Organizing lots of things in a small area can be a frustrating and difficult task.
Sometimes, you just don't have room. So the best thing is to make due with what you have - the best you can. For the past five years, I have dealt with the issue of a very small pantry. This is pretty much our kitchen pantry.
And with it being very small, it was difficult to do two things:
1. To stock up my pantry items.
2. To keep my pantry items organized.
This past week, I was doing some spring organizing and I desperately was trying to figure out a solution to this small and unorganized thorn in my flesh.
I was sitting on the couch and it hit me. Right in front of me was a very unused and underutilized area. The built in bookcase.
This may sound like a crazy idea to some of you. To turn a built in bookcase that is in your living room into your kitchen pantry? OK...it may not be for everyone. But I could sit and complain about my small pantry or I can use what I already have, be creative and unique and try something different. That is what I did.
I covered up the bookcase with curtain rods and these great curtains - both bought at Big Lots.
Perhaps to the first glance...it simply looks like part of the decor.
This is where my cookbooks and photo albums were moved to. :)
But behind the curtain is the magic. Finally, a place large enough for a family pantry. All for the cost of a curtain rod and two curtain panels.
1. I can now see what food items I have already in stock to use.
2. Food items do not go to waste because it got stuck where I couldn't see it.
3. I have room to stock up.
And I was able to reclaim cupboard space for my cooking and baking dishes.
Sometimes, the key is simply using what you already have in a better and wiser way. :)
That was awesome.
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