r/OrganizationPorn • u/Linkyland • 11d ago

I need so much help with my pantry...!

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I'm autistic and my executive function for organising in a 3d space is just atrocious.

But. I LOVE to cook. So, i tend to buy new or fun ingredients to try out and I do use them, but then there's just so much STUFF...

I need some serious help. I've tried organising this a few times by myself, but all I've managed to do is throw out the old stuff and just out everything back.

I have no idea where to start.

Help...?

123 Upvotes
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87

u/muskies34 11d ago

Divide by item type (canned foods, oils, sauces, pastas, etc). Then put smaller items into bins, lazy susans, risers, etc.

11

u/Linkyland 11d ago

Do you have any recommendations for the kinds of bins etc i should look for?

43

u/muskies34 11d ago

Clear acrylic are best in terms of visibility but really anything will do.

12

u/GoodAd6942 11d ago

I would get bins that are tall enough to have cans stacked on top. That will clear up some space for you

11

u/Lance-pg 10d ago

It depends very much what kind of organizer you are? I like to have large closed bins that I can't see in and label them so I don't look at the clutter when I'm not actively going for something.

If you can't remember what you have if it's out of sight then clear bins are probably better.

As far as organization it depends how you like to organize. I usually have as a box for snacks. One for my son's protein powder and health food. One for quick meals (ramen, Rice-A-Roni, mac and cheese).

I know someone who breaks things out by whether it's a protein, vegetable or fruit. Someone else I've seen organized by what meal it goes with breakfast lunch or dinner which would drive me mad because you can use a lot of things in multiple areas.

The first step is to go through everything in your pantry, which means taking it all out getting rid of everything that you think is too old or out of date. I don't mean the date on the package I mean the date where you think it's really not worth keeping anymore. having to go through all of it and cleaning it out it really does help a lot with realizing what you have left and what the best way to organize it is.

1

u/xBraria 10d ago

Op, try taking this clutterbug test to see.

2

u/bdiddylv 10d ago

delay that order! i have the advice you need.

  1. Plastic lazy susans. i recommend the big uns. with side walls so you can spin without worry of topple

https://a.co/d/07dPIoUk

these are big something like 23 inches or something but you should have room in the corners. I would recommend putting one on each shelf.

fill them with cans, ketchup, condiments in general,

i also recommend you get one or two for your fridge. they're great for organization. just make sure you get the smaller ones that have walls. Because when shit falls over in your fridge and you have to reach over everything it's a pain in the ass. I got the 10 inch ones

  1. "Like items together" is your new mantra. No matter what you're organizing no matter how you're doing it you put like items together. after years of trying I finally developed an organization system that works with ADHD piles all over the house and an active desire to be lazy. I have become the most organized person out of everybody I know. And I was the most disorganized person prior. So if you want help with that let me know but in general like items go together. It doesn't mean you need to have all food items together it means you need to have all subcategories together. For instance cans go together, soda goes together, spaghetti goes together, spaghetti sauce can go in entirely different place but all spaghetti sauce goes together if that makes sense

  2. plastic bins and stuff work well but I find that what works better is an over the door organizer.

https://a.co/d/0awjqQsF

there's some that can range between 50 and $70 but the one that I just linked is like 30 and that's the one I have and it works well. You just have to get some 3M hooks to hook the shelf so it doesn't move forward causing everything to fall out the back

https://preview.redd.it/9d648vi00k8d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=e8d97f4caccf9e128ff895c7815e610ff2b106a7

I have kept this thing loaded with cans and everything and while it does kind of pull down on the door it holds it well as long as they are hooked to the door. Lazy Susan's work better for cans in my opinion. You can see at the top I also have some like bins and Tupperware things. That's typically where I would keep them but I've been experimenting with other systems for Tupperware.

  1. take the spice rack off the door and get yourself a plastic rolling 5 inch wide cart. And put it next to the fridge if you can. They sell skinnier ones that are more expensive. I am currently using mine in my laundry room but trust me they work very well if you don't have to move them more than a few feet. straight out straight back

https://a.co/d/00lxvhSL

make sure you get the one that I just linked to you. If they trick you and send the one that has the slots in the bottom of the shelves send it back. That one sucks ass. I've tried many of these and the ones that I just linked where the sides are solid are easily the best

I think they come in sizes where there's three or four shelves tall. So I ordered two to make it as tall as my fridge and just stack them together. Which gave me five shelves next to my fridge and also gave me an additional one that was 2 shelves tall

The bonus for these is they perfect for stacking Tupperware next to the fridge if you can't find a better place. The only issue is you can't stack very big Tupperware unless you turn them on their side typically which takes up more room but still they were great for Tupperware. And also they were amazing in between your washer and dryer

also get one of those things to store plastic bags from the grocery store. And just hanging up inside your pantry

1

u/Internal_Intrepid007 9d ago

Find a dollar tree near you! Best way to organize with $1.25/bin or basket

1

u/TheMysticMungus 8d ago edited 8d ago

I like the mDesign 10x6x5 clear plastic bins. This size is great for a lot of applications and fits in most spaces. mDesign has a whole suite of size options so they should have something that is the same depth as your pantry shelves.

If I were you I would order just a few bins to start. They sell big variety packs that seem like a good deal, but chances are you’ll toss many of the ones you can’t find uses for.

1

u/Rock_Successful 10d ago

The Home Edit at Walmart. Or anything off of Amazon.

25

u/redditnathaniel 10d ago

First step: Understand that you cannot reasonably organize the stuff that you have with the space that you are provided. In other words, significantly reduce the amount of stuff first.

2

u/xBraria 10d ago

Or add extra space! :D for bulk flour (keep only a moderate amount), all the pots and gadgets etc

11

u/_Miracle 10d ago

Some good tips in this thread already. There are over the door organizers that will maximize your space keep it shallow for singles to face out and move one of your spice racks near the stove/oven. Lights, strip lighting under each shelf.

https://preview.redd.it/lmepcrku0g8d1.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=7a64d838453da49fa6e1c5d8e57a3e0572667f06

4

u/Linkyland 10d ago

Ohhhh, strip lighting? Is that the stick on stuff I've seen people post about?

4

u/_Miracle 10d ago

Amazon! Less than $20 if you're on a budget. There are battery operated or rechargeable puck lights if you don't have access to electricity.

1

u/Bladehawk1 10d ago

Hi Easter bleeding frequently you can also set it up with motion arch detector so that as soon as you open the pantry it'll light up.

3

u/xBraria 10d ago

The bottom row glass jar that's not held by anything is giving me anxiety xD

3

u/_Miracle 10d ago

Yeah, the bottom 2 rows 😅🤣

23

u/ember3pines 11d ago

I'd start with pantry risers - either smaller metal shelves, they look like little tables, or plastic stair like risers so you can sort things and see them. I also got a can organizer recently where you lay the cans down in rows but one of each shows in the front, rolls forward when you take one out. Then I mean it's a matter of tossing things that are expired, or maybe dating things and then in 6 months if you haven't used again, then toss it. The date can make the decision for you. Idk what'll work best for your flavor of brain but those are general ideas - i stay away from bins bc my brain makes everything in the bins invisible once they enter them lol

10

u/Linkyland 11d ago

Haha, thank you! I think you're right. If it's in a bin, I will probably never touch it again. :')

Having the items stacked up on little stairs, etc, is probably a good place to start!

4

u/ember3pines 11d ago

I personally like categories together of types of foods like pasta or chips or whatever but sometimes shape is just as easy. Sometimes people keep ingredients for certain dishes together too - especially if they're super specific to that one thing you tried that one time. Whatever way you go, it's just nice to see everything you need to! Good luck! Oh I also love a lazy susan here or there, as long as it stores things I don't use often bc again, anything out of eye sight disappears lol

2

u/remington_420 10d ago

I can see you’re Aussie from ur picture. Kmart have a lot of organisational products mentioned here like the risers and clear boxes. I have and use both in my limited cupboard space and it’s so helpful. I suggest you make a specific Kmart trip for this and dedicate an arvo to just sort out your pantry. Nothing else. Once it’s done you will be so relieved and can build a maintenance pattern from there

1

u/bdiddylv 10d ago

Another thing is get those plastic food storage bins and store fucking everything in them. Cereal. Spaghetti. Anything where they'll fit because now you have a flat top that you can stack others on top of

3

u/bdiddylv 10d ago

I tried these things too. And I would also recommend the risers. You just have to make sure you stack them in a way where you can get to the stuff on the back without knocking over the stuff in the front of the risers which is easily one of the most frustrating things on planet. Fucking. Earth.

9

u/smatterdoodle 11d ago

If you want some help with regular useage of items (I also have an issue with oo shiny), it helps to regularly make space in the fridge to USE the random stuff you picked up to try. My current fixation is stir fry so I make sure we have stuff like baby bok choy, pork belly, and mushrooms so I can make it when I feel like having it. Organizing is an excellent first step but tge next step is incorporating things that you'd like to clear out of the pantry into daily or weekly rotation. Best of luck!! I believe in you!!

5

u/Linkyland 11d ago

Thank you! I was nervous about posting my pantry monstrosity to an organising sub, but you guys are so NICE :)

3

u/smatterdoodle 11d ago

I think because most folks here are looking for inspo for their own organizational disasters (or that's what I'd like to think, LOL i found weevils in ny flour YESTERDAY)

2

u/Linkyland 10d ago

Where I live, it gets very humid. So all grains and flours, etc, have to be stored in the freezer year round.

The freezer is absolutely STUFFED, but it keeps the weevils out? hahaha

2

u/smatterdoodle 10d ago

Oh now there's an idea... I just bought a second freezer this year bc I know a guy who sells pork sometimes (and it only comes in bulk)

2

u/Linkyland 10d ago

Everything goes in there. Lentils, rice, flours, raw oats, panko, etc.

I've done it forever and have never had weevils in anything other than my spice rack, (which can't go in there). :)

1

u/Bladehawk1 10d ago

Never had a problem with weevils but I assume airtight containers keep them out since that's what I use?

2

u/Bladehawk1 10d ago

In my case I'm done with my organizational woes. It's more helping people who have a harder time with it than I do.

2

u/smatterdoodle 10d ago

Aw that's super nice of you honestly ♡

2

u/xBraria 10d ago edited 8d ago

Btw you can still put it in the freezer. Most adults die at around freezing point and a few degrees under even the eggs do.

They will die, no longer reproduce and you can sieve them out (or just eat them like a barbarian the way I do it xD)

2

u/smatterdoodle 9d ago

It's too late for that particular flour but good to know!! I've been cleaning out my pantry and I'll see if any of it's good to freeze.

1

u/Bladehawk1 10d ago

Nope, we hate you! We just hate disorganization more. 😜

Just kidding glad we could help.

8

u/frangipani_c 10d ago

Oh, and don't store onions and potatoes together. They make each other go bad.

I recommend leaving the potatoes and sweet potatoes in this area (as darkness is their friend), and moving the onions elsewhere.

11

u/Gulliveig 11d ago

Get uniform and stackable containers.

https://preview.redd.it/vz4qs9fqtf8d1.png?width=640&format=png&auto=webp&s=18667ffc692a974969c9e52d883ea2429a1b3970

8

u/Gulliveig 11d ago

Get a tape writer and label everything.

https://preview.redd.it/0wo8qi3vtf8d1.png?width=640&format=png&auto=webp&s=291fda14e99da4a9449be464bc387c01cc944027

2

u/Lance-pg 10d ago

I did something very similar but with a Cricut. Decanting things and getting them into containers that are uniform is going to make things look a lot neater. That goes for your spice rack too if you can get things in a uniform containers It's going to be a real pain to do but it's going to look better.

6

u/Muschka30 10d ago

I personally would not want everything in bins. It’s too much work to open and see things. This is subjective of course. I prefer open storage organizers.

1

u/newboxset 10d ago

Yes I would not want to have to open a bin to look for stuff, and would not want the bother of decanting. And what if you buy more than what fits.

1

u/Bladehawk1 10d ago

This hasn't really been a problem for me. I tend to buy stuff knowing the sizes I have room for and what I need. It's all about what works for you. I found I was able to keep things a lot better organized if they were in uniform bins and labeled strictly because my son doesn't put anything away if I don't have them not structure.

2

u/-whodat 10d ago

I'd love that, but god, buying that many boxes must be expensive as hell

1

u/omgcatss 10d ago

Yeah I use shoeboxes for most of my organizing.

5

u/asktheetrafficlights 11d ago

The important thing here is to get multiple levels of storage, because you've got a lot of open space above the items on your shelves. Storage solutions like stacking bins or drawers will help with that, and it will also help you separate things into categories so that you have a set number of things like sauces, oils, etc that will fit, and you can try to experiment with keeping everything within that limit. You could also get a hanging vegetable basket for things like potatoes and onions so they're not on the floor - all you have to do is dump them into the basket, so it's a really easy way to get produce organized.

3

u/Linkyland 11d ago

Amazing! I never actually realised there was so much space above everything hahaha. ♡

5

u/ablair24 10d ago

I highly recommend getting some small lazy suzans. They work especially well with round containers. Put them in corners to help you navigate your items more easily.

2

u/JVilter 10d ago

I got two lazy Susans for my bottom shelf and it's one of the best things I've ever done for organizing my pantry. All my liquid seasoning type stuff goes in them- the more frequently used stuff in one, and the less used stuff in the other. There is still room on the shelf for my jug of vinegar, the large Canola oil and the big bottle of something that's escaping me at the moment.

7

u/lucyferzyr 10d ago

I'm pretty sure you can get rid of 50% of the stuff on the shelves. I doubt you really use all of them.

2

u/newboxset 10d ago

Agree start with reviewing what's really a keeper

3

u/tarynb21 10d ago

Dollar stores such as dollarama, dollar tree, and dollar general often have really nice looking plastic bin collections that come in a variety of colors and sizes. I have four large plastic open-top bins with grab handles that sit on the bottom of my pantry. They hold my large open bag of rice, another holds my bag of flour, another holds potatoes. I use a metal mesh magazine holder to store my onions. There’s some neat can holders/organizers on Amazon but honestly I think in your case even just taking everything out and then replacing things back into more cohesive categories will help. Use clear bins (also found from dollar stores) to keep light boxed items together (think things like hamburger helper, stovetop stuffing, mac n cheese, ramen soup packets, etc). I have baskets on my top shelf that contain open bags of things that is my “backstock” or things that I don’t want/need to decant. While it might look daunting now, a big first step is just pulling everything out to sort and then putting it away neatly. Once you see how nice it looks it’ll be easier to maintain going forward as now it looks like things are just crammed in willy-nilly. Believe in yourself, you can do this!!

3

u/frangipani_c 10d ago

May I suggest some strip lighting underneath each shelf? There are tonnes of battery operated sensor strip lights out there. Makes it so easy to see everything. And it looks pretty 😍

2

u/twowholebeefpatties 10d ago

Fellow Aussie

2

u/missmoonriver517 10d ago

I have now organized an abundance of closets/pantries and the first thing I would do would be take everything out and sort by general category. (Cans, sauces, pets, seasonal, etc.) Yes, it’s overwhelming, but then you’re committed and that way you have a much better idea of what types of storage/organization systems you need. Different items benefit from different solutions- I love a shelf for some of my cans/jars, but prefer a lazy susan for oils/vinegars. I agree with the user that suggested better over the door storage, but would also look into some plastic drawer organizers or large baskets/bins for the floor. And last but not least… measure EVERYTHING! The space between shelves, space between the floor and bottom shelf, etc. When I go to the store I like to be armed with a list of what I have the most of to the least, and a rough sketch of the area with measurements.

Update us!

2

u/sillyconfused 10d ago

Also check the expiration dates on everything. My mother had 20 year old cans when she passed, because she couldn’t buy the products anymore. But they were long spoiled anyway.

2

u/Sheseabeast 10d ago

I always start by date checking every item and getting rid of whatever is expired or not worth keeping. While doing this I start creating piles of like items.

1

u/cosmically_curated 10d ago

I group by bags, boxes, jars, cans

1

u/vikicrays 10d ago

i’d take everything out, wipe down the shelves, and put some lovely shelf liners down. often i find a fresh start helps me keep things looking nice.

next i’d toss anything that is expired. while spices are likely fine, they do lose their potency over time and buying new will actually help you use less as you won’t need as much.

then i’d invest in some kind of shelving for the door like this one sold at the big A.

get baskets or bins to sort things like chips, cookies, and snacks.

dump all of the flour, sugar, etc. together into sealable containers to keep it fresh. same for cereal.

1

u/JVilter 10d ago

I have a couple of sets of these. They are pricey but very nice for organizing cans. I have the rows separated by category, like beans, tomatoes, olives, vegetables. I could use more, but Yikes $, so the rest of my stuff is in clear bins and in two lazy susans

1

u/beliefinphilosophy 10d ago

90 day rule.

If you haven't used the items in 90 days, and don't think you'll use them in the next 90 days, throw them out.

-12

u/Dependent_Top_4425 11d ago

I would start with working on your executive function before tackling the pantry.

9

u/crystal-crawler 10d ago

Sometimes you need to stop and ask yourself if my comment will be hurtful or helpful. Your comment was not helpful. This sub is for everyone to celebrate their successes but also a safe place for people to come who need help. The reason they may be disorganized isn’t for you to point out. You don’t know their life or the reason. But they are here asking for help with one singular part of their home.

-12

u/Dependent_Top_4425 10d ago

I come from a world where people struggled with different things and excelled at different things without needing a diagnoses about it. There was no whining about executive function, ADHD, autism, etc.

If you have executive function enough to whine about your autism on reddit, you don't have autism. The lazy brats need to be dialed back.

7

u/crystal-crawler 10d ago

Wow.. again I’m gonna repeat what I tell the children I work with at school.

Was your comment helpful or hurtful?

Hurtful. Just because they struggled Without a diagnosis “and didn’t whine about it”. You know how that goes. They turn into emotionally closed off people who have adverse coping mechanisms …like lashing out at complete strangers on the internet who are simply asking for guidance and help.

Since when is someone asking for help considered whining? They are brave for opening up that closet and sharing who they are and making the active choice to better their lives by tidying the pantry.

How sad you are.

And FYI I’ve been to enough boomer & gen x hoarder homes to say no you weren’t ok then and you aren’t ok now.

5

u/Altruistic-Ninja-464 10d ago

Oh awesome, we’ll let all the neuropsychiatrists know they’ve wasted their time on science and research - Dependent Top said they didn’t whine about it in their world! Therefore, it didn’t exist! 😂

3

u/Boring-Win8370 10d ago

Guys, I’m gonna have to ask you to color code or at least alphabetize your quibbling

3

u/Linkyland 11d ago

:(

5

u/crystal-crawler 10d ago edited 10d ago

Hey, That person can shove it. As a person who actually struggles with my EF abilities, I was a bit insulted with how they phrased it.

The rest of my house is great but My pantry also needs an overhaul. You’ve really inspired me to tackle mine this week. Thanks 😊