One-Day Pantry Makeover Magic
Client: The Miller Family
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Project Duration & Staffing: 1 day, 1 organizer
Organizer: Neat Freak team member
Cost Estimate: $
The Challenge
When I first met the Miller family, they were juggling two busy careers, three school-aged kids, and a golden retriever who thinks the pantry is his personal snack bar. Their pantry—like many I’ve seen—was doing its best, but it just wasn’t working for them. Overflowing shelves, expired foods hiding in the back, and no clear zones meant meal prep was frustrating, grocery shopping was inefficient, and no one could ever seem to find the peanut butter.
They needed a refresh—and fast.
The Goal
Clear the clutter
Create intuitive zones for a family of five
Implement a system that’s sustainable (read: kid- and partner-proof)
Make it look as good as it functions
And yes, we were going to do it all in one day.
The Process
Step 1: Empty + Edit
We pulled everything out—yes, everything. This is always the moment when clients start to sweat a little, but I promise, it gets worse before it gets better. We checked for expired items (so many mystery pasta boxes!), grouped like with like, and made decisions about what stayed and what got composted or donated.
Step 2: Sort + Zone
Next, we grouped items into categories based on how the Millers actually live: school lunch staples, grab-and-go snacks, baking supplies, weeknight dinner ingredients, breakfast must-haves, and pet food (safe from the golden retriever’s reach!). I always say: the system should match your life, not the other way around.
Step 3: Contain + Label
We brought in the organizing all-stars: clear bins, lazy Susans, tiered can risers, and stackable containers for dry goods. We used crisp, legible labels to keep everyone on the same page (and to cut down on that “Mom, where’s the granola?” shout from the next room). The Millers opted for a fresh, neutral aesthetic that worked perfectly with their home’s modern farmhouse vibe.
The Result
By 4 p.m., the Millers had a fully transformed pantry. Every item had a home. Every shelf had a purpose. And the best part? The whole family could find what they needed—no stepstool required.