The Project
Our clients had recently moved into their new Metairie home. As part of a larger unpacking and organizing session, we set up their kitchen pantry.
This was not just a food pantry. Alongside everyday groceries, the family kept Christmas plates and cups, holiday dishes, serving pieces, and other items for entertaining guests. Some of those pieces were still wrapped for the move. The pantry needed to hold all of it without mixing the things used every day with the things brought out for occasions.
Start With Clean Shelves and Unpacked Items
We wiped down the shelves before putting anything away. Then we unpacked the remaining pantry items and carefully unwrapped the fragile pieces that had been protected during the move.
Getting everything out of its moving packaging let us see how much space each type of item needed. Rather than filling shelves as boxes were opened, we sorted first and planned where the categories would go.
Make Room for Food and Entertaining
Because the pantry served several purposes, one large “pantry items” category would not have been useful. We grouped like items and gave each kind of storage a defined place:
Everyday food
Pantry staples and groceries kept together so the household can see what is on hand.
Dishes & serving pieces
Plates, cups, and serving items stored as their own groups rather than mixed in with food.
Holiday items
Christmas dishes and other seasonal pieces kept in designated areas until they are needed.
Keeping these groups distinct means the family can use the pantry for daily meals while still having a place for the pieces they bring out when hosting.
Put the Client’s Containers to Work
Our client had already purchased jars and organizing containers she wanted to use. We transferred food and other items from their original packaging into those containers and added labels.
On the finished shelves, labeled jars and clear bins sit alongside canned goods, condiments, dishes, and serving pieces. Categories are visible, and each kind of item has a place to return to after use.
The Finished Pantry
In approximately 2.5 hours, one organizer completed the pantry portion of the session. The shelves were wiped down, fragile belongings were unpacked, food and dishes were sorted, and the client’s containers were filled and labeled.
The result is a pantry with separate places for daily staples and the holiday and entertaining pieces the family wants to keep close at hand. The categories and labels give the homeowners a straightforward way to put things back.
Need help unpacking or organizing your pantry?
Nola Organizers helps clients set up kitchens, pantries, and other rooms after a move in Metairie and Greater New Orleans.