Converting a closet to a pantry means you can design and build it to suit your own specific needs.
A kitchen without a pantry is like a recipe without all of its ingredients. The pantry space allows you to have your baking and cooking supplies close by as you prepare meals. If your kitchen lacks a pantry, you can easily convert a kitchen closet into one. Sometimes a closet can even be more spacious than a pantry. Empty the closet and install wooden or white enamel-coated metal shelves. Plan to use every inch of space, including the door. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Empty the closet of all clothing, cleaning supplies and other items. Clean the walls and floor thoroughly. There should be at least one shelf at the top of the closet, which you can remove if you aren't going to use it in the pantry.
2. Measure the width and depth of the closet to determine your space for shelving possibilities. Write down the measurements, and draw a sketch of the pantry layout. For example, allow for a deep shelf for storage of flour and sugar bins. A 12-inch space between shelves will allow for cans, while a space of at least 24 inches works well for cereal boxes or bulk packages. When you're shopping for wooden or metal shelving, allow for enough interior space to close the door if you plan to mount a rack on it. If the shelving is too wide, the door will not close properly.
3. Measure and mark the closet wall for the placement of each of the wooden or wire shelves. Give yourself room for ease of access to your pantry staples. The items that you use most frequently should be stored at eye and waist level for quick retrieval during meal preparation.
4. Install the shelves or shelving unit, using a power drill. Secure the screws to the wall studs, which were used to frame the closet.
5. Install compact storage racks or a metal shelving unit on the inside of the door for additional storage for small items such as spice bottles, microwave popcorn and dried fruit packets. Test the rack or unit location to be sure it will not block the doorknob, and mark the area for the placement of the screws. Use a power drill and the screws that come in the product packaging to secure the storage unit to the door.
Tags: Empty closet, metal shelving, power drill, shelving unit