Happy Sunday everyone!

As I begin moving into my new home, one of my top priorities has been creating an organized, functional space that still feels beautiful and welcoming. I will admit I’ve never been *the best* at organizing—and that’s where Amy from Simplify Buffalo came in! Amy is a pro when it comes to decluttering and organizing spaces, and I couldn’t wait to team up with her to tackle one of my favorite areas in my new home: the pantry.

Together, we’ve transformed my pantry into a space that not only looks visually pleasing but is also practical for every day life. As many of you know I am a teacher so my day starts pretty early. My vision for the pantry was to create a place that makes morning prep of coffee, tea, smoothies, lunches, etc. much easier. Today, Amy help me put together a list of her tips and tricks for organizing your space in a way that is both pretty and practical. From clever storage solutions to simple DIY hacks, you’ll be able to implement these ideas in your own home and start enjoying a more organized life. Mackenzie Childs also sent over a few of their new Mocha Check pieces which helped elevate the space immensely, but also serve as practical storage options! Head to the end of the post for links to everything we used on this project.

I can’t wait to work with Amy and the Simplify Buffalo team on more home projects soon! If you are local, be sure to book a call with Amy HERE and you can talk through how she can help you transform your space.

The space we were working with:

       

The end result:

Top Tips:

1. Take Items out of Bulky Packages to Save Space

Whether it’s cereal, snacks, or cleaning supplies, taking items out of their original bulky packaging and transferring them into more space-efficient containers can drastically improve the look and functionality of your space. You’ll save valuable storage space and keep things looking neat! I am always buying small snacks for my lunches and having them easily accessible in my pantry is going to be a game changer.

2. Decant Frequently Used Items

When you decant pasta, beans, or grains into clear jars, it not only looks chic, but it also makes it easy to keep track of what you have and when to replace it. Opt for airtight seals to maintain freshness. Clear jars are especially great for pantry staples because you’ll know exactly when to replenish your stock. I have a few pasta dishes I make on a regular basis so I added those to the jars in my pantry! Not only is this practical but also looks beautiful on my open shelving.

3. Designate a ‘Back Stock Basket’

When decanting items, it’s important to designate a spot for the extras- the back ups or the remainder that doesn’t fit in the container. Having a designated place for extra items — like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, or canned goods — is a simple yet effective way to keep clutter at bay. In the pantry we used the back stock bin to keep extra pasta, flour, sugar, etc. Instead of random piles on the counter or in drawers, use a basket or bin to store your backup items. This way, you know exactly where to find them when you need to restock.

4. Buy Labels on Amazon for a Professional Touch

Labels help create a visually cohesive space while keeping everything organized. You can easily find customizable labels on Amazon that add a touch of professionalism to your organization system. Plus, it makes it easy for everyone in the house to find what they need without unnecessary searching! Linking the labels from Amazon we used here, but you can also use a label maker if you have one!

5. Maximize Space with Hooks and Shelves

Don’t overlook the potential of vertical space! Installing hooks for hanging accessories, bags, or even kitchen tools can help you free up valuable counter and drawer space. I found these adorable gold hooks at Ikea and love how they fit in the space. They are the perfect spot to hand mugs and other kitchen accessories and really free up a lot of space. I also added floating shelves which provides extra storage while keeping things visually appealing.

6. Use Baskets to Keep Small Items Tidy

Baskets are not only cute but incredibly functional! Use them to corral smaller items like remote controls, chargers, or office supplies. You can keep them on shelves or inside cabinets, and baskets instantly make your space look more organized while reducing visual clutter. Be sure to measure your space and find baskets that fit perfectly! We found these woven baskets at Target and not only do they look beautiful, but they were inexpensive and are an easy place to put my snacks and back stock.

7. Hide The Clutter with Multi-Functional Furniture

This one doesn’t necessarily pertain to a pantry, but is definitely practical in other areas of your home! Furniture that doubles as storage can save you time and space. Look for ottomans with hidden compartments or tables with lots of drawers. These pieces can store anything from blankets to books, giving your space a clean, uncluttered look while still offering practicality. I ended up finding a table for my dining nook with shelving underneath and absolutely love the added storage. I also added in built in benches with drawers to store all of my tabletop decor when I’m not using it.

8. Incorporate Transparent Storage

In areas where you need quick access to frequently used items (like your bathroom or closet), opt for transparent storage containers. Clear bins allow you to see what’s inside at a glance, so you’re not rummaging through drawers or boxes. This makes both practical and aesthetic sense! I linked all of the storage we used below and love how easy it is to find everything.

9. Establish a ‘One In, One Out’ Rule

Keeping a space pretty and practical doesn’t just mean organizing—it also means maintaining your systems. One way to do this is to implement a ‘one in, one out’ rule. For every new item you bring into the house, let go of one thing to keep clutter from creeping back in. This is one I struggle with, but I’m hoping to make this a habit in my new home.

10. Use Coordinated Storage Containers

Having coordinated or matching storage containers can make a huge difference in the visual appeal of a room. Whether it’s for toys, kitchen supplies, or bathroom essentials, using containers in similar colors or materials helps create a sleek, organized look that also feels intentional and cohesive.

SHOP THE SPACE:

Thank you so much for reading! I hope these tips help you create a beautiful and organized space!