Pantry Makeover

One of my GOALS for 2013 is to GET Organized…

My pantry in the laundry room was, as my dear friend Julie would say, a HOT MESS!

EEEK! I cringe when I look at it!

This is the area where I keep some stock piled items, like 8 o’clock coffee (as you can chuckle from the bottom shelf) that Todd and I love.

If you want to learn more about why I stock up to save money click here.

My plan today was to give this area a makeover!

I LOVE the brown baskets, but they don’t fit neatly on the shelves and the contents are not easily known….

Target Time

I knew I wanted white so I headed to Target and lucked out when I found these!

$7.99 at Target
$9.99 at Target
I bought 4 small and 2 large.

I also bought a turntable that I thought I could put to use.

$9.99 at Target

Clean It Out

I took all of that “Hot Mess” and put it on the counters in my kitchen.  I sorted it, back to the way I had intended in the first place.  (Not sure WHO messed it up! : ) since only Todd and I live here)

Sort and Organize

I placed our tea and other drink mixers into one basket.

The potatoes, onions and garlic will live in here.  (Is it okay to store them together? I always have…)

Oatmeal, granola, and yes I put some skinny cow candy in here….breakfast of champions, right??

My beloved stock pile of COFFEE!

All those extra condiments I stock up on when they are on sale and I have a coupon will live in this basket.
I’m not allowed to have more then will fit in this basket! If you want to know how to maximize your savings at the grocery store you can read more here.

I placed a few extra hot sauces, teriyaki, and ketchup on the turntable since we go through these things more quickly (and some of them are glass)

LOVE IT!!! But it needs…

 

LABELS!!

Everything needs to be clearly marked so it can be easily found and PUT AWAY!

I LOVE the idea of the chalk board labels but didn’t want the writing to come off…
Then I found these cuties on Pinterest!!!  To follow me on Pinterest click here.

click the picture to make your own!

Adding Labels = WONDERFULNESS!

Looking at the finished product makes me giddy! A few hours work, (mostly shopping) will make a big difference in our quest for a more ORGANIZED LIFE!!

Don’t the labels look like real CHALK WRITING??

Before and After

EEEKKK! Sharing my before is embarrassing….but the after makes up for it RIGHT??

Let me know what you think!!
Any suggestions??

What projects have you been working on?

Now…to decide what I will organize next….

Thanks for reading!
Sharon
xoxo

About The Author

sharon.kasica

COMMENT

  1. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 19th Feb 13

    Thanks Paula! As I was getting my lunch together for work this morning I smiled thinking how much better it looks and how it was easier to FIND things! I am in LOVE with the labels too! Plan on using them again!

  2. Paula@SweetPea | 20th Feb 13

    You've got to be pleased as punch with your reorganization project. Not only can you find things, but you made them so attractive! I love those labels.

  3. Selene @ Restoration Beauty | 23rd Feb 13

    I love anything organization so immediately was intrigued by your post! You did an awesome job! I love those labels!
    Selene @ restorationbeauty.com

  4. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 23rd Feb 13

    Awww, thanks Selene! It has made me smile each time I went to get something out of the pantry this week. (I also knew where everything was!) Those labels are great! Deciding where to use them next!

  5. Jen @ de Jong Dream House | 24th Feb 13

    I love those labels. They make your baskets look so finished and pretty! And great minds think alike because I use those same baskets in my pantry. http://www.dejongdreamhouse.com/2012/11/my-perfect-pantry-dream-home-edition.html

  6. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 24th Feb 13

    Thank you Jen! I love those baskets from Target! Thanks so much for stopping by!
    I'll have to swing over and check out your pantry!

  7. Christina | 2nd Mar 13

    OMG I think we are on the same wavelength! I bought these exact baskets, but I got some blue ones as well to use in my secret organization project 🙂 I love those labels! such an easy way vs. my DIY ones! Visiting from I Heart Organizing Link Up!

    Christina
    http://lifewithlesdeux.blogspot.com

  8. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 2nd Mar 13

    I actually LOVE your idea! I was going to use it in my pantry but knew that we would be taking the baskets out daily and end up erasing the chalk. That is why I went for the "faux" look instead. But on other areas I plan on using your DIY instructions! Glad you found me and now I found you!

  9. Krista | 17th Mar 13

    Love your pantry makeover… just did mine too. Love the FAUX chalkboard! Much better than my real chalkboard ones that I have to redo all the time:)
    Krista @thehappyhousie.com

  10. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 17th Mar 13

    Thanks Krista! I LOVE those labels for the same reason, I end up wiping the chalk off! I'll hop over and see what you did!
    xoxo

  11. Unknown | 23rd Mar 13

    WOW- what a great transformation!!!
    I only wish I had a pantry to create a mess in, in the first place lol
    I live in a 100 year old Victorian Flat – my kitchen is the size of some pantries!
    Visiting from Classy Clutter – and am your newest follower
    Would love a follow back when you have the chance 🙂
    Hugs,
    Suzan

  12. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 23rd Mar 13

    Thanks Suzan! I LOVE old houses! I bet yours is amazing! I can't wait to hop over, follow you back, and see what you've been up to!
    xoxo

  13. Unknown | 23rd Mar 13

    Great transformation! Love the chalk board labels. 🙂 I so need to do this to a couple of closets in my house. You have inspired me! 🙂

    Krista @ joyfulhealthyeats

  14. Unknown | 23rd Mar 13

    Looks incredible! I love organized pantries. -Tabitha

  15. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 23rd Mar 13

    Thanks Tabitha! Makes me smile to know where everything is!!
    xoxo

  16. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 23rd Mar 13

    Love that I have inspired you Krista! It is addictive, I want to continue with all the closets in my home as well!
    I LOVE the faux chalkboard labels since the chalk can't come off!!
    Thanks for reading!
    xoxo

  17. Michelle | 25th Mar 13

    I've heard you shouldn't store potatoes and onions together. Something about the "gases" they release causing the other to rot sooner. I'd look into it.

    http://www.thekitchn.com/tip-dont-store-22091

  18. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 25th Mar 13

    Thanks Michelle! Looks like I'll be making another basket so I can separate them! Thanks for the link to the article!
    xoxo

  19. Rita | 31st Mar 13

    It looks great! I need to organize my pantry, It will be one of my spring cleaning things to do. Thanks for the inspiration. Please link this to my linky party. http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/03/sunday-linky-party-1.html

  20. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 1st Apr 13

    Thanks Rita! The labels are the BEST! So easy and cute!
    Good luck with your Spring Cleaning!
    xoxo

  21. Anonymous | 1st Apr 13

    Love this! It looks SO much BETTER! Thanks for the inspiration!I'm off to shop for baskets!

  22. Andrea Reed | 7th Apr 13

    What a wonderful redo! And the addition of labels are so cute. Great job and thanks for sharing! Stopping by from I Heart Nap Time 🙂

    RamblingReed.blogspot.com

  23. Anonymous | 14th Apr 13

    The before shots are what make the after shots so spectacular! Love this!

  24. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 14th Apr 13

    Yea! That makes me so happy! Let me know how it turns out!
    xoxo

  25. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 14th Apr 13

    Thank you Andrea! I'm loving the labels as well…I've used them several places in my home!
    Thanks for stopping by!
    xoxo

  26. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 14th Apr 13

    I agree…even if it is embarrassing! : )
    xoxo

  27. Unknown | 15th Apr 13

    This is a truly awesome post!! I can't say my pantry ever looked that amazing! Thanks for sharing @ Seasons of a Homemaker. Please share with friends so we can enjoy a big party!!
    Abbi

  28. My Eclectic Loft | 29th Apr 13

    Really great ideas! Thank you for sharing.

  29. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 29th Apr 13

    Thanks for reading Abbi! The MOST amazing part? It has STAYED neat and organized. When we put groceries away, thanks to the labels, we know right where to put things!
    xoxo

  30. Mrs. Tucker (Patti) | 5th May 13

    It looks fantastic! I have never stored potatoes and onions together because when they are together they produce a gas that in turns leads to early spoilage.

    Popping in from Oh, Mrs. Tucker!

  31. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 5th May 13

    Thanks for reading!
    xoxo

  32. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 5th May 13

    I have since separated the two, thanks to helpful comments like yours! The onions are upset that they can't rot my potatoes..but they are getting over it!!

    Thanks for Reading!!
    xoxo

  33. Julia Kendrick | 17th May 13

    Oh wow! You did a wonderful job with such a small space! I LOVE the labels! Pinned for later. Julia @ http://www.juliakendrick.com

  34. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 18th May 13

    Thank you for the pin Julia!

    I am obsessed with the labels…I have tried to use others but ALWAYS like these better!
    xoxo

  35. Patty | 20th May 13

    Looks awesome!! Would love it if I could share this on our Operation Organization Linky Party!

    http://makeitcozee.blogspot.de/search?q=organization

  36. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 20th May 13

    Thanks Patty! I'd love to join! Thanks for the invite!
    xoxo

  37. Unknown | 22nd May 13

    I have these same bins and I love them! It seems like I'm always finding excuses to buy more. I have been hesitant to put labels on them though because I thought they might lay weird on the weave texture…. but yours look so good!!?

  38. Unknown | 22nd May 13

    Awesome transformation! What a difference it does make some organization, baskets, and labels!!! It looks so bright now! Thanks so much for sharing this at Bewitch Me & Titi! Hope to have you back next Sunday with more awesome shares!

    Hope you are having a lovely week

    Hugs
    Cami @ TitiCrafty by Camila

  39. Unknown | 23rd May 13

    This is a drastic transformation! Way to go!
    Not only is the space gorgeous now but it will definitely be functional for you and your family!
    Im impressed!
    Cheers! Allison @ http://slippersbyday.blogspot.ca

  40. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 23rd May 13

    The labels really work well on them Brittany! I was a nervous about that too. Feel free to label away!!

    I love to get more baskets but my Target didn't carry them for long!
    xoxo

  41. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 23rd May 13

    Thanks Camila! It is amazing what some baskets and labels can do!
    Thanks for hosting! I enjoy linking up with you!
    xoxo

  42. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 23rd May 13

    Thank you Carrie! I hop over and take a look! Thanks for the invite!
    xoxo

  43. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 23rd May 13

    You are so sweet Allison! I appreciate you taking a look!!
    xoxo

  44. Carrie | 24th May 13

    Wonderful transformation!!! I love the white Target containers and you are right…the labels do look like real chalk…cute!
    My sister and I host a link party on Thursdays. I would love for you to stop by and link this or any other projects up at Think Tank Thursday.
    http://www.saving4six.com/2013/05/welcome-to-think-tank-thursday-31.html

  45. cooking with curls | 29th May 13

    That is awesome! I made over my pantry in January, but my friends are making me post pictures every month to prove that it still looks organized 😉 Maybe I should go make some labels now…

  46. Trish - Mom On Timeout | 29th May 13

    I love this! Doesn't it feel awesome to get everything organized? Way to go Sharon!

  47. Leslie | 2nd Jun 13

    Wow! That looks really good. I need to get my cabniets under control. I'm stopping by from the Sunday link up & I'm a new follower through bloglovin & already through Twitter.

  48. Emily Thompson | 8th Jun 13

    WOWOW!!! what a difference…. the end result is incredible!!! You must feel so good everytime you open your pantry doors now :o) Love the baskets and labels. Emily @ Nap-Time Creations

  49. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 8th Jun 13

    At least they are holding you accountable! ha ha!
    Thanks for reading!
    xoxo

  50. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 8th Jun 13

    Thanks Trish! It does feel awesome and the BEST part is it has stayed neat and organized!
    Thanks for stopping by!
    xoxo

  51. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 8th Jun 13

    Thanks Leslie! After you do it…I promise the labels make it stay organized!
    Thanks for following!
    xoxo

  52. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 8th Jun 13

    Thank you Emily! It still does make me smile!
    Organization = Happiness : )
    Thanks for stopping by to take a look!
    xoxo

  53. KC Coake | 4th Jul 13

    It looks fantastic! I love those baskets from Target. I have them in my laundry room…labeled as well! They are so fun. I was about to label our craft area today and those labels you used look perfect. I'm off to check them out. Thanks!
    Happy 4th!
    KC

  54. Unknown | 24th Aug 13

    What a difference! I love the brightness that the white baskets have brought into the space and also completely adore the chalkboard labels.

  55. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 28th Aug 13

    I LOVE those chalk board labels too. I have used them in several spaces!
    Thanks for taking a look!
    xoxo

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