There’s no better place to start reorganizing your home than the pantry. As the epicenter of every kitchen, a well-kept pantry goes a long way with simplifying meal planning, especially for families with children.
Pantries are a soft spot for Lauryl Pingel and Aubry Mayfield-Loats, the co-founders of Stay Golden Organizing, a Tulsa-based luxury organizing and home management service.
“We can tackle [pantries] in about half a day, and it’s usually a quick, immediate transformation,” says Pingel.
The Do’s and Don’ts
No matter how cluttered, Mayfield-Loats and Pingel start every project by pulling everything out of their clients’ pantries and sorting the food items into groups.
“It can get really scary,” jokes Mayfield-Loats. “It always gets worse before it gets better.”
Next, they create designated zones for different foods, placing frequently used items in easy-to-reach places. With a clear idea of the pantry’s contents, they can also purchase additional storage, such as wicker baskets and food canisters, if needed.
Although endless rows of mason jars are the hallmark of Pinterest pantry inspiration, the pair recommends keeping storage simple.
“So many of our clients are busy families…to have to decant 15 snacks into different canisters – we just find that most people don’t have time for that,” says Mayfield-Loats.
The duo also creates custom vinyl labels for their clients to help them keep their pantries organized long-term.
“We’ve done [vinyl labels] from day one,” says Pingel. “It’s very time consuming, but we feel like it looks the prettiest.”
Hacks for Limited Space
Overcoming tight spaces can be a challenge, but getting rid of clutter is the first step. To start, the duo recommends checking for and getting rid of expired foods.
To hide clutter without monopolizing floor space, Pingel and Mayfield-Loats often rely on stackable food cubbies. They also utilize Lazy Susans.
“You can pop peanut butter, honey, sauces, dressings and vinegars on there, and they can really up your space for a small price,” says Pingel.
However, the duo emphasizes that keeping a pantry organized often requires cultivating new habits.
“If you don’t have a walk-in pantry, bulk shopping at Costco may not be your best bet… So we try to encourage our clients, that once their system is set, really use those baskets and bins as your boundary,” explains Pingel.
This Year’s Trends
Not every trend lasts, but blending open shelving with closed cabinetry doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon.
“I think people are starting to realize that floor-to-ceiling shelves are not always the best, because some things are nice to conceal,” adds Mayfield-Loats.
The duo has also noticed accessibility taking the forefront in pantry projects, with many clients installing shelving and cabinetry in places where children can reach.
Although the general-store aesthetic and warm minimalism are popular right now, Mayfield-Loats and Pingel strive to match the inside of every client’s pantry to the rest of their home.
“We really thrive on making beautiful and functional spaces,” says Pingel. “When we leave, we want people to feel like they could take the door off of their pantry if they want.”
