Closet Pantry Conversion Made Easy

If you need more space to store your dry goods and small kitchen appliances, consider building a closet pantry. This project will turn a seldom-used or extra area into usable storage space. The transformation requires some work, but a do-it-yourselfer can finish the job with basic woodworking knowledge and some common tools.

Getting Started

Regardless of what type of closet pantry you are going to be creating, you will have to clean out the closet you are using. Remove all items inside the closet and the current shelving unit.

Once everything is removed, clean the entire closet with soap and water. Mop or vacuum the floor, and paint the walls and ceiling.

Lighting

A closet pantry will need to have adequate lighting. If the closet already had a light source you can skip over this section. Also, depending on your level of knowledge with electrical wiring, you may want to consider having a licensed electrician install the closet light for you.

Locate a junction box into which you can tie your wiring. Cut a hole in the top of the closet ceiling and fish wires down the wall to the junction box. Connect wires to the power supply with wire connectors.

Cut a small hole on the inside pantry wall for a light switch. Install and connect the switch to the wires for the power supply and to the light fixture. Install the light fixture.

Install Pantry System

Many people will go with a basic wire rack shelving system. This can easily be installed into a closet pantry in a matter of hours. However, others like the look of a customized wood shelving unit.

Basic Installation

Measure the closet pantry to determine the size of the materials you will be using. Make the necessary cuts according to your measurements. Some pantry systems are already pre-made so they can easily be fit or adjusted.

Use included hardware to install the wire racks or other systems. Find wall studs and screw mounting brackets into them. Keep everything level, and then install the shelving units.

Extra Storage

Even if you have a pre-made shelving system, keep in mind that there are additional ways to store your items. Consider bins that can be installed to hang under shelves or over-the-door racks for narrow items, like spices or individual packets.