Pantry Pretty: Dollar Store Pantry Makeover

After my first visit to Trader Joe's a couple of weeks ago (seriously, how can we NOT have TJ's in Canada- the place is INSANE!), I realized that I needed to up the ante on my pantry prettiness. The vintage graphics and nostalgic packaging of many of Trader Joe's house brands just filled me with complete and utter glee. I even left the bag of flour on my counter for a good two weeks just so I could stare at it while I was cooking. So, at that I decided to redesign my pantry labels and pick up some more containers and get this pantry (aka just a cupboard since I don't have a pantry) into shape.


First things first, I needed more containers. After the onslaught of "Pinterest Pantries" out there, I made it my mission to find affordable containers. Considering the ones I wanted cost $20 A PIECE, and I needed a lot. So if I were to buy the 20 large containers I wanted at $20 each and the 20 small containers I wanted at $10 each, this pantry would have cost me $600. Goodness gracious!


Instead, I headed to the dollar store (Dollorama to be precise) and here is the cost break down:

8 xVintage Looking Square Glass Containers $1.50 each = $12
6 x Large Plastic Bulk Containers $2.00 each: $12
6 x Glass Round Containers $2.00 each: $12
20 x Clear plastic "disposable" containers $2 for 10 = $4
4 x White Plastic Baskets $2 Each: $8
Total Cost: $48



Not bad, hey? Of course, I think the labels really help make it (if I do say so myself!). I ended up printing out a gazillion of them for everything I could think of to label. I even labeled the canisters I keep on my counters because they are just so pretty. I LOVE the white baskets. I've put them in my fridge as well, and in person they are sturdy and clean and modern looking and definitely not "dollar storey".


I'm not going to lie, sometimes I walk over to the kitchen and open up the cabinet and just stare... and smile. That's what organization should feel like, right? Well, let's just say I'm certainly inspired to continue the label love throughout my entire home...


These plastic lunch containers above are not the best quality around... at all. They do crack sometimes... they aren't super seal proof so not sure I would ever use them for wet stuff, but at 20 cents a piece, I can afford to replace them when the kick the bucket. And they've held out for me for a couple of months already. That being said, when I find something better (but same sort of profile) I will likely upgrade.


The baskets that I used in the fridge are amazing! Why have I yet to think of something so simple? All those bits of cheese and containers of feta and chevre, well, they now have a place! Leftovers, you know where you go! So simple yet so genius. And they don't cost a fortune like other fridge inserts I've seen.


And to finish it all off, they even look pretty on the counter (especially framed by my new bianco marble backsplash- that I scored for $2/square foot instead of the $30 retail price per square foot- but that is a story for another day!).

UPDATE: Thanks to all stopping by from iHeartOrganizing or Pinterest! Here are some answers to some common questions I've got on here as well as on iHeart Organizing.

Where can you get these labels?
Check out my "Freebies" page for a link to some free label downloads!

If you would like more labels, different labels, or custom labels, come visit my new shop at The Paper Society and check out my facebook page for some unlisted label designs. I'm always open to designing new things so feel free to contact me if you have an idea of what you want but can't seem to find what you're looking for.

How do you print these babies? I now have an FAQ page with a link to instructions on my website so check it out for lots of ideas!

About the containers? Yes, these are all from a dollar store in Canada, but shop around a bit and I'm sure you can find something similar in the US!

Is that a clock on the counter? Yes, yes it is! I got it at an interior design warehouse sale for $10.

Comments

  1. great find on the storage containers- thanks to this post I'm off to my dollar stores on my lunch hour-. New reader of your blog and I can't wait to find out about the bianco marble backsplash deal!!

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    1. Thanks Kelly! I will definitely be posting about my backsplash soon- I love it! Good luck on your dollar store hunt!

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    2. I'm going to the Dollar Store!!

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  2. I saw your feature over at I heart Organizing and I must say that I am simply amazed! I sure wish we had a Dollarama, they seem to always have great stuff!

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    1. Thanks Latoya! They really do have great stuff! I first discovered them back east in Toronto and was so happy when one popped up on the west coast right by my house!

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    2. ok so jennifer can you make some blank labels the sAME KIND FROM UP ABOVE BUT BLANK PLEASE I'D REALLY APPRECIATE IT THANKS FOR SHARING
      HABBY82@YAHOO.COM

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  3. Just came over from IHeart Organizing, I love this idea. So affordable and gorgeous!

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  4. Ok, first off...I LOVE the organization and all the great finds. But my real question...where did you get that clock on your counter top?? It is so cool!

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    1. I wish I could say I knew where it is from but I don't :( I work for a really large real estate developer that has a really large interior design department that hosts a massive warehouse sale every few years where they clear out all the incredible goodies from the model homes. This was one of my scores (along with my $2/sq foot marble tile, $40 Louis ghost chair and many many other incredible things!). I have been meaning to photograph my finds, but just waiting on this dreary Vancouver weather to smarten up so I can get some natural sunlight in my pics!

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    2. OMG! $40 ghost chair! Wow, I kind of don't want you to post the pics now! Your deals are incredible, it makes me sad that I can't get them, lol. I had a pantry makeover today after seeing your pics! Thanks to you I went to the dollar store, got motivated, and now it looks great! Thank You!

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    3. That's awesome- glad to have provided a little bit of motivation! And you can get deals- you just have to know where to look! Call the home builders in your area (the bigger the better) and find out if their interior design departments ever host warehouse sales where they blow out their inventory- great stuff at insane prices usually!

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    4. I have never thought of that! Great Idea! Thanks!

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    5. Question...You got the containers at the dollarama. IS there a way to order from a website to get these containers? We dont have the dollarama stores here and our dollar stores dont carry them? thank you

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    6. Unfortunately you can't buy them online :( I would say if you can't find anything at Dollar Tree or Dollar General, check out the discount stores like TJMAxx and Ross etc. I found a 3 piece canister set there for $6.99 which is still a pretty good deal!

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    7. http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20101014/retro-flip-clock/
      theres the clock^^
      its not the same exact clock, but by searching retro flip clock on google, you can go far

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    8. I found these at Hobby Lobby yesterday and they are 50% off this week :) yay!!

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    9. Amazon has several, not exactly like that one but close

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  5. Is that a clock or a calendar? Either way I am with the previous person I love it!

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  6. It looks amazing! I think I would be walking over to my pantry just to stare at it too if mine looked like this :). That backsplash is gorgeous - can't wait to hear about it!!

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  7. Wow this is inspiring! How did you create the custom labels?

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    1. I used a program on my Mac called Pages! There is a 1 page freebie printable that I'm giving away over at IHeartOrganizing { http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/03/reader-space-swoon-worthy-dollar-store.html }but I also JUST listed custom labels for sale on my etsy shop { www.etsy.com/shop/thepapersociety }if you're every interested. Labels aren't that difficult to make on your computer, but not everyone has the know how, so I thought I'd make it easier by creating custom ones for others!

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  8. With many others, I saw you on iHeart Organizing, and now I am a follower! Your cupboard looks beautiful! You are a true inspiration to those of us who do not have a pantry - now I know I can make my cupboards beautiful too! Question... do you have copies of your labels that you'd be willing to share? I especially love the coffee one :) Thanks, and I will be reading much more!

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    1. Why thank you so much! Did you see the label freebies on my post over at iHeart Organizing? Hopefully there is something you can use on there! I also have an etsy shop if you want anything customized! www.etsy.com/shop/thepapersociety

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  9. I came over here from iHeart Organizing, hoping that you were from Canada and that I would be able to get containers as pretty and affordable as yours... and I see you got them from Dollarama! Score! I know where I'm going this afternoon!

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  10. Hey I LOVE your upright calendar, where did you get it?!?

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    1. I got it an interior design warehouse sale for $10 (score!) but you can buy the same one here http://www.dinodirect.com/floor-clock-auto-flip-adjustable.html?cur=CAD - it's pricey though- eek!

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  11. Hi Jennifer! I already am in love with your blog and I am wondering what weather proof labels you use? Brand/size? I absolutely adore this idea.

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    1. Avery 5524 found here! http://www.avery.com/avery/en_us/Products/Labels/Shipping-Labels/Weather-Proof-Mailing-Labels_05524.htm They can also be printed on any brand of full page mailing labels as you will hand cut them anyways!

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  12. Saw you on I Heart AND the linky party from Young House Love! =) Your pantry looks awesome. I have been wanting to make mine prettier, however the cost has been a hindrance. Question... Are the containers BPA free by chance? I love the low cost idea, but I'm super wary of chemicals & stuff. :) Thanks!

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    1. Thanks! MOST of the containers are glass, so as far as I know no BPA (correct me if I'm wrong). I'm not 100% sure of the plastic ones, but I do know a lot of the plastic at Dollorama now says BPA free (I'm bad- I know I should care more!).

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  13. LOVE this look! I'm in serious need of a pantry 'do-over' and this is great inspiration. What font(s) did you use on your labels?

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    1. I used Sail and Villa Didot - two of my faves right now!

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  14. Came over from I Heart Organizing and along with everyone else, love what you did. And I'm with Latoya...I want a Dollorama, too!

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  15. I LOVE it! I just bought some OXO pop containers, and would love to have them in all sizes, but now that I've seen your fabulousness, I'm going to have to hit some dollar stores in search of containers! I also love the idea of plastic containers to organize the fridge!

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    1. I really wanted those OXO containers too, but they just add up so quickly! These will do for now! The plastic containers in the fridge are a MUST! Don't know how I lived without them before.

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  16. I LOVE this!!

    I am such a big fan of frugal organization and am completely thrilled with how gloriously you have proven that you don't need to spend a fortune to create a fabulously styled and organized space!! :)

    Cheers!
    ~H

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  17. Hi Jennifer!

    I am another visitor from I Heart Organizing and was thrilled to find that you are a Canadian blogger so I can find all of this awesome stuff at Dollarama! (I was just there less than 2 hours ago) I keep trying to reorganize the pantry, but just like you the variety of packages throws me off and makes it harder to see what's left. One day I will go all glass and plastic because the results are beautiful! For now, I think I'll be trying out the fridge trays because that is just genius!

    Thanks for the printables to start us off!

    Claire @ alittlesomethinginthemeantime.blogspot.com

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  18. It turned out great! I need to do something with my pantry.

    We had a Trader Joe's nearby when we lived in Seattle. But we don't have one close to where we are now. And we really miss it! Whenever I visit the in-laws I stock up.

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  19. Love this! I totally pinned it. Nice job :)
    ~Elena
    `A Casarella

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  20. Stopping by from Pinterest.
    I just move to Vancouver from Georgia and I have been looking for a good dollar store. I see you shop at Dollarama, and I was wondering if they are all the same? In other words can I shop at one near me or should I go to a particular one?
    Thanks!

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    1. Dollorama seems to be pretty consistent (well, at least the handful I've gone to).It's worth checking out your closest one, but if you feel like driving to White Rock, that's where I go! :)

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    2. Thanks for the info! Can't wait to make my pantry look nice and neat! :)

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  21. I'm stopping by from IHeart Organizing. I just wanted to tell you that you did an AMAZING job!

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    1. Thank you so much! You have no idea how much that makes my day :)

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  22. Where did you get the labels?????

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    1. Hi Tori- I literally JUST updated this post with that info, so go check it out!

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  23. Saw you on Iheart and fell in love with your pantry...and have pinned it! So I came over to your blog to check it out and love it too, so I am your newest follower...yay! If you have a chance, swing by my blog (and make sure to say hi!!). From one Canadian to another! :) Cath from Home is Where my Heart is:
    http://cathhasablog.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by! Loved your blog as well!

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  24. Hi Jen. Your pantry is amazing!

    I was just wondering how you keep track of expiration dates on the food items you remove from their original packaging. Thanks.

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  25. I am so in love with you.

    Not restraining order in love with you though, don't worry.

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    1. Awww you are too sweet! Thank you! And you can stalk as much as you like :)

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  26. here is the clock if anyone is looking for it...I think it is fabulous! http://www.homeloo.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=291&osCsid=5bc8650ede07e5b74c583cae9c5f5d48

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    1. Thanks for finding that! The only one I found online was almost $100!

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  27. I love your pantry/cupboard! I found your link from 1heartorganizing! It's crazy that organization can make someone so happy! I hope to print your labels and hope it will look like yours!

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    1. Haha, it is so true, it really does make me SO happy. Such an easy thing too to make life a bit more fun!

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  28. I love this. I actually have a cooking consultation business, and we help people organize their pantries (making sure they have all the right things). I will bookmark this for inspiration to make people's pantries organized AND pretty. Are you still in Canada? I'm in the Bay Area and always looking for partners, :). jess@cooksmarts.com

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    1. Hi Jess,

      Yes I am still in Canada (why wouldn't I be, lol). By Bay area, do you mean San Fran? Not sure what you mean. Let me know!

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  29. I love what you did with your pantry/cupboard. My kitchen is my next project to organize and you have motivated me to check out a couple of dollar stores before heading to IKEA to buy my containers.

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  30. SERIOUSLY SWOONING OVER THAT CLOCK. [and the organization, surely.] Does the clock have a brand? I'd love to track it down...

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    1. too quick to type, just saw the link from the commenter above! :)

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  31. I love this idea, I never would've thought to look in a dollar store for things like this! Thanks for the idea!

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  32. Just wondering what you have labels in the white containers at the top of your pantry? I want to reorganize mine, but having trouble figuring out how.

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    1. Hi Nahbi! The upper baskets are "Side Dishes", "Assorted Snacks", "Canned Foods", "Canned Soups". Hope that helps! :)

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  33. Wow, so nice! I love this! Saw you on Jen's blog and had to come check you out - haha. This is a wonderfully inspiring blog post. My pantry needs a makeover like this! Thanks for the ideas...and I've got to tell you that I've pinned this post onto my Pinterest page, and I bet I'm not the only one who did!
    Katrina
    They All Call Me Mom

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  34. gorgeous pantry~ thank you for sharing and thank you for the label download!

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  35. Love this post! Thank you for doing an affordable pantry! I've been wanting to makeover mine for some time, but with 1 year old quadruplets in the home, we didn't have the $600 to do it. I can totally do a dollar store pantry though! And it will help me mentally to have at least one spot in the house that I can call my own. Thank you!!

    Rebecca
    www.theishumquads.com

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    1. Yes, it looks like you've got your hands full! Such a beautiful family you have! If I had 4 little ones I can almost guarantee my pantry would be a mess!

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  36. This is super neato! I love it!!
    My dollar store NEVER carry's anything nice like these glass jars! you are lucky to have such a nice store!

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    1. Start hunting! I'd say 95% of the dollar stores in our area are just junky, but I foudn a good one! Just keep visiting ones you see around and you may be surprised ot find one with great stock!

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  37. Does anyone know of a good place to get jars like these in the US for cheap? Tried Dollar Tree and there was nothing good :( I love this post!

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    1. Hi Megan,

      I'm not familiar with any of the US chains, but someone posted on iHeart Organizing that they had some great jars at Dollar General. Hope you can find some!

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    2. Thanks! I will check that store :)

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  38. Love, Love, Love!! Thanks for sharing! Two questions, though...... are the weatherproof avery labels sturdy enough to wash the containers and still have the labels look nice? I thought about laminating them so I could remove them when washing the container, but I don't know how to attach the laminated labels to the containers. Ok, 2nd question, you said you were going to show other rooms where labels are used to organize. I'd love to see those, too........ where do I find them?
    Thanks so much...........

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    1. Hi Deb! I haven't tried it but I would say a definite no to washing the containers with labels on, even the weatherproof ones. If you want to be able to wash the jars you should definitely laminate them! I just use a good glue runner (it's like a double sided sticky adhesive stip that comes out of a white-out like dispenser) and it sticks well enough to stay on, but you are still able to take off and wash the jar.

      And I haven't posted about my "other" organized areas yet but I will sometime this week, so stay tuned!

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  39. Just love your labels and how you organized your pantry :-) I also love the font that you used for the second text line in the label (eg. Rice etc.) and would love to know which font it is. Thanks :-)

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  40. This is so beautiful! I wish our Dollar Tree had those containers! I'm a little jealous. :P

    Anna
    www.askannamoseley.com

    P.S. Pinned it.

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    1. Thanks! Not all our dollar stores have these jars... just the one! If only they all had great stuff :P

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    2. anna check craft stores!

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  41. I LOVE your blog! I was wondering if you knew of a resource that gives a master list of pantry labels (what they should say). Is there a comprehensive "sample" list, or is it best to go through my pantry first and then decide what labels I need? It's overwhelming starting from scratch, so having a "cheat sheet" would be great!

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    1. Hi Ashley! You know, I don't have a master list, but now that you mention is, that is a GREAT idea! I think everyone has different things in their pantry, but there are at least basics that everyone would probably have. For your pantry thought, I think it;s best to go through and see what you use and what you'd like to use in it, and make your own list to decide on the labels you need!

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  42. Hello there

    First, I love the pantry. Very very pretty.

    Second, I know what you mean about the blogging. I am trying to do my DIY furniture and kitchens. I build them from start to finish. I have yet to do my first video and I have been talking about it for over a year.

    Welcome back....love your site.

    Sheryl

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  43. How do the labels hold up? Do they stick really well even in the refrigerator? I LOVE them! They look so fresh and perfect.

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    1. Hi Felicia! The laminated labels with glue runner adhesive stick great in the fridge! Thanks for popping by :)

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  44. Love this - so pretty! I pinned it, too.

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  45. Wow! Nicely done!! Thanks for sharing!
    I'm just wondering how the food is holding up in the containers. Do the cheaper glass jars have a good solid seal and keep it fresh? How about the food items in plastic containers... do they end up tasting like plastic after a while?
    Thanks :)

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    1. Hi Lynn! So far, so good! If you think of the packaging that a lot of dry ingredients come in (flour & sugar in a non-airtight paper bag, pasta in a cardboard box etc) any container you choose to use is an upgrade in terms of the seal. For things that I am more concerned with their freshness (like cranberries and nuts) I make sure to choose a container with a good seal. I have not had anything taste like plastic (come to think of it, I've never experienced this ever- is this something that is common?).

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    2. Thanks Jen! As far as plastic goes, I know that if my kids leave their Saltines or Goldfish in their plastic snack containers for a few days, the food ends up tasting plastic-y and stale. But you're right... for most items, the packaging is an upgrade. It probably works for some things really well and maybe not so great for others. Trial-and-error is probably the way to go. Thanks again! I'm definitely inspired. :)

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    3. Good to know! Can you tell I don't have any kiddos yet? Lol

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  46. I NEVER would have guessed that this entire pantry project was from a dollar store. You should share it with the Dollar Store Crafts blog if you haven't already! Great job, and thanks for linking up with the Winter Pinterest Challenge!

    Erin @ The Great Indoors

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    1. I haven't shared it with Dollar Store Crafts, but now that you mention it, maybe I will! Thanks for hosting the link party!

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  47. I just wanted to let you know I featured you on Blissful and Domestic today.

    Stop by and grab a button:>
    http://blissfulanddomestic.blogspot.com/2012/03/14-homemade-tips-and-tricks.html

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  48. So classy! I will be heading to my Dollarama this weekend!

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  49. Love it all! Your organizing is outstanding. Your blog is darling. Your townhouse gorgeous!
    Your newest fan,
    Sarah

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    1. Thank you so much! Just checked out your blog and it is fantastic!

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  50. I absolutely LOVE the Pantry blog! I have become so sadly addicted to Pinterest & all of the amazing blogs out there! Thanks for this post because it probably has the most inspiration to want to do this to my panrty & cupboards than most other blogs I've read! Plus, Dollarama .. LOVE that store for nick-knacks and such! =)

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    1. Thanks so much! Dollorama is so great! Have a minor obsession with it! :)

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  51. I followed you over from Pinterest and I love this organizing idea, especially the price :) I would like to invite you to share this, and any other posts, on my link party at www.michellestastycreations.blogspot.com. Have a great weekend.

    Hugs,
    Michelle

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  52. I am so happy I found your pantry labels. Now I'm off to the dollar store to find some jars. Thanks so much for sharing your great ideas with all of us. With your help I can have my Pantry looking classy and of course girly to!

    Be Blessed,
    Michelle

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    1. Awesome! Would love to see pics of your makeover! thepapersociety@gmail.com

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  53. Hi,
    From one ex-Toronto girl to another - only I just went two hours down the road to London not way out to the left coast!!
    Love what you've done with the pantry and spice jars! I was at Dollarama the other day and spent one whole hour in the container aisle and left with nothing because I couldn't decide. You've helped with that, thanks.
    Your labels on the I Heart Organizing, they can't be customized. Do you have a file that can be? Also, the labels for your spices you mention you got them from Staples - were they customizable?
    Last, and certainly not least, have you ever thought of offering email as a way of receiving your blog posts? It's the only way I have of reading blogs. Just something to think about. I will be following you manually, though.
    Thanks for your time and I really enjoy your blog,
    Cathy
    camikula@bell.net

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    1. Hi Cathy! Unless you have some advanced computer skills, you likely won't be able to customize the freebie labels. If you are interested in custom labels, I do sell them on my etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/thepapersociety . The spice labels are from the Martha Stewart collection at Staples! I love them! They are blank so can definitely be customized to whatever you have in mind. It's not hard to do, but I will be posting some pre-customized spice templates that can be printed on Martha's labels shortly for people who want to keep it nice and easy. And thanks for the input- I just added a subscribe by email button on the top right of the page!

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  54. AMAZING!!! I am so glad I finally clicked on the pinterest link!

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    1. Thank YOU for clicking on the pinterest link! :)

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  55. A blogger from Canada.... I can actually go to Dollarama and not just fudge something... again. YAY! And you don't have an amazing "before" picture to work with: just a cupboard. I feel like real life just met DIY love! My pantry will love you for this post!

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  56. Jen--love the pantry. I am always trying to organize but never can think of things on my own. I have no imagination! I do have a question though---the containers for the fridge--are those plastics or the heavy cardboard?

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    1. The white bins are a nice and heavy plastic. They are FANTASTIC! Probably my favourite thing from the dollar store thus far!

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  57. Hi Jen - love the blog, especially this pantry makeover. 2 questions for you: 1) Where did you get the turquoise cake stands? Love them! 2) How do I find out about/get into this awesome interior design warehouse sale that the real estate company holds? I live in the Vancouver area too and it sounds amazing. Thanks!!

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    1. Hi Kim! The turquoise cake stands were a gift from my mom-in-law, but I believe she got them at Costco in the US (a few years back). Don't think they have them anymore :( To find out about warehouse sales I would definitely scour your newspaper as I know the bigger ones are advertised when they open to the public. If I ever hear of another one, I will make sure to post on here!

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  58. Hi Jen!

    I just spotted your amazing pantry featured on a pantry inspiration post at Hi,Sugarplum! Congrats!

    http://hisugarplum.blogspot.ca/2012/07/pantry-envy.html

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    1. Thanks for letting me know!! Soo fun! SO many great pantries on there as well!

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  59. loved the white beans! simply amazing

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  60. O my gosh I love this!!! Only wish there was a Dollarama in Texas :( I haven't been able to find anything close to this at the local dollar stores.

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  61. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your pantry! It must feel so great to be that organized!
    -Shelley

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  62. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! JEALOUS. This is amazing, Jen. what a gorgeous backsplash by the way! Thanks so much for linking up to the party!

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  63. Love this! Where did you get those pretty labels? And where was the dollar store?

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    1. Hi Mandy! All the deets should be up in the post, but to sum it up, it was Dollorama in Canada, and I made the labels myself! Thanks for stoppin by :)

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  64. Do you go to the Trader Joe's in Bellingham? I'm moving to Bellingham soon. I went to visit there last April, and there were a ton of Canadians shopping there! I thought it was the most amazing thing. What is it that you guys love about Trader Joes?

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    1. Hi! YES it's the one in Bellingham! LOVE it except for the fact that it's usually cramped to the max (blame us Canadians!). The #1 draw for me is great food at insane prices. Many things are half of what we pay up here. My favourite things to buy there: beans, harvest grain mix, low fat coconut milk, pistachios, low fat brownie mix, goat cheese, feta, snacks and 2 buck chuck!!

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    2. I seriously need to organized my pantry. I just went to Albertsons tonight and it was hard cramming my groceries in there. Thanks for the inspiration. Flemington NJ House Cleaning

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  65. This is my inspiration for my pantry. Wish that I had a Dollorama near me! But keeping this in mind for our room makeovers we are about to start!

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  66. Hello! love your labels. I have printed them and would love to do a few more. I have design experience but wanted to know what fonts you used. Any chance you could let me know....
    elizabetheves@gmail.com
    Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. I sent to you in an email, but in case others are interested, it's Sail and Villa Didot!

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  67. Hi Jen!
    I read through ALL of the comments because I'm sure you're over answering some of the same questions twice! LOL. Anyway, this might seem random, but do you know the ounces of each the different sized jars?? Just starting my pantry makeover now and using this as my #1 inspirational pick!

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    1. Hi Kristina! I don't know the exact capacity, but I'm going to say the large glass containers are about 60-75 ounces? Glass square ones maybe 40? The big plastic ones around 80-100 and the small plastic ones around 20. Complete guesses there but it's hopefully somewhat close! Best bet is to buy containers relative to the size of what you buy as dry ingredients (so if you buy a massive bag of sugar from Costco, get the largest container you can find, etc). Hope that helps and best of luck with your pantry!

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  68. OMG! Dollar store has these containers? I need some so bad but didnt want to spend a ton buying the oxo ones! I will be checking out the dollar store soon! Thanks!

    Kim

    azulhome.com

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    Replies
    1. ALWAYS check the dollar store- for pretty much anything! It's amazing how much awesome stuff they stock! :)

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  69. Thanks! such a great idea! Just made my own labels and love how they turned out!

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  70. http://www.containerandpackaging.com/item/T200
    Here is a wholesale website with many variations in terms of lid colors, sizes and materials.

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  71. Check out www.dollardays.com for wholesale pricing on lots of containers.

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  72. Just found you on Pinterest. What a great and affordable DIY. Definitely following. Please visit my blog too! Thanks.

    Frank
    Humblycreative.blogspot.com

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  73. Lovely pantry! I live in the US and our dollar store doesn't carry nearly that cute of containers! Looks great. Found you on Pinterest!

    Jen
    athomeinthenorthwestblog.com

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  74. I love your pantry!! The labels make them look awesome.
    http://inspiretoorganize.blogspot.com/

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  75. which dollarama did you go to get your containers? I live in Vancouver as well and there's a few dollarama

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    1. I got mine between two stores- White Rock and Delta, but they tend to have similar stock wherever you may go!

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  76. What is the font on the bottom line of the labels? It would be perfect for another project I'm working on! Many thanks in advance!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I'm excited to get started. :)

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  77. Thanks for this really great idea. I uesd some of your pictures on my blog (don't worry, I gave you mention!)I love the fact that you bought everything that you needed at a dollar store! I will check in to see more of your great ideas and tips! Thanks, and if you have time, stop on by for a visit!!

    www.simply-summer.com
    twitter:@simplysumr

    Happy Holidays!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Summer! On my way to check out your blog now!

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  78. Your blog is really amazing with all the bits and pieces of information I can share with my friends and followers. Thanks and more power!

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  79. I just love that you posted this because now I know there is hope. I was just internet searching for containers like these, and they are all literally an arm and a leg. Now I have another reason to visit the Dollar Tree! Hopefully they have some containers like these *crossing fingers*. Stop by my blog if you get the chance...I'm hosting a giveaway. I would love to have you!

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    Replies
    1. Good luck with finding the jars! If you don't find them- keep looking! Lots of dollar stores have random things you would never expect!

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  80. Your blog is absolutely adorable! So glad I just stumbled on you. I've been purging all the crap out of my closets and pantry, and I definitely need to use some of the ideas you posted. Amazing work, lady! :)

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  81. Nice to see an organized things in kitchen but if you don't have enough dividers for those jars and food containers you may use your pantry doors like what I've sen from the others.

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  82. we really enjoyed your article, thanks for sharing and more power!

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  83. Dollorama and The Dollar Tree are two different entities, and because she is in Canada it may be hard for us in the States to find the same items but I do love the look and cost effectiveness. Absolutely beautiful!

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  84. Storing pantry item in reusable container is a great option as it helps a lot to environment.

    Bulk Containers

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  85. Silly question, but is there a name of the containers like on the bottom who the manufacturer might be? I know some of us in the states are clammering over the price and look of these jars, and I have been doing some searching and have come close, but didn't know if you have a name you can share.

    Blogs like this make me sad... in a good way.... motivates me not to be sad and get off my butt and this computer and do something!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Gracie! Wish I could help but I don't have an answer for you :( There are some good suggestions in the comments, as well as some on my facebook page. I think people have had success at Dollar General for jars for a few bucks. Also, another great alternative is to save up pasta sauce and other glass jars, and spray paint the lids to match. Free, and super cute! And please don't be sad! Motivation strikes me to do something like this,.. oh, about once a year!

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  86. Hi Jen, Lovely Pantry I am actually drooling over it!!!! Ok so what are the sizes of your jars please. Thanks for sharing this...so inspiring.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks very much! Which jars would you like to know the sizes of? I do not know off the top of my head but can look into it if you let me know which ones you'e referring to! Thanks :)

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  87. These look awesome! I am going to the dollar store tomorrow! :) and thanks for sharing the labels :)

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  88. Just found your great site ... LOVE IT!

    You can buy clear plastic containers in sizes 16 oz., 32,oz., 48 oz. for .55 cents to .74 cents each at:
    http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?sku=66895&gclid=CMOm8YW6vLcCFa9fQgodLR0Aow

    Lids are sold separate for around .45 cents each

    I have used the square plastic containers for around 25 years in my walk-in pantry. I also use them in my freezer for nuts, flour, grains and yeast. My motto quickly became "waste no space" in organization. Square was the most logical.
    Lucky for me it was just about that time that someone brought them onto the market. I contacted the manufacturer and stocked my whole house at once.
    They will last forever ... are lightweight and sturdy.

    The address above is a different company but looks like the same product.
    I am ordering a dozen 16 oz. just to see.

    My walk in pantry went from a useless "lose your food" on 24 inch deep shelves to something very functional.

    My pantry story at:
    http://food-o.com/my-useless-pantry-storage-kitchen-cabinets/

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  89. absolutely love the design of the labels! where did you get the border and what is it called? I Must have it!!

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  90. I love it! Thanks for the freebie...I'm totally using the labels for my pantry as soon as I get back from the dollar store!

    Just so you know (and if you don't really like/drink coffee much it won't make a difference), it seriously messes with the flavor/shelf life of coffee to keep it in a clear container, which is an absolute shame because those coffee beans are gorgeous in combo with the other two containers.

    And now I sound like a troll. Ugh. I swear I'm not a know-it-all...that's pretty much all I know about anything! :)

    Thanks again for sharing!

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    Replies
    1. No worries! I actually don't store it in there anymore, and we go through beans so ridiculously fast with our fancy espresso machine that I don't think it would have any time to go rancid! But good for others to note!

      Thanks!

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  91. I'm so very glad I found this page and a person who is as organizationally anal as I am. My family LAUGHED at me when I made labels for my clear canisters of pasta that had pics of the kind of pasta they were and lettering all the same as the rest of the pasta containers. Sometimes I go to my pantry just to look at it. And although I don't shelve my books in little soldier-like rows, they ARE together by author and then type. Old Dewey Decimal's got nothing on me!

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  92. One more thing. Since I'm betting that everyone here is here because you are ALL as anal as I am about organization... When we renovated my kitchen (I'm a kitchen designer) I added that currently popular accessory - glass doors on two cabinets. My clients always ask how a person keeps things neat enough to store things in a glass door cabinet. Here's how. It's the cabinet for the drinking glasses. I ordered a dozen or two dozen of all the glasses we use (tea, water, juice, white wine, red wine, brandy, etc.) from a company that sells sturdy glasses to restaurants and bars. They are all plain glass, all cylindrical or close to it. I filled UP the cabinet with these glasses so that there is no room for plastic stadium cups or ceramic mugs from every souvenir shop in the US. And the cabinet looks as good today as it did the day I stocked it the first time.

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    Replies
    1. That is a fantastic tip! WIll have to remember when we build our future home!

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  93. They are called "anchor square jars"

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  94. Very inspiring! I got my labels online for free and re-organized my kitchen finally!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Sophia! And that's great news! Organization feels great :)

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    2. Thanks Sophia! And that's great news! Organization feels great :)

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  95. Where I live, there's not a dollarama, but I do have a dollar general and dollar tree and the dollar tree company's "dollar general" store, called Deal$. I wasn't lucky enough to get containers for that cheap, but I got 16 cup canisters for $3, some glass and some plastic. Still better savings than target or amazon. I didn't know dollar store things would be airtight, but my mom confirmed that for me. I'm finally moving out on my own, so I don't want to spend a ton of money for containers. Thanks for the ideas!

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    Replies
    1. That's awesome! So glad you were able to find something near you! We used to have a Deals - but I think it was a different chain. They had great stuff there!

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  96. This is probably a bit of a silly question: but what I can never figure out with pantry organization like this is what you do with the rest of the grain/pasta/sugar/nuts that doesn't fit into your storage container. I wash out glass pasta jars, and have a very lovely shelf full of things in a kitchen cabinet… but then a bunch of rolled bags and stuff to store somewhere else (my pantry).

    Do you just throw out the excess? Or, do you have a separate place to keep the excess? And, if so, how do you make *that* place look decent-ish?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great question! I deal with this issue in a number of ways, listed below :)

      1) I choose a container/jar of appropriate size for that ingredient (ie largest for flour, smaller for baking soda)
      2) I try to buy from the bulk section so I can control the portions I buy
      3) If I'm out of one ingredient (say, garbanzo beans) but have excess of another (say black beans), I've been known to use the empty container to house the excess for the short term so will have two containers with black beans (just one hidden in the back).
      4) And lastly, yes - I have bins in my pantry! Big white bins for storing excess. I have "Flours and Baking" "Nuts and Seeds", "Beans and Grains" "Oils and Dips" "Vinegars and Sauces" among others. These store less used ingredients, and the extras if the above 3 tips didn't do the trick :) To avoid rolled up bags, I still usually decant into containers or even heavy duty freezer bags.

      Hope that helps! I desperately need to photograph my newish walk-in pantry and the system I've put in place there, but when I do you will be able to see the bins! Also check out my Spice Cupboard post to see how I've done this with extra spices!

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  97. Hi Jen:
    Love love this post! I was just wondering what you do with any cooking instructions from bags of food that you decanter. Went to dollarama and my shelves are looking better already! :)

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  98. I notice that people were asking where you got the clock on your counter and low and behold today I click on a website and the clock is there. Not as cheap as you paid for it but here is the web link http://www.dotandbo.com/collections/industrial-chic?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=banr&utm_term=industrial_rustic_designs&utm_content=burnished_reclaimed_sideboard&utm_campaign=laar1_n_n_2_j_add&db_dest=ic&db_unit=d&db_cid=65&db_terms=ofcl&db_class=des

    Just in case anyone is interested!

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  99. Hi there. I live in a high humidity area and wonder if the seals on your jars are air tight? That's been my issue with dollar store jars and containers. Thanks a million!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If it's very humid then I might be weary of the dollar store containers. I've had no issues at all but would totally depend on your climate!

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  100. I LOVE this! I have been looking for glass jars because they are better for you than plastic and they look cute and haven't had any luck finding affordable ones. I can't believe you got these all for $48! I wish we had Dollarama!

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  101. I featured this post on my blog. http://thenewdaybringshope.blogspot.com/2015/01/budget-cabinet-makeover-in-progress.html
    I used one of your pictures to show off your remodel so I hope you don't mind, if you do I will take it down!

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  102. I'm also wondering about the airtight-ness? Has it been a problem. I was just at the dollar store yesterday and the ones they had definitely were not air tight. There are quite a few items I have that i don't use very often. What do you think?

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    1. I'm not sure if they are 100% air tight but I haven't had any issues at all. I think it would depend on your location.

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  103. Absolutely love this, now it's time to get my act together and clean out our pantry. Dollarama here I come!
    Cute labels btw.

    https://themodernhepburns.wordpress.com/

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  104. Gorgeous! I totally get your crush on the Trader Joe's labeling....LOVE. I love how clean this turned out. How is it looking after a bit of use/life LOL. I know that I have to keep reorganizing from time to time thanks to my kids n' hubby. We just messed around with using old drawers on open shelves on our blog. Turned out pretty cute. But, I am loving your labels!!! Thanks for sharing!

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    Replies
    1. Well, we've moved, a couple times since, BUT before that it was looking great and held up really well!

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  105. Such an organized and adorable pantry!!! I live in the US, wonder where you get your fridge containers?

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    Replies
    1. All at various dollar stores! You kind of have to hunt to try and find the best ones! Ikea does have a nice selection though.

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