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Remodeling Guide

Remodeling Home
Remodeling Intro
Kitchen Colors
Kitchen Styles
Kitchen Layouts
Designing around Limitations
Tips for Hiring a Contractor
Shopping for Accessories
A Feng Shui Kitchen
Kitchen Redo For Less
Fireplace Accessory Info
Preparing Your Fireplace
Designing a Home Bar
Increase Kitchen Storage
Organize Your Laundry Room
Creating Your Own Wine Cellar
Bathroom Storage Options
Kitchen Islands and Kitchen Carts
Accessorizing Your Bathroom
Outdoor Living
Outdoor Kitchens
Cabinet Hardware
Kitchen Sinks and Faucets
Bathroom Ventilation
Create Your Own Mudroom
Baker's Racks
Keeping Trash in Order
Bathroom Sinks and Faucets
Father's Day Gifts
Feng Shui For the Garden
A 4th of July Celebration
Choose the Right Bar Stool
Choosing a Countertop
Pot Racks
Range Hoods
Choosing a Bath Vanity
Turn Your Closet Into a Pantry
Cabinet Lighting
Installing a Bathroom Fan

  
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Turn Your Closet Into a Pantry
 by Shannon McMahon Bruchal

If extra storage space in the kitchen is an issue for you, take a look at your surroundings. Is there a broom closet or coat closet nearby? Even if you have an alcove or a narrow niche, you can convert that space into a pantry and free up valuable cabinet and counter space.

First measure the closet or space you would like to convert. This will help you to determine what type of shelving or pantry system you will need. There are quite a few options for storing your goods, including stationary shelving and fitted basket systems that pull out and swing out, allowing better access to items in the back of the pantry, and utilizing the space in the best possible way.

A pull-out pantry works well in narrower spaces, using wire baskets to keep items in place. The frame is secured inside the cabinet so that the baskets will slide out without touching the sides, door or hinges of the cabinet. The baskets are then clipped and locked to the frame in whatever configuration is most advantageous to you. The full circle shelf set operates with five shelves that rotate independently, giving you more freedom of movement to access all the items in your pantry. The shelves are mounted to an adjustable telescoping rod that is installed inside the cabinet. Another type of pantry storage system uses a center frame with door ladders and racks that swing out 180 degrees for easy access to items located in the back of the cabinet. Items are kept in place by wire baskets and shelves that hook on to the racks to keep them in place.

Metal shelving is also an option, especially if you're not sure your pantry will be permanent.  A five-shelf kitchen tower fits into tighter spaces, making it perfect for small closets or nooks. For pantries and closets that are wider, the four-shelf storage unit provides room to store larger and heavier items, especially if you tend to stock up on items months in advance.

Explore your options. You'll be amazed at how many products there are out there to help you make your closet into a pantry that works for you.