One Room Challenge Week 2: Pantry Paradise - Decluttering, Cleaning, and Planning Storage Before Contractor Meetings

Welcome back to Pantry Paradise! If you’re following along with my One Room Challenge, this week is all about getting the pantry prepped and ready before the contractors come in. Before we can dive into construction and install all the beautiful new storage solutions, we need to focus on decluttering, cleaning, and planning the storage layout. A good foundation means a smooth renovation process!

Here’s how to prepare your space and get everything in order before meeting with contractors.

1. Decluttering: Clearing the Chaos for a Fresh Start

The first step before any renovation is decluttering. Let’s be honest, pantries tend to get messy over time with random items piling up. Before we can bring in the contractors, we need to clear the space and take stock of what we really need.

Here’s how to tackle the decluttering process:

• Start by Removing Everything: Take everything out of the pantry, from the smallest spice jars to bulk storage items. This gives you a blank slate to work with.
• Sort and Categorize: Make three piles: Keep, Donate, and Toss. Get rid of expired food, donate items you no longer use, and keep only what’s necessary.
• Evaluate Your Storage Needs: Once you’ve sorted through everything, consider how much storage you’ll need for your bulk items, smaller appliances, and daily essentials. This step helps when planning for new shelves and cabinets.

A decluttered pantry not only helps make the renovation process smoother but also ensures that your new storage solutions will meet your actual need

2. Cleaning: Preparing the Space for Renovation

Once the pantry is decluttered, the next step is a deep clean. Even if you keep your pantry tidy, dust and grime can build up over time, and now’s the perfect time to get it spotless before the contractors start working.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Dusting and Wiping Down Shelves: Make sure all the shelves, corners, and walls are wiped down and free from dust or debris.
• Cleaning the Floors: Sweep and mop the pantry floor to remove any dirt or crumbs. This will also help the contractors when they start moving things in and out during demo.
• Check for Any Damage: Look for any signs of water damage, mold, or broken shelves. Make a note of these for the contractors so they can address any issues during the renovation.

A clean and clear pantry ensures a fresh start for your project and helps avoid any delays once the contractors arrive.

3. Planning Your Storage: Getting Ready for the Perfect Layout

Now comes the fun part – planning your storage solutions! Since you’ve already decluttered and taken stock of what’s staying, it’s time to think about how to best use the space to keep everything organized and accessible.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Shelving for Bulk Storage: Do you buy in bulk? Then plan for deep shelving that can accommodate large bags of groceries or storage bins.
• Dedicated Areas for Small Appliances: Make sure there’s room for small appliances like your toaster, blender, or coffee maker. Having designated spots for these will keep your counters clutter-free.
• Pull-Out Drawers or Baskets: Adding pull-out drawers or baskets can make it easier to store and access smaller items like snacks, spices, or kitchen gadgets.
• Vegetable Storage: Consider adding custom vegetable drawers to keep your produce fresh and organized.
• Floating Shelves for Display: Floating shelves are a stylish way to store your pantry essentials while also keeping everything in sight and within reach.

Use this time to sketch out how you envision the pantry layout, noting where each item will go. When you meet with contractors, this will give them a clear idea of how to bring your vision to life.

4. Final Steps Before the Contractors Arrive

With everything decluttered, cleaned, and storage plans in place, you’re now ready for the next step: meeting with your contractors! Here are a few things to finalize before the meeting:

• Take Measurements: Make sure you have accurate measurements of your pantry space, including wall height, width, and depth.
• Budget and Timeline: Think about your budget and preferred timeline for the project so you can discuss these details with the contractors.
• Communication: Be ready to explain your storage needs and how you envision the pantry layout. The clearer you are, the smoother the project will go!

Conclusion

Decluttering, cleaning, and planning your pantry storage before meeting with contractors is key to a successful pantry renovation. With a clean slate and a well-thought-out storage plan, you’ll be well on your way to creating a functional and stylish pantry space.

Stay tuned for next week’s update as I meet with contractors and get ready for demo! Want to follow along on my journey? Make sure to check out the decluttering video and stay connected for weekly updates.

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