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By Preston Smith/Sept. 7, 2021 12:34 pm EDT

Thinking outside of the box is the only proper way to live life, right? Well, that’s at least what we at The List think, and it can work wonders when considering home renovations. More specifically, it’s paramount that you get creative in the kitchen and your pantry — and not just in terms of what’s for dinner. Recently, we’ve talked about the different shelves you can choose from for your pantry, how to make your pantry family friendly, and how to avoid the biggest sin in pantry organization. Now, we’re here to talk about creativity in the pantry.

To think outside of the box is to first recognize that there is a box and to then transcend its borders. In this case, the “box” is what we’re told amounts to a nice pantry: simple organization and the same decluttering tools that every other household uses. When thinking outside of the box, you should consider different styles of organizing and different storage vessels for your pantry. 

You have to find what works for you, but being different is never truly a bad thing, especially in this case. Keep reading to learn some ways thinking outside the box when it comes to pantry organization is super helpful. 

One pantry trick will help you maintain all of you hard work

One way to think outside the box in the pantry is to bring your living room into your kitchen. According to HGTV, some living room staples make perfect pantry storage vessels. Take, for example, a rattan style ottoman that opens up for storage space. These are big enough to fit plenty of pantry items, but small enough to sit underneath your shelves. This will add a chic touch to your kitchen while also being practical.

In addition to stealing items from other rooms — ahem, repurposing old items — you can spice up your pantry by adding fun elements like a ladder. According to House Beautiful, library-style ladders add a whimsical, yet elegant touch, especially if you have a high ceiling. It’ll be functional, but also aesthetically pleasing. You can also employ cookbooks in your pantry as dividers, or you can create a little display out of them. Either way, they’re great to put to use instead of letting them collect dust on a neglected shelf.

Organizing your pantry is one thing, but maintaining it is another. One of the smartest things you can do in this case is use chalkboard paint to create a writable surface in or around your pantry where you can keep a running tab of foods you’re out of and need, per Delish. Naturally, you can switch up this board’s purpose, but creating one can help you keep track of everything and therefore help you maintain the pantry you so dutifully put together.

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