We purchase most food stuffs in quantities that will last for 1 or 2 or more months. I don’t have a pantry — though I wish I did! I wouldn’t enjoy my time in the kitchen if it weren’t at least somewhat efficient, so it is important to me to find workable storage solutions that fit our bulk food purchases, cooking habits and space. I’ve had to be creative — to spread out the pantry to incorporate several cupboards, even storing a few things in the laundry room and in my bedroom. I’ve taken some pictures of what we’ve found to work. Please realize that this is a work in progress… our needs change and so must the pantry.
I don’t have many store-bought trinkets or storage aids, with the exception of 2 lazy susans. I use what I have. I collect large containers and jars which come in handy. I admit to having an “extra” supply of jars stored in the barn… anyone need any jars? 
Spice & Baking Cupboards. These two cupboards are side by side. I purchase these items in 1 or 5 pound bulk increments. I keep a jar-full of each item handy in these cupboards. The little jars (bottom right) fill up 2 lazy susans for easy access. The bigger jars are stacked up 2 high in some cases. I don’t stuff the cupboards; that way, I have plenty of room to reach in and gain access to something in the back.
Grain & Bean Bucket Storage — Kitchen View. I purchased used food-grade buckets from a local source. Some of my buckets I got at a grocery store in the bakery department (those were free). They are filled with: rolled oats, spelt, kamut, wheat (soft and hard), millet, lentils, garbanzo beans, and pinto beans. I store them under the breakfast bar counter in our kitchen. We don’t use this counter for eating, so it makes a great place for the buckets.The picture that follows shows the bucket storage under the counter as it opens up to the kitchen.
Grain & Bean Bucket Storage — Dining Room View. To hide the buckets from view in the dining room, I made a curtain from a remnant of green fabric I found at the thrift store. It is held up in the recess under the counter by a curtain tension rod. The first picture shows the curtain as it normally is. The second picture shows what it looks like if the curtain is pulled back (which it rarely is).
The dining room view of bucket storage, with the curtain down
The dining room view of bucket storage, with the curtain pulled back
Official Pantry Cupboard. I have one tall cupboard unit containing 4 cupboards to the right of the sink, probably intended for pantry storage. The cupboards are each deep and tall. I probably could use the space much better if I would buy some internal shelving structures, to help me fill up the space higher. But since spending our money on this isn’t a priority, I make do and use the space as best as I can with what I have. The 1st cupboard (not shown) stores infrequently used items like cake-decorating and soap-making supplies. The next cupboard stores canned goods. The 3rd cupboard stores more bulk food items that I don’t purchase in the same quantities as the items which fill the buckets. Finally, the 4th cupboard stores jugs and buckets of oils and vinegars, as well as a big box full of packages of whole wheat pastas.
Canned Goods Cupboard
Bulk Food Items Cupboard
Oils, Vinegars and Pasta Cupboard
A Couple of Other Places for Storage. I have a shelf in the laundry room that holds a 30 pound box of raisins and a 30 pound jug of agave. In my bedroom (which is usually cool year round), I have two boxes of extra spices and baking supplies that eventually will refill the jars in the spice & baking cupboards.
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Wow are you creative. Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Elizabeth
Thanks, Elizabeth! Love, Wardeh
[...] Having a workable pantry requires patience, thought and a little creativity. If you have any thoughts to add on the subject — perhaps some tips or suggestions — please leave a comment below or email me at wardeh@t2chk.org. On my Such Treasures blog, I have made an entry including pictures to show my own pantry storage solutions. Feel free to take a peek. [...]
That is wonderful, Wardeh. Thanks so much for letting me visit.
Makes me want to go in and re-organize my pantry, which I need to do about three times a year. 
Hello,
I found your link from the Sparrow’s Nest. You have a beautiful encouraging site. Thanks for sharing about your pantry. I like the idea of saving money by buying so many items in bulk.
Take care,
Trixie
Thank you, Trixie. I am pleased to have you visit my blog! Please let me know if I can help you with your bulk purchases! It can be a real money saver, although a space stealer
Love, Wardeh
This was so nice to see! I am trying to rearrange our rather small home to be able to purchase more things in bulk.
I noticed that you have the same rice protein powder that we use. We’ve recently gone dairy-free (due to milk sensitivies and allergies) and have been using it in rice or almond milk shakes.
We are actually out of the protein powder right now… and dh wants to see how we do without it. Saving money is the goal.
But it is good protein powder. We’ve used it for a few years. Where do you buy yours? I have shopped around and either buy it from Vitacost.com or VitaminShoppe.com in the 1 lb. containers. It is about $26. I’m just curious if maybe you’ve found a better deal? Love, Wardeh P.S. Happy reorganizing! I love having bulk items in plenty in the pantry.
We buy locally for $25 for 1 lb. And you’re right…I haven’t found it cheaper anywhere.
Love your blog!
I almost feel like a fanatic when it comes to stocking my pantry(s) because as long as there is a food stockpile and my family is fed, then we’ll be better able to take care of any other situations that may come our way. I too believe in buying in bulk whether it be case good sales from the local grocer or from Costco or Sam’s. Just remember to date and rotate to save wasting what you have stored. Keep up the good work. Oh, and by the way, having a pantry as such is not a necessity. My pantry(s) are my hall guest closet, underneath my bed, a downstairs food storage room, a closet under the stairs, the garage, wire racks in my kitchen–you name it. Also, in my opinion, the No. 1 priority is water storage–as much as possible. What can you do without water? Thanks so much for your site.
Hi, Beverly! Thanks for sharing your perspective. I appreciate the reminder to date and rotate. That is very important! It sounds like you are very creative with storage and found a good solution that works for your family. My husband echoes your sentiments about storing water constantly. That’s one we’re still working on! Love, Wardeh