Fit pantry cabinets with turntables, sliding drawer units, and bins. Photo c.2003 Glenna Morton, About.com

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required:  30 to 90 minutes

Here's How:

1. Empty pantry shelves of all items by moving everything into boxes or onto a nearby countertop.
2. Clean the pantry shelves and wipe dry with a towel.
3. Plan pantry use by categorizing into prime and non-prime storage. If possible, prime storage at eye level should be for the most often-used items.
4. Further categorize storage by item. For example, use one shelf for baking items, another for tomato canned goods and another for pasta and rice.
5. Mark these categorized shelves with post-it notes denoting the contents.
6. Begin to fill the pantry by placing items on the appropriate shelves.
7. Make two lists as you work. One will be a grocery shopping list for items you need. The other will be ideas for containers, trays or extra shelves to make your pantry more useful.
8. Place small items (such as mixes) into a small box or plastic container to keep them together.
9. Designate a lower shelf for paper storage and place all napkins, paper towels and plates together.
10. Keep some heavy items, such as soda bottles, on the floor or on a lower shelf.
11. If you have extra wallspace in your pantry, consider hanging up hooks, a broom, a bulletin board or other helpful organizing items.
12. If you cannot fit everything in neatly, consider removing some non-essential items for storage elsewhere. For instance, store paper goods in the garage, or extra soda in the basement.
13. Don't hesitate to throw out old food or items you may never use again.
14. Step back and admire your newly organized pantry.

Tips:

1. Try to reorganize when you're alone so you can concentrate.
2. Spend some time pre-planning your storage needs before beginning.
3. Store all cleaning products away from food.

More How To's from your Guide To Interior Decorating