31 Ways to Maximize Your Pantry Space

Cut down your carbon footprint and think beyond new, plastic bins. This repurposed dim sum steamer basket makes a super handy storage unit for small items such as spices and herbs. And its stackable trays make getting to ingredients fast and efficient.

If your utility closet and pantry are one and the same, you need storage options that maximize space while keeping your food and cleaning items safely separated. A pegboard is a great way to create more vertical storage, and it can change with your needs without any additional installation. Just shift the pegs around to store mops, brooms, dustpans and more. Pegboards are also perfect for storing aprons, oven mitts and pot holders if you’re short on kitchen drawers.

Who says living room storage can't be used in the kitchen? This chic, rattan-style storage ottoman looks great at the bottom of this open-shelf pantry.

Before you go out and buy new stuff, take a look at storage items you're not using around the house. If you've gone digital, you might have some old magazine holders lying around. And these stands make terrific storage bins for produce in the pantry such as potatoes or garlic.