Remodeling the Pantry for Cheap: BEFORE

I am embarrassed that I am even going to show you these pictures, seriously. My pantry is a MESS. When we first moved into the house nearly two years ago, I just threw things in there with the intent to organize them later. Periodically, I'd pull some things out and organize it... sort of.

Mostly, I'd just tidy things in case someone looked inside. Really, it's bad. I can never find anything. I bought flour the other day, and realized I already have TWO unopened bags in there. Yeah. It's really not an effective use of space at all.

Without further ado... The Mess (AKA the "before" picture). Don't judge me! (hangs head in shame)

And a close-up of the inside, so you can see just how bad the paint is. This is one of the nicer spots, haha!

In addition to having these annoying deep shelves that make it so I can't see what's in there, the whole thing needs to be painted, DESPERATELY. And I also realized that the door latch is on backwards-- I never noticed that before! I hope I can fix that, but it will be my first attempt at removing/cleaning/replacing hardware from 1830. It could be interesting! There might be a reason that it's on there the way it is, but I need to look into it some more.

At any rate, I have my work cut out for me. But I have a plan! And the whole thing should cost me less than $40, since I plan to reuse the wood and already have some of the paint and supplies I need. Wish me luck! I see a beautiful, functional pantry in my future! :)