A little organization can go long way

Deneé Locke of Closets in Order has been in the organizing business for eleven years and said she enjoys working with clients to get organized for spring.

“When I am creating a storage solution for a customer, I take into consideration what will be stored in that area and the size of available space,” Locke said. “Whether it is a closet, pantry, laundry room, garage or any other space, inventory taken is the first step to creating a solution.”

Locke said space isn’t always an issue when organizing. She helps her clients become efficient with their space to use it wisely.

“You can see how much you can fit in a small area when created efficiently,” Locke said.

Here are some of her tips to create an organized pantry:

• Many times, the way items can be stored to conserve space. For example, if the top shelf with cereal, crackers and paper towels were standing up vertically, they would take up twice the wall space. Storing them on their side allows for more vertical space to be available for more items.

• If you see the back wall, you have wasted space. Store like-size items together when possible. This conserves space more than you realize.

• Remove pre-packaged items from their original packaging. For example, packets of grits, lunch snacks, granola bars, etc. take up much less space when removed from the box and placed in a basket for easy access.

• Do not store items on top of each other. For example, cookie sheets, cutting boards, platter, etc. are easier to access and see when they are stored vertically.