Welcome to my pantry. Or should I say, to what used to be a pantry?
This dingy little room is right at the bottom of the stairs in the basement. On the original plans it’s marked out as a pantry but there weren’t any shelves or anything in there. A blank canvas.
Right from the start when we moved into the house I decided I was going to fit everything which used to be in the kitchen, the dining room cabinet and the pantry in the old house into the kitchen in the new house. Martin got his stuff and then I pared mine down so now it all does fit into those kitchen cabinets. Hence no need for a separate pantry in the basement.
Regardless of what I was going to use the space for I needed some sort of storage units though. In the past I’ve gone for cheap IKEA stuff but somehow they always discontinue the stuff you have when you need to add to it so this time I decided to get proper Elfa storage. It’s more expensive but I know I’ll be able to add to it until the day I die.
After a coat or two of wall and floor paint what I love about this particular Elfa system is that all you need to drill and screw into the wall is a horizontal bracket.
None of the sizes available were perfect for the size of my tiny room so I used a metal blade on my jig saw to cut the brackets.
Once you have your horizontal up you hang the verticals off it. SO SIMPLE!
Here’s the vertical with the notches. See those notches at the top of the horizontal? That’s where you insert the vertical and slide it to where you want it…
…. so it looks like this.
Then you just hang all the shelf brackets and shelves off the verticals. Could it be more simple? And if you’re wondering about me gushing over Elfa, no, I’ve not been sponsored by them. I’ve bought and carried it all with my own little hands. It took me three trips to the store on foot and one by bike.
And this is what I store in there, in the former pantry. Pillows, blankets, pet carriers and bulk bag of cat food on one side. And my trolleys. I know I look like an old lady pulling one of these behind me but that’s how I get my groceries and how I got the bulk part of the Elfa system home from the store. You CAN call me a bag lady if you wish.
This is the other side. Winter coats, hats (yes that IS a sombrero), more blankets and miscellaneous stuff like shoe blocks and extra bags in those rolling bins at the bottom.
I don’t think Elfa is the prettiest of storage but boy is it practical!
Elfa is the Best!
Posted by: Älvan | July 06, 2011 at 07:06 AM
looks crisp, clean & tidy! that equals pretty enough for me!!
Posted by: christine e-e | July 06, 2011 at 07:19 AM
You are an inspiration for me to try putting up my own storage!! Do you wear the sombrero??
Posted by: Vicki K | July 06, 2011 at 07:27 AM
Practical indeed and it's white... that should make you happy, right?
I just hope the basement isn't too damp for all those blankets and coats.
Posted by: Petra from NL | July 06, 2011 at 07:42 AM
Looks great!
Posted by: Tidsmästarinnan | July 06, 2011 at 07:45 AM
No, I don't. Wille got it as a souvenir on one of our travels and refuses to part with it... :).
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | July 06, 2011 at 07:45 AM
It's not. It's actually the least damp basement I've ever been in. Our former one was much more damp and this is what I stored down there too and it was ok.
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | July 06, 2011 at 07:46 AM
I love seeing all your transformations - it's amazing how wonderful a fresh coat of white paint makes anything look!
I am a reader in Zurich, transplanted from the States, and I have an "Einkaufswagen" - a.k.a. trolley for shopping - but I call it my Hill Porsche :-) It makes hauling my groceries up our little hill much more do-able.
Posted by: Susan | July 06, 2011 at 07:57 AM
Neat and clean! Love it!
Posted by: Lindzi | July 06, 2011 at 08:22 AM
Det där är porr, så bra är det, jag blir så avundsjuk!
Posted by: Lina | July 06, 2011 at 09:01 AM
Haha!
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | July 06, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Benita, I can't believe how much you get done each time! Where do you find the energy? I must definitely be doing something wrong, because you've got more done in your house in such a short amount of time than we did in about a year... It's truly inspirational. After reading this post, I've promised myself that this weekend is the weekend we'll tackle the storage unit in our study!
Posted by: Kim B. | July 06, 2011 at 09:10 AM
I looks great! And don`t worry, I`m 30 and have an "old lady trolley" like that! I bought mine at IKEA, and it is super cute!
Posted by: Siri | July 06, 2011 at 09:24 AM
Åh jag håller med Lina - det här går jag igång på ;-)
vill bara slänga kläderna oops jag menar att jag vill slänga mig ut från jobbet och rusa hem och vända upp och ner på ... ja vi kan väl börja med klädkammaren som ännu inte har blivit rensat på vinterkläderna.
Men men det dröjer 2½ vecka innan semestern börjar och då reser jag först til Florida och NY tjoho! Ja det får nog bli klädkammaren någon kväll för det är väl inte ylle halsdukar som gäller i Florida så här års ... Så sluta inte Benita med inspirations/ordning & reda inläggen - du har nog insett vid det här laget hur viktig du är för den allmänna ordningen både i Sverige och övriga världen :-)
Keep up the good work Benita - så försöker vi hålla jämna steg med dig så gott vi kan!
Sommar hälsnigar Inger
Posted by: Inger A | July 06, 2011 at 09:35 AM
Looks great! I would only cover those pillows to keep the dust away.
And I have one red trolley too. This is the way I go shopping, since I don't have a car. :-)
For me it would be really strange to drive somewhere where I can get in 10-15 minutes of walking distance.
Posted by: jja | July 06, 2011 at 09:36 AM
That looks wonderful!!! What great shelving, and how easy to install/assemble. Well done!!! I agree with jja - your pillows and blankets need some dust coverings, and some little 'shoulders' over your coats, too...
And I love your new front yard, too. Keep showing us what you are doing, am loving it!
Hugs, Jasmine in Oz
Posted by: Jasmine MacDonald | July 06, 2011 at 09:46 AM
Great solution and results, Benita! I don't drive, so I also have a trolley, although I usually buy online bulk or heavy shoppping (such as water, milk, drinks, pantry food) or go to the shops personally and have it sent.
Posted by: Amycapdet | July 06, 2011 at 10:49 AM
I used to get food online but now that I have a great supermarket a few of minutes away I quite enjoy shopping there. I do get a lot sent home but the store that had the Elfa is also right next to the supermarket so it wasn't too far away :).
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | July 06, 2011 at 10:59 AM
The Elfa reminds me of the Container Store on Sixth in NYC. How I miss that place! Your shelving looks fantastic and the system with the horizontal brackets is genius. You came up with the perfect solution.
Posted by: Monica | July 06, 2011 at 11:44 AM
I also bought Elfa for my clothes in my old house because I had a very short place (1,75 m) and didn't want to spend money in getting something custom made that I would have to leave behind and IKEA Expedit would not fit. It was quite expensive but when I sold the house I took it with me and with the same elements in another distribution fitted my walk in wardrobe (aka the tiniest room in the house). You can see photos of the old short place: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7576516@N06/438467217/in/set-72157600034042760 + http://www.flickr.com/photos/7576516@N06/438467113/in/set-72157600034042760 and the Elfa in the new house (standard tall ceilings) http://www.flickr.com/photos/7576516@N06/2015222266/in/set-72157600034042760
Regarding the trolleys my mother has back ache and she resisted getting one because she thought it was an old woman thing... now she uses it for everything!
Posted by: montse | July 06, 2011 at 11:56 AM
This looks great, I have something similair in my bedroom and use it instead of a "real" wardrobe. Your blog wants me to change the all white curtain I use to cover it and get that beautyfull yellow-white zigzag fabric that hangs in your bathroom.
Posted by: nicolezh | July 06, 2011 at 12:38 PM
Oh, Elfa's the best. But then, I'm weird and think it is pretty because it makes everything more organized.
Did you have to do a lot of work to prep the concrete (?) floor for painting? I have a half-bath in our garage whose floor needs painting.
As always, your finished project looks awesome. :)
Posted by: devil | July 06, 2011 at 02:29 PM
VERY practical use of space...wishing I had an extra closet to do this with.
Posted by: homestilo | July 06, 2011 at 02:37 PM
I really wish I was as organized as you ...
Posted by: Ana Bruyns | July 06, 2011 at 02:44 PM
I cleaned it with a degreasing solution from the paint store and then used a wire brush to scrub away any loose bits. The first coat of paint gets diluted a little bit and then the second coat can go on top. The paint I use takes three days to cure fully. Agonizing wait!
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | July 06, 2011 at 02:44 PM
That looks great. And I agree on Elfa; we have done free-standing units in almost every closet in the house--the stuff is really well made and will be there if/when you need more of it.
Posted by: Kari | July 06, 2011 at 03:08 PM
So glad we've found your blog Benita, wonderful stuff! We love your before and after photos and great advice for a couple of hoarders!
Posted by: Flourish and Blume | July 06, 2011 at 03:14 PM
Great use of space. I love Elfa and have it in every closet in our house now. I finally gave up on the other systems from Closetmaid and Ikea because they just never work quite as well and I always regret it. I did buy the birch fronts for our master closet because I wanted it to feel a bit more classy but in the end, it's still a closet!
Posted by: Melissa @ HOUSEography | July 06, 2011 at 03:34 PM
We use a system like that in our utility room and garage. I love the versatility of putting the brackets at different heights. Mine can use regular boards over the brackets which we use in order not to loose things between the 'grates', however for your clothing the airflow would be better with the 'grated' shelf.
Have you ever had issues of bugs/critters getting into your cat food bag? I transferred mine into a very large storage bucket after we had an incident.
Posted by: Giulia | July 06, 2011 at 03:38 PM
Still loving everything! Can you tell me where you bought those rolling bins? I could use some just like that. Thanks!
Posted by: Martha | July 06, 2011 at 04:19 PM
Always, always, always...things always look better after you have been there! I'm going to organize my closet right now!
Posted by: RebeccaNYC | July 06, 2011 at 04:21 PM
"yes that IS a sombrero" totally caught me off guard and cracked me up. hilarious!!
Posted by: kristen b | July 06, 2011 at 04:38 PM
I have a similar system in our son's room, which is the only organized room in the house. (I am working on the others)
Count me in as surprised by a sombrero!
Posted by: Heather | July 06, 2011 at 04:42 PM
I used to sell elfa here in the states at The Container Store. It is the best system, and I will buy it for whatever home i own!
Posted by: Alexandra | July 06, 2011 at 05:10 PM
Now you've made me want Elfa.
I am glad to see the sombrero. It makes you human. ;-)
Posted by: Patia | July 06, 2011 at 05:15 PM
i would've had a moment of indecision between having a pantry that size to fill with preserves, and having a storage closet that size. it looks amazing.
i'm a granny-cart puller when i'm in the city. it's the only way to get around with groceries. x
Posted by: elisa rathje | July 06, 2011 at 05:16 PM
The bags with the handles on your top shelf next to the pillows: what are they and where did you get them?
Posted by: Cristina | July 06, 2011 at 07:20 PM
Are there bag ladies in Sweden? The closet looks wonderful!
Posted by: Rose | July 06, 2011 at 07:54 PM
i used to live in a very urban neighborhood where everyone walked to the grocery store and back. there were lots of gay boys in the hood. they called them granny carts and pulled them proudly.
Posted by: jeannette | July 06, 2011 at 08:49 PM
Åh så fint och välordnat, som alltid! Älskar att få titta in hos dig. Jag vill också tipsa dig om en bra sida för oss som ofta släpar på saker och har djur: http://foderbilen.se. De har allt (nästan) och det kommer hem supersnabbt och billigt :)
Posted by: Hanna | July 06, 2011 at 08:53 PM
Nice piece of work there!
Posted by: Nicole | July 06, 2011 at 09:00 PM
Oh I am so glad you have one of those trolleys!! I will need one when all 3 of my kiddies are at school in September (3 book bags, 3 lunch bags, 3 swimming kites etc), and now I know I will be cool, even if all the other mums think I am crazy!
Posted by: Hxx | July 06, 2011 at 09:15 PM
I haven't had that problem but I want to get a large bucket anyway. Next time I go to IKEA...
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | July 06, 2011 at 10:26 PM
I got them from a local department store a few years ago.
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | July 06, 2011 at 10:27 PM
Olé!
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | July 06, 2011 at 10:27 PM
Our duvets came in them and I saved them. Inside I keep blankets and pillows. I think IKEA sell something similar!
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | July 06, 2011 at 10:29 PM
There are a few + me.
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | July 06, 2011 at 10:29 PM
Det är därifråb jag beställt kattmaten :). Har dock en Arken på promenad/cykelavstånd nu.
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | July 06, 2011 at 10:30 PM
Måste bara fråga, vilken färg använde du?
Posted by: Victoria | July 06, 2011 at 10:51 PM
You are a very stylish baglady though :-)
Posted by: Carolina | July 06, 2011 at 11:02 PM
I'm guilty for not organizing mine this neatly lol.
Posted by: Belle @ Vanity cabinets | July 06, 2011 at 11:08 PM
Ah, I love Elfa. Someday we are going to install it in our closet. All the wasted space in there right now drives me mad.
Posted by: Jaimie | July 07, 2011 at 12:01 AM
I've always wondered how that shelving works.
Thanks so much for the tutorial - I think I could tackle it now by myself
Brilliant - thanks again
I am really enjoying watching your progress as you organise your new house
Posted by: Julia | July 07, 2011 at 02:20 AM
*därifrån
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | July 07, 2011 at 07:43 AM
Till väggarna Alcro Milltex 7 och till golvet Alcro Entré.
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | July 07, 2011 at 07:46 AM
I HEART Elfa! I totally agree with you it is worth the extra expense because it never changes! I love that about elfa! So nice to be able to reconfigure a closet for different needs down the road and know you can still buy it and it still works the same way! I think elfa is beautiful!
No wonder you are in such good shape! Riding to and from the store on your bike! I wish more people did that where I live! I love biking and I love shopping it would be the perfect workout and hobby!
~ Ali
Posted by: Ali | July 07, 2011 at 09:01 PM
Forgot to say...
I love your beautiful, huge and organized linen closet! I think elfa should sponsor you! :)
Your post make me want to switch out another closet to elfa!
~ Ali
Posted by: Ali | July 07, 2011 at 09:04 PM
I totally agree! :)
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | July 07, 2011 at 09:07 PM
Hi Benita,
I have been thinking about getting some Elfa shelving for my sewing room.
How do you think it would go on lathe and plaster walls?
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | July 09, 2011 at 09:33 AM
As long as you use the correct plugs/screws/whatever you should be fine. Ask the staff at an Elfa store and I'm sure they can help you out!
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | July 10, 2011 at 06:25 PM
I know this is an old post, but I was going back to read some I haven't seen yet and I laughed at your trolleys. My Oma (German for grandma) has a trolley and we call it the Aldi-Porsche (Aldi being a small grocery store, maybe you know it). So you are definitely not alone!
Posted by: Anna | August 25, 2012 at 03:58 AM