In a recent post, I talked about all of the frugal benefits of having a small home. A small home can save you quite a bit of money, especially in the long run. But one thing a small home usually doesn’t have is extra storage space. And when you combine lack of storage space with stockpiling and cooking from scratch (two practices that can also save you a lot of money) you may wonder if you are going to be in trouble.
Finding pantry storage space isn’t always as hard as you might think. Here are some tips on how you can make it work, even in a small house.
Okay, you know that the first thing I am going to mention is to declutter the extra kitchen stuff. Get rid of all of those tools that are good for only one use unless you use them on a regular basis and can’t live without them. I have been forced to come to reality about not needing the Christmas Tree shaped cake pan, but come near my cherry pitter (picture three cherry-loving kids who will pull me down on the kitchen floor and trample me in their enthusiasm for fresh cherries) and you’ll be sorry.
Next think outside of the kitchen for pantry storage space. Can you install a closed pantry along a wall of your dining room? Is there a coat closet close to the kitchen that would serve better use as a pantry if you installed some shelves? Open shelving in the basement is another great way to store food and less used appliances. Shelving units can be purchased pretty inexpensively from a home improvement store.
If none of those ideas work for you, try storing items over or under. One innovative homeowner installed long shelves above her doorways and near the kitchen ceilings. They held her canned goods and made a quite colorful design statement, too. She added a library ladder to complete the look and give her easy access to the food.
Storing non perishables under the bed or couch is another option if you are really cramped. The same goes for packed up china. Choose a box or platform with wheels, so you can clean the space easily.
Have you discovered any creative pantry storage ideas?
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