Creative Pantry Storage

I know we have talked about this before, but it is always good to get some reminders of things we can use, and places we can keep our pantry stockpile.

We are at a volatile time in history again - where just about anything can happen in the world.  It is very scary to think about.  I know we all want to be able to take care  of our families and keep them nourished no matter what happens.
I have faith in the Lord to hold my hand through whatever turmoil we may bare - but I also know that He expects us to help ourselves as well.

I want to be prepared for whatever may happen, whether it's world events, mother nature, illness, loss of funds, no mater what!  I can pretty much bet you are the same way.

There are so many great ways to store our pantry items in out of the way places, and in pretty neat and original ways.

JARS - keep them all.  You can store all kinds of things SAFELY in jars.  I love the half gallon and gallon glass (and plastic) jars I have accumulated over the years.  Some came from the store with product in them and others I got a flea markets and yard sales.
Anything can be stored in jars.  They are bug free - safe zones.  I have some large plastic (gallon) ones - that I store products in, that I leave in their original containers.  Bags of beans or pasta, small packets of mixes, extra health and beauty items, etc.  They stay nice and dry and clean!
Check out Annabelle's site on the blog roll at right - at The Bluebirds Are Nesting for some adorable and creative ideas on labeling.  She makes everything look pretty!

BASKETS - oh my we all love baskets.  I have received many over the years as gifts and every one has become useful.  Extra storage for TP in bathroom, Extra storage for books or magazines that I choose to keep.  Small baskets hold recipe books in the kitchen, packets of mixes, fruit or veggies that aren't refrigerated.  Can goods can be stored away in baskets, linens, snacks, you name it.  Baskets are pretty so they fit just about any where.

BOXES - never discount good old fashioned card board boxes!  I have many canning jar boxes, that I use for storing my canning.  I simply label the outside of the box as to contents and date canned, and place in storage area.  Boxes from liquor stores are great - they are heavy and many times they are compartmentalized.  Boxes stack easily, for out of the way storage. (Back corners of closets, etc.)  I also buy lots of items from Aldi by the case, and those items stack nicely.

POP BOXES - can be used - even decorated to hold canned goods.  Not only are you creating storage but you are recycling.  Old cereal boxes can be done this way as well.

TOTES of all sorts can be used.  Small ones for certain items or large ones for are variety of items.  Keep your products safe, dry and clean.  Totes can be stacked and labeled for those long term storage items.
PLASTIC ICE CREAM container are good gallon size storage as well.

MILK CRATES are wonderful if you can get them.  I have several older ones that are nice and sturdy.  They are easy to stack, have great air flow, and take up little space.

POPCORN TINS from the holidays are another storage solution that is great.  I have many of these, and they are used from storing bird seed - to holding bags of powdered sugar, sugar, flour, etc.  Insect free, and items are dry and safe.

Make some additional storage in out of the way places.  Behind doors is a great area.  I had a nephew make me an extra spice rack that fit inside my pantry door.  Now I can keep extras (of much used items) in an out of sight way and on unused real estate!

Shoe bags can also be used for storage of things other than shoes!  Small toys, bathroom supplies, packets of seasonings, anything that is smallish.

Again this is on the back of a door - so you are creating storage from unused areas of the home.

I saw an idea for a rack that was made to store all those pots and pan lids.  I think it is cool, but I think it could be done easier.

My idea is, instead of building something like above - attached old fashioned café curtain rods to the backside of the door.  I think it would work superbly - and I may try that on the inside of a couple cabinet doors.  If the rod is too deep - it could easily be cut off on the ends to make a shallower rack.  I have a ton of those old curtain rods stored in the basement, so all I need is a few brackets from the hardware store. 
I think it would be a great solution on the back of closet doors for scarves, jewelry, belts, etc.  (I know that may not be considered pantry - but it is extra storage)

RECYCLE - coffee cans for storage.  They can be painted or contact paper added to pretty them up.  Coffee creamer jars are good for holding popcorn, candy, dry milk, flour, etc.  Peanut cans, oatmeal boxes, you name it - it can be used for storage.

Get yourself some METAL SHELVING, or an OLD BOOK CASE, or a ROLLING RACK.  Use whatever you can find.

Here is an old rolling rack someone gave me - it works great for lots of smaller items.  The shelving behind it is in our laundry room.  I don't store laundry down there - so I utilize it for extra long term pantry items.  Behind those curtains are shelves that are full on home canned goods.
There is no limit to the ways to store stuff.
We also have a bar in our basement that is no longer used - I cleaned off and got rid of most bar items on shelving under it (gave to someone who would use), and now I use those shelves for long term storage.

Keep turntables or lazy Susan's in the corners of cabinets so as to utilize every space you can.
Tension rods placed in open areas of the pantry or in cabinets allow you to hang items.  Use those plastic pant hangers you get at the store - or add clothes pins the metal rings for hanging.  You can even get clip type shower rings.
Old drawers from unused furniture can have rollers added to the bottom.  They make great under furniture or under bed storage.  Takes up less space than a big ugly piece of furniture.

Utilized the back corners of closets for stacking boxes of labeled pantry items or packages of toilet paper or cases of water. 
DON'T FORGET under the stairs.  That area is such an unused area in our homes.  Add shelving, racks, or if enclosed add a door.  Turn it into usable space.

I have even used a couple of G's old t-shirts (bigger ones he no longer wears) and make hanging storage for bags of snacks, nuts, or any light packaging.
This works great.  Any size shirt could be used, depending on what you are wanting to store. I have a much smaller shirt cut this way and hanging on the back of the basement door in the kitchen to hold onions. I like that because it's breathable material. (you could even add slits ever so often for more air flow - since material will not fray).

 

Another neat idea if you have a basement with rafters - place some heavy wire shelving on the underside of the rafters and you can store ON it and in between the rafters.  No wasted space.
If rodent free - paper goods can be stored in attics or garages.                                      

I have a couple of those older wicker laundry hampers from days gone by (the ones with lids attached) - I use those for storing extra blankets and quilts.  I have put some cedar blocks in them to keep any buggers out.  They would also be good storage for extra warm clothing or even dry goods for food storage.

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When you think you have no space for storing those maybe life saving long term pantry items - think again.  THINK hanging - think vertical - think behind and under - think above. 
Just stop and think and get creative with your storage plans.

DO YOU HAVE ANY CREATIVE WAYS FOR STORING YOUR LONG TERM PANTRY ITEMS? 
PLEASE LET US KNOW!!!!!

Be prepared for ANY emergency!