardboard containers, toss the bulk packaging that eats up valuable space and give those shelves a good wipe down.

Photo Snapped by Shelly Ruth Photography in Seersucker + Saddles Gorgeous Space

2. Create Zones – Think of your grocery shopping experience and create similar zones that fit your family's lifestyle, such as breakfast, baking, grab and go snacks, and canned goods. Keep items that your family reaches for daily on the most accessible shelves.

And please don't forget the space available on the inside of your pantry door! In the pantry below, we swapped out a flimsy organizer for an ELFA system from Container Store that is mounted and provides a great storage solution for grains, pastas and baby food.

3. Utilize Baskets + Bins – If you like seeing quantities of ingredients on hand, opt for clear containers or bins to house your pantry staples. If you opt to use plastic containers to store cereal or snacks, make sure to add an expiration date to the bottom of the container. If your preference is out of sight, out of mind, woven baskets look incredibly streamlined on pantry shelves.

Check out this BEFORE and AFTER transformation below, using only items my client had on hand.

4. Incorporate Turntables – Perfect for holding vinegars, oils and jars, these are a pantry’s best friend. I love how they allow items to be accessed SO easily.

5. Label, Label, Label – Pantries are also the space in your home that gets replenished most often, so labeling is uber-important. My favorite markers for labeling are these chalk markers that come in such vibrant colors and work on tons of different surfaces. This also allows you to hold everyone in your house accountable for keeping up a system.

Baskets contain each "zone" in this walk-in pantry.

Pantries have so much potential to be functional, so reach out if you are struggling to make yours work for your family.

"What I love about The Baer Minimalist is she takes a full inventory of what you have FIRST, and then decides what pieces we need to add for an optimal space. She’s basically a Fairy Godmother that floats through your space and makes it pretty and orderly in the blink of an eye!"

- Beth Chappo, Seersucker + Saddles

The Baer Minimalist helps busy families create ORGANIZED + STYLIZED spaces and events throughout Indianapolis.

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Recipe for a Gorgeous + Functional Pantry

"What I love about The Baer Minimalist is she takes a full inventory of what you have FIRST, and then decides what pieces we need to add for an optimal space. She’s basically a Fairy Godmother that floats through your space and makes it pretty and orderly in the blink of an eye!"