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Small Pantry Makeover

Organizing your pantry can seem daunting when mustering up the motivation to execute it. We have all been there! However, once you finally do so, you are able to enjoy the perks of having a well maintained pantry. The benefits of an organized pantry are waste reduction, prep & cook timelier, readily accessible, and most importantly stress reduction. With Spring being just around the corner, what better way to kickstart spring cleaning and improve your pantry using the steps below. You can also check out my YOUTUBE video for more inspiration.

SUPPLIES (Click link):

Pantry Items:

Step 1

I began by cleaning out the pantry and removing wire shelving. Using a pry bar and hammer, I removed anchors from the wall. Once removed I filled all holes that would not be covered by the wood cleats. My pantry originally had 4 shelves and I initially used the same placement but later decided to lower bottom shelf and added a 5th row for unsightly things like napkins and things I do not need as often. If you have not already decided on the placement of your shelves, this is the time to do so.

Step 2

Measure the length of your back wall and the sides to determine how long and wide to cut shelves and cleats. I used 1x12x8 boards and cut them to 39 inches for the top shelving and 1x2x8’s for the cleats to place top board on. The side cleats were cut to 10 inches totaling 12 inches when adding back cleat and front trim.

My wood measurements:

10 1×2’s at 10 inches (side wall)

10 1×2’s at 39 inches (Front/back trim)

5 1×12 at 39 inches long (shelf)

Step 3

Now that all of your pieces are cut to size you want to adhere them to the wall. I first used brad nailer to keep wood in place and leveled out. I then adhered them using counter sink screws directly into stud & wall anchors. I used a combination of the two screwing the piece along the back wall into stud and using anchors for the side cleats due to no stud being available.

Step 4

Once wall supports were secured, I primed (Zinsser) and painted the shelves using the same paint throughout my home for a clean white look. While waiting for paint to dry on shelves I spayed the closet with the same white paint throughout my home. I let it dry overnight after applying two coats of paint. The trim/cleat pieces are pre-primed so I only needed to add 2 coats of paint

Step 5

Lastly, I placed the shelving boards on top of the cleats and used brad nailer to secure the them. I nailed the area where the top board meets the cleat. I filled the holes and caulked all gaps and cracks including the shelves where you can see underneath. I wanted it to appear seamless so I gave it one final coat of paint letting it dry overnight.

What a drastic difference a few pieces of wood and a fresh coat of paint can make. Wow! I love how bright and airy it is as well as the simple hint of elegance it adds to my kitchen. Although, I dreaded this pantry makeover, I am extremely satisfied with the results. With this new and improve pantry I have a great visual on what is available and what needs to be replenished. I hope you enjoyed this clean and clutter free pantry makeover!

***I am not a professional contractor. DIY content purposes.