Declutter Your Pantry With A Super Affordable IKEA Kitchen Item

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When it comes to decluttering and practical organization, it's safe to say that tackling the pantry is one of the most challenging spaces within the home. The pantry is the catch-all for your baking needs, spices, and snacks. From large boxes of cereal down to the smallest spice jars, this space collects an assortment of differently sized and portioned goods, making it difficult to create a pantry system that works hard and actually stays organized. 

One facet of pantry organization that homeowners have to troubleshoot is finding the right configuration for storing chip and snack bags. On the one hand, you could remove the original packaging and stash your snacks into gorgeous, clear, labeled containers. But that would be time-consuming and wouldn't be practical for snacks you wish to grab on the go. Alternatively, you could store packaged goods in a lazy Susan or basket. But this could limit visibility. However, there is another solution, and it uses a simple pot lid organizer from IKEA.

For a smart pantry storage solution that costs almost nothing, consider purchasing the IKEA VARIERA, a stainless steel pot lid organizer that retails for $7.99. The organizer has an accordion base so you can adjust the length as needed or compact the ensemble when not in use. The compacted length is 3.25 inches, while at its maximum extension, it is 19.75 inches. It's also 5.75 inches in width and 4 inches in height, meaning it can comfortably hold a standard chip bag.

Using this pot lid organizer is an IKEA hack that could help keep your pantry organized. You can adjust the length of the organizer to fit on your pantry shelf or counter and use the slots to stash snacks of your choosing. Though the organizer is meant for pot lids, the prongs are well-sized to hold popcorn packets, candy, chips, cookie packages, and more. Given the number of prongs, you can comfortably store six packages of dry goods, though it's likely possible to store multiple packages in the same section.

A benefit of this organizational system is that all snack bags will be visible since there are no high barriers, as you find with baskets. You can also store half-eaten packs of goods without having to refill containers. Homeowners aiming for an attractive pantry setup will also favor the versatility of storing snacks by color or type for a visually cohesive look. Additionally, if you stop eating your favorite snack, you don't have to worry about an empty labeled container being on display.

However, this setup may not be for everybody. Visually, it isn't quite as appealing as the clear and labeled glass containers. Additionally, if you prefer wood over a stainless steel organizer, you could choose the IKEA OSTBIT instead. Or, if you don't have an IKEA near you, a pot lid organizer like the Brightroom ensemble from Target could be a good alternative.