Maximize Bulk Storage with Custom Pantry and Garage Solutions

According to Lending Tree, across 30 common products, buying in bulk can save shoppers 27% compared to buying in smaller quantities.

But buying in bulk doesn’t just save you money over time, it also helps make your cooking habits more efficient by keeping more non-perishable ingredients on hand and encouraging thoughtful meal planning further in advance. Plus, buying things in bulk means fewer trips to the grocery store, which saves valuable time in the long run.

Buying in bulk can actually have a positive impact on the environment, too. According to SoFi, “Bulk purchases usually have significantly less packaging per use than smaller purchases have. For example, using one giant tub of laundry detergent rather than going through three smaller containers leads to less plastic waste. Ideally, buying in bulk also means you shop less, and that’s less time spent on the road and burning gas.”

It’s hard to beat the convenience of having universally needed things on hand, ready to be used as soon as you need to replenish your supplies. The one thing that can make it even more convenient? Custom, space-saving bulk food storage that’s dedicated to keeping all of your purchases organized and easy to access.

Top 10 Most Commonly Purchased Bulk Items

01

Paper Goods

Toilet paper & paper towels

02

Drinks

Water bottles, soda, sports drinks

03

Cleaning Supplies

Detergent, wipes, dish pods

04

Snacks

Chips, nuts, bars, candy

05

Pantry Staples

Rice, pasta, flour, sugar, oils, canned goods

06

Frozen Foods

Pizza, potstickers, veggies

07

Meat & Eggs

Chicken, ground beef, multi-dozen eggs

08

Pet Food & Supplies

Dog food, cat food, cat litter

09

Diapers & Baby Wipes

Pampers, Huggies, Kirkland wipes

10

Toitletries

Toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, razors

Why Should You Organize Bulk Purchases?

Buying in bulk is supposed to make your life simpler, but if you don’t have the right storage for all of your purchases, the excess amount of stuff can end up creating clutter and disorganization. Bulk stuff is often big, awkwardly shaped, and just takes up a lot of space due to sheer quantity.

If the way you store bulk purchases makes it hard to see everything or find what you’re looking for, or even if you don’t have enough room to consolidate your items into one area, it’s easy to forget what you’ve already bought. This can lead to perishable items going bad, or purchasing duplicates of things you already have and don’t need more of.

Life is busy, so it’s not uncommon for pantry organization and bulk food storage issues to get put on the back burner. It can also be challenging for homeowners to come up with unique storage solutions, like maximizing vertical space or incorporating flexible shelving systems, for the rooms and spaces they’re used to seeing every day.

That’s where we come in. At Inspired Closets, our design experts have all the ideas to make the most of your bulk storage spaces. From pantry organization to garage storage systems, expert designs and professional installation will ensure you get the smartest, most functional solutions for your specific needs. After all, most homeowners buy in bulk to save time and money, and partnering with the experts will help you enhance those savings.

Bulk Pantry Shelving Ideas

Small Pantry Shelving Ideas

Adjustable Shelving

Not only can your pantry shelving systems be designed to fit your space just right, but they can also be adjustable, which allows you to easily raise or lower the shelves whenever your storage needs change. This is ideal for bulk items like cans, jars, and bags.

Tiered Shelves

Rotating tiered shelves are a favorite space-saving pantry organization solution for small goods, like spices and oils. Rotating shelves also help to make the most of corners that often get underutilized.

Pull-out Shelves

Accessible pantry shelving ideas, like soft-close pull-out drawers, create safe, easy access to bulk food, especially items that are big or heavy.

Must-Have Bulk Food Storage Containers

Airtight Containers

If you want your purchases to last as long as possible, airtight bulk food storage containers are essential for grains, flour, sugar, and snacks.

Stackable Bins

Stackable bins keep larger bulk items, like rice, pasta, and canned goods, uniform without taking up too much space. Opting for clear bins will allow you to see exactly what’s inside without having to search.

Labeling Systems

Labeling each bulk food storage container, and even shelves, helps maintain an organized system that makes it easy for everyone in the house to find what they’re looking for and just as easily put things back where they belong.

Custom Pantry Organization Ideas

Product Zones

A design expert can help you designate areas in your pantry for different categories of bulk food storage, as well as determine where to put each zone for the best overall flow.

Vertical Storage

Using every available inch of storage space is crucial in smaller spaces like the pantry. Taking advantage of often underutilized vertical space will significantly increase your pantry organization capabilities.

Unloading Area

Adding a dedicated place to unload and sort groceries right in the pantry makes this task a lot simpler and saves you multiple trips to and from the kitchen island.

Garage Overflow Storage Solutions

Why Use the Garage for Pantry Storage?

The garage is an ideal place to keep non-perishable bulk items, like canned goods, paper products, and cleaning supplies. As long as your garage is temperature-controlled, you can preserve the quality of bulk food over time. For example, this can be as simple as keeping cans or jars in closed cabinets. Just make a point to be conscientious of the food items you choose to keep in the garage.

Inspired Closets Garage Storage Systems

Custom Cabinets

Keep bulk items in custom garage cabinets to protect them from dust and pests. Like the pantry, floor-to-ceiling cabinets will help you make the most of your space. Adjustable shelving within or surrounding those cabinets allows you to reconfigure your bulk food storage depending on the size of the items.

Pull-out bins & racks

Our designers always recommend incorporating pull-out racks into your custom garage storage system for easy access to bigger items, like paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning and laundry supplies, and pet food.

Clear Storage Bins

Use clear, labeled bulk food storage containers for smaller items, like excess dry goods and snacks. This helps keep everything organized and easy to find.

Tips for Long-Term Bulk Food Storage

Food Safety and Rotation

Pro Tip: Use the FIFO (First In, First Out) method to ensure your oldest items are used first to minimize waste. Custom pantry shelving with rotating or tiered shelves, along with pull-out drawers, makes it easy to see exactly what you have and facilitates simple food rotation.

Temperature and Humidity Control

Ensure your pantry or garage space is well-insulated to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations that can impact your stored food or cleaning supplies. Consider dehumidifiers or climate-controlled storage units if you keep a lot of food in the garage.

Smart Storage Starts Here

When you buy in bulk, you’re already taking steps to save money, time, and energy. That’s why custom pantry organization and garage storage systems are so important—they give your bulk purchases a dedicated home, streamline your routines, and keep your household running smoothly.

Ready to make the most of your space and have bulk storage that actually works for your home? Download our free digital brochure for more space-saving organization ideas, or schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our design experts to get started. Because saving space—and peace of mind—should be just as satisfying as saving money.

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