My Pantry Makeover: Before and After

Ok you guys, I have to admit. I have totally been bitten by the Marie Kondo bug, and all  I can think about is cleaning out my house. The stacks of mail, the drawers full of random items, the boxes in the attic….I could be the poster child for ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ But it’s a new year, and a new me and I am committed to getting my house in order.

If Marie Kondo’s name sounds familiar, it’s because she is the bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy, and is the star of a new Netflix Original series Tidying Up where she visits people’s homes in order to help them get organized. And y’all. Let me just tell you – this show is as addicting as it is inspiring. I swear, I just want to throw everything in my house and/or give it all away. I’ve seriously caught myself multiple times this week asking myself if an item sparks joy in my life – this is part of the KonMari Method – Kondo’s technique she uses when helping people decide if they keep or get rid of something. Does the item make you feel warm. Does it bring you instant joy? If the answer is yes, then you should keep it. If not, let it go. Honestly, it’s kinda cut throat and I like it. Marie Kondo, where have you been all my life?

In honor of my newest TV obsession, and 2019 goal, I want to share with you my little pantry makeover from last year. I worked with Margaret from Neat Method to re-do this odd space under my stairs {the only place we have dedicated to storing food} and it was a MAJOR game changer. I mean, just look at that before shot. Looking back, I can’t believe I ever lived with it like that! Although, I’m sure thats what all of Marie Kondo’s clients say. 😉

The first step was to remove everything. Margaret took everything out and separated it into categories. Chips & crackers in one section, baking goods in another section. Condiments, cooking oils, cereals, nuts etc. All separated out. This was such an amazing way to see how much stuff  we had in there – and how many duplicates! We threw away items that were expired, and donated items I didn’t want. Margaret then took measurements, made some notes, and headed out for The Container Store.

The items Margaret brought home: Water Hyacinth Storage Bins with Handles {for baking goods, chips, crackers etc} // Copper Rattan Storage Bins with Handles {for baking goods, ziplock bags, and tin foil/wax paper/saran wrap} // Tosca White Basket with Wooden Handles {for snacks, crackers, bagged items} // Can storage rack {for La Croix overflow} // OXO Good Grips Rectangular Canisters {for nuts, cereal} // Madesmart Lazy Susan // OXO Good Grips Square Canisters {for flour, sugar etc} // Spice organizer

So, there you have it. Can you believe such a small space can have such a major transformation? Over a year later, we are still rocking {& loving!} Margaret’s work. Next Up, I am going to attempt to clean out the drawers and cabinets in my bathroom. Over the years I’ve let one too many beauty products pile up and I just need to get them organized! Of course I will share those before and afters once I have them.

Are there any spaces in your home that need a major clean out? Are you feeling motivated in 2019 to start fresh? Let me know in the comments! I’m thinking I may not be alone 🙂