Transforming Your Coat Closet Into A Pantry: My Experience
When my family and I moved into our new home, we quickly realized that our kitchen was lacking in storage space. We had a small pantry, but it was already overflowing with food, leaving us with nowhere else to store our dry goods and canned items. That’s when we had the idea to turn our coat closet into a pantry. It seemed like the perfect solution to our storage problem, and after some research and planning, we were able to successfully transform our coat closet into a fully functional pantry.
What is a Coat Closet Pantry?
A coat closet pantry is exactly what it sounds like – it’s a pantry that is created by converting a coat closet into a food storage space. This type of pantry is becoming increasingly popular, especially for those who have limited kitchen storage space. By utilizing an existing closet and making a few modifications, you can create a functional and organized pantry that meets all of your storage needs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Your Coat Closet Into a Pantry
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you turn your coat closet into a pantry:
- Empty the closet of all coats and other items.
- Remove any existing shelving or closet rods.
- Measure the closet and determine what type of shelving system will work best for your needs.
- Purchase and install the shelving system.
- Decide on a system for organizing your food items (e.g., by category, by expiration date, etc.).
- Label your shelves and start organizing your food items.
- Add lighting to make it easier to see what’s in your pantry.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Your Coat Closet Pantry
Here are some tips and ideas for making the most of your coat closet pantry:
- Use clear storage containers to keep your food items organized and easy to see.
- Install a door organizer to store small items like spices and condiments.
- Label your shelves and containers to make it easy to find what you need.
- Add a chalkboard or whiteboard to the inside of the pantry door to keep track of grocery lists and meal plans.
- Use baskets or bins to corral loose items like packets and pouches.
- Install adjustable shelving so you can easily change the configuration as your storage needs change.
- Add a lazy susan to make it easy to access items in the back of your pantry shelves.
- Install a pull-out shelf or drawer for easy access to items on the bottom shelf.
- Use a tension rod to create an additional shelf for storing canned goods.
- Consider adding a mini fridge or freezer to your pantry if you have the space.
Pros and Cons of Turning Your Coat Closet Into a Pantry
Like any home renovation project, there are pros and cons to turning your coat closet into a pantry. Here are a few to consider:
Pros:
- You’ll gain extra storage space for your food items.
- You can customize the pantry to fit your specific storage needs.
- You can create a more organized and efficient storage system for your food items.
Cons:
- You’ll lose a coat closet, which could be a drawback if you live in a colder climate.
- You’ll need to find an alternative place to store your coats and other items that were previously stored in the closet.
- You’ll need to invest time and money in creating the pantry.
My Personal Review and Suggestion
Overall, I am extremely happy with our decision to turn our coat closet into a pantry. It has made a huge difference in our kitchen storage space, and I love how organized and efficient our pantry is now. My suggestion would be to take your time with the planning and installation process. Measure everything carefully and do your research before purchasing any shelving systems or storage containers. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your organization system – find what works best for you and your family.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to turn a coat closet into a pantry?
A: The cost will vary depending on the size of your closet and the type of shelving system you choose. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $500.
Q: Do I need to hire a professional to install the shelving system?
A: No, you can install the shelving system yourself with the help of a friend or family member. Most shelving systems come with easy-to-follow instructions.
Q: Will I still have enough space for my coats and other items?
A: It depends on the size of your closet and the amount of coats and other items you have. You may need to find an alternative storage solution for your coats and other items.