DIY Can Organizer

[@denisec8914]

I love your design. One thing I would do differently is add a backing so that the cans do not mark the wall. Another option for those who love the rustic look is to stain the wood and instead of plexiglass, secure wire (1/4" or even chicken wire) over the front. You did a great job.

[@bellesmom2012]

I love that you created your own plan for this awesome can organizer! The only thing I would change would be to make it a 2 level organizer to hold more variety with less of each type but that is a personal tweek because I live alone now. Terrific organizer & video! You rock!

[@mikesmicroshop4385]

By doing the wood strips instead of the Plexi, you could lower the cans in the slots so that they would not hit so hard when loading it and avoid potential damage to the cans!

[@meganb4432]

& face the labels 'cos this is an OCD nightmare....but so organised, what cognitive dissonance!

[@kan-zee]

Yes, 🤩👍 I thought the same thing. !!

[@mikesmicroshop4385]

Yes considerably cheaper!!!

[@badad0166]

Totally agree, but cut out slots in the plexi would serve both masters. You'd need a router or angry dremel tool, but imagine the final product!

[@Robinedghill]

D. F. No they don’t

[@kharlie22]

We don't even really eat canned food, but I had to stop and give a view for a fellow woman with power tools!!! Looks great!! Definitely understand making the slots shorter or adding screws/extra pieces in the front.

[@lynnethebeautifulone4145]

I love that you give us little ideas when you think it needs a bit of twicking to make it better. So enjoy watching all your videos. What a awesome family.

[@jimcoogan1529]

I built shorter versions for my wife some time ago that started out as plexiglass fronts but went to the wood strips instead. It let her pull from top or bottom. I also used a 2x4 on the bottom because being an engineer it meant I had to over design at least one part of it :-) She recently asked if I could create a carousel version of that so save space. I think she is planning for the end of the world and not telling me :-) Great project.

[@ellenclayton5955]

A few yrs ago I had surgery and was out of work for 4 months. My stockpile meant extremely limited grocery trips for my hubs. You stockpile for hard times.

[@queenofhearts2465]

Jim can you put a picture of your design so I can get some ideas. I am moving soon. I may get an apartment, i lived in the complex before and I know the pantry is small.

[@valerieaucoin]

whoa...

[@abstracttechnician2750]

Thank your wife.

[@NoMoreBLUEISIS]

@@abstracttechnician2750 smart wife 😉

[@LynjasOkey]

Fantastic diy project nice pantry thanks for sharing

[@livingtherufflife]

Thank you for the video, free plans, and the simplicity of the build. I went out and bought my wood during lunch, this is my next project. Unfortuately the 1x3 boards were horrible today, so I barely found 6 pieces, I also bought 3 1x4 to make 2 frames and the 1x3 and 1x2 to hold the cans in. It will be so good to get the extra cans we need to get to have that extra stash for what's going on in our world at this time.

[@chiselready9320]

I love how you create a plan but are not afraid to critique it! Thank you Anna for another cool project! Love the kids 🥰

[@AnaWhiteDIY]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@Motomom658]

I look forward to your video's more than any other youtuber I subscribe to. Your content is simple and functional to help people, not complicate their lives nor yours. Thank you.

[@carolsalvatore5110]

I love the idea. I have for some time now. I wouldn't do the plexi, I would do the wood strips so I could turn the cans to face forward and insert them rather then drop them. The size really depends on how much can goods one family uses. this design is great for storage of canned goods in a basement for especially when your favorite ones are on sale for $1 and you buy 10 cans at a time. Great job.

[@holidaygirl1224]

I would probably make it shorter and wider to allow faster access to cans higher up in the stack. Love this design

[@deemail100]

love this project...I'm making mine that high or higher, putting one opening in the middle and one at the bottom...less of a drop, available for entire vertical line if something you use a lot of, but by dividing in the middle, you get twice as many sorting areas....thanks for your info and plans

[@peggyannparkes1863]

Oh Right! After I spent a whole Saturday figuring this out for my pantry -- you come up with plans. I wish I'd waited one more week to make mine. However, I made 3 sets of shelves that stack 8 cans high. I have way more kinds of canned items than just 5. So I'm able to put 15 different kinds of cans in mine. I also attached them to the back of my pantry door. I'm out of wall space and that is the only place I could find. Good job, and keep up the good work!

[@chronosferatu345]

Thanks for making the plans available. For someone new to DIY projects this is very helpful. Much appreciated.

[@lancelenoir2875]

I prefer the clear front also. Thats a great idea.

[@stilcrazychris]

Very nice job Ana. Yes I would agree with you about added more screws to it. I sure would hate for the holes where the screws are holding the plexiglass on & it's not cheap for a piece of that plexiglass IMO. I'm probably wrong, your the great one on figuring these things out, not me... lol... I would hate to take out all my shelves on my small wall for this to work. Maybe not all the shelves but 3 rolls of shelves so that would only leave me w/only 2 rows of shelves. I'm just going to have to stay w/the can stacking method. But will study your system out intensely. I've got homework to do.... lol... Great I'm so excited to see if I can use your system @ all in my pantry. Thanks for giving me homework for a change, Chris from Missouri

[@judyestrada1446]

Ana- a pretty cool looking project! It fits your space nicely. You could cut it in half & separate it a bit to do the two six high can racks one just above the other one. I agree it is a great space saver for you ! 💕thanks for sharing your creativity with us!

[@joelongstaff7601]

Ana Thankyou for another great plan. My pantry is off the top of the basement stairs. I decided to take down the paneling in the stairway and put the storage between the studs. Each space holds 3 cans wide. The landing now looks like the store. Again thankyou and much respect your a talented lady. God bless and keep well.

[@AnaWhiteDIY]

Wonderful!

[@coastalb1]

I’m glad to see a woman comfortable around wood working in a shop. Great project idea! Two observations, you may want to feed cans in from the bottom (push cans up and feed from below). You could compromise the seals on those cans with all the drops. That is not good for food safety. Second, saw this suggestion on another video, don’t remove the plastic from plexiglass before drilling. Apparently it’s there to prevent cracking during drilling. Thanks for sharing!

[@topper009]

Nice project, I think making 2 of these half the height would be much more useful, less drop and more access to different cans so you don't have to empty an entire column to get to one at the top. Would be cool to also build something like it inset into the stud cavity if that was an option. Could also make it slightly tapered out away from the wall at the bottom to make the cans put less pressure outwards on the plexiglass.

[@2Peachcobler]

topper009 I agree with you on using the wall cavity between the studs! I don't have a pantry and the only place I would have room for this is in the stairwell.

[@hissonshinegirl]

Yes, that is what I will be doing. Reframing the studs to the size of my cans and making many levels since I do not use a lot of different can goods but different sizes. Also, stacking my glass jars by a hand sliding them down so no Plexiglass & to stack single file deep.

[@alabastrulalb]

Thank you.As usual, it's an amazing project, simple but clever and necessary for a pantry.

[@twominutetips]

And another great and practical project by the Amazing Ana.

[@songs4thesoul]

Great idea thanks for sharing.

[@teresitacolon6970]

Excellent idea, I love your channel I'm happy I came across it. You are amazing I love your home and everything you've done with it. Thank you so much for sharing your gifts with us. God bless you and your family always. 😇💕 Can't wait to see what you come up with next! Thanks.

[@charlesgraves4634]

I built my wife something similar a couple of years ago. I used the wooden strips on my rails to keep them in the rack but the unloading from the bottom was dicey. My problem is that we have 2 or 3 different size cans of things she buys so that created problems for me. It appears yours uses all the same size cans which helps. After watching yours I have some different ideas and will try to start from scratch to make something that will accommodate all different sized canned goods we have. Great job and I like the plexiglass idea!

[@hissonshinegirl]

I agree, Different sizes...My large Tomato cans, little tomato paste cans, etc...But I don't use many can goods except prep stock during hurricane season... so making different sizes won't be all that bad in theory using a couple different levels & wider :) I am thinking between the wall studs, will have to cut studs & frame it out with can size studs :)

[@amsohn1]

Love this!! Lovw the plexiglass as well... I too would want to see the cans. Great Job Anne

[@robertevans6481]

Great project,I can see both ways you was talking about,the clear plexaglass is great to see what you have and done have. I would add the wood strips on out side of the plexaglass that way you have the strength of the wood with the clear view of the cans. And yes I think a shorter one as well...like you said 6 or 8.. Have a great week Ana and family

[@lindalong2297]

Love the plexiglass idea! TY.

[@carlbelken4478]

Your canning plan is ingenious, and think have a spot for to put it...now must show my hubby! Gretchen Belken :)

[@lonnarheaj]

Excellent idea and design!!! I also have a "fifo" can organizer that's a shelf hog; it also never holds all of the cans that need some place to hang around until used. This design is wonderful. A slightly narrower version will fit perfectly on our reach-in pantry door and clear up a lot of shelf space in our crowded pantry; and I can make a custom track for cans of cat food that don't fit well in any pre-made can organizer. Thank You!!! 👍

[@AnaWhiteDIY]

YES, fantastic!

[@laurahenning5531]

I'm moving in a few weeks and thinking one that goes on the back of the pantry door - with top and bottom sections (essentially two of them but each shorter) so more variety of cans is an option, it would likely need to be only 3 or 4 cans wide. I'll see what works when the time comes.

[@stefaniegrupe2747]

Love it! Thanks Ana.

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

What a great idea for bulk storage. If someone needs an extraordinary amount of storage, they could still build these only 6-cans deep, but make several to stack on top of each other. I wondered if the plexiglass sheet was thick enough to contain the weight. Maybe consider getting some molding strips to screw over top the plexiglas. Get molding that is slightly wider than the wood framing members, to add more strength to the plexiglas without adding unsightly cross braces. I hope this makes sense. Great project.

[@rosecityremodel2015]

I had planned to add a can organizer to my pantry as well. But I like the idea of using the wood strips instead of the plexiglass simply because I’ll have the ability to roll the cans so they are all facing the same direction. I know this is overkill, but it will make my pantry look neat and organized, I think.

[@macantakai]

I love this! Great idea and I think it looks great x

[@MsMykitchen]

Great idea. Loved it!

[@sueschultz9358]

Wonderful idea Ana! I don't know how you do it!

[@meganb4432]

This would also be great in one of those pull out slider shelves you see in beside fridges.

[@adms007]

Now that is a great idea!

[@penelope5534]

You've probably already thought of this...if you remove the plexiglass, and replace it with 2 inch wide strips of wood over the 1x3's, to create a T shape (the same height as the plexiglass) you could lower the cans down without having to drop them, and the 2 inch wide would hold the cans in place and still allow you to see.

[@AlfredandIsobel]

She says that at the end and in the middle of the clip.

[@sharilambeth9062]

And you could turn the labels to align! 😁

[@Thornspyre]

@@sharilambeth9062 Your OCD is showing 😁

[@suzieq9009]

@@Thornspyre I would so have all my labels same can't help that 😆

[@mikesmith2102]

I like the bright screws with washer heads. I've use plexiglass before and I drilled and countersunk it. Your idea is better and prettier.

[@stephenlittle7534]

To be truthful your idea is perfect. It keeps the cans clean behind the plastic front. If you had done the old fashion way of wood strips the dust would get everywhere. I might do a back to mine to fully enclosed the unit. Thanks for a great way of storage.

[@interestedobserver9352]

Love your work and your videos. The idea here is great for some things but I guess I'm not sure that is the best solution for can storage for the average home. The reason I say that is that the design as is works for five different canned goods only and most people have more than five types of canned foods in their cabinet. Maybe if there were segments that would break up each row (possibly in the middle to create 10 rows instead of 5) to allow you to store and access 2 different types of cans in each row. I actually had a very shallow open shelf system that worked very well because it was flexible with regard to size and types of canned foods that could be stored and easily accessible and it was in a similar space as the wall in your pantry that you put this can organizer on - basically just an open, lateral and shallow shelf. Your work is so inspiring, just wanted to share some thoughts on this project.

[@kan-zee]

I was thinking the same thing...I inventory only 10 cans per food item per month (10x chunky soups / 10x tuna / 10x salmon / 10x veggies / 10x pork & beans,,etc etc) While other canned rations are less.....so it would make sense to customize tailored made inventory slots to each product...now the trick is, how to do that.??

[@mandyleeson1]

Thank you, Ana. You've set my ideas brain off again.

[@evewestmore3436]

Maybe cut it half and then you have 2 also I have a lot of different canned goods so I would need more than 6 And like you said less of a drop I love it 😻

[@janetrodgers8473]

Brilliant. I've had in my head a similar idea. I've a really small Larder, not shelved yet, saved your Video for one you did for your sister to give Joiner the idea, many do not listen. Now they can see it done. I live alone, the space I've in mind has a sloped roof, I'm 4'10", enough height, width to do a smaller version of yours. I love Plexiglas. I'm vegetarian, so my cans consist of pulses. They take up so much room where they are, I want that space for dinner plates. Only opened 4 place settings until I reclaim that space. I'm so thrilled you did this so I can show your plans rather than explain. There have been mistakes done in the past because Joiner and others just didn't listen. I may be Mature, I'm not stupid. Now there is no reason for lack of communication. It's down in black and white. If I had tools at my disposal, I would do it myself. I'll let you know on your website how I get on! Thank you again for being so generous with your ideas and skills. I adore the way your wee ones are always about. ☘️☘️

[@hume6900]

Janet Rodgers, what are pulses?

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Great idea Ana! Thank you for sharing the video with us.👍👌😎JP

[@amaurycaraballo1254]

That gave me the push to do something in mine. I could make it shorter. Also, for holding on the wall you could use French cleats.

[@nancypeteja6560]

Great idea, great job!😉👍💖

[@Dazaohe]

Really simple and practical project. Thank you!

[@2552Zeus]

Any update on videos of the simple house build? I really enjoy watching those 😁

[@SuperMacDaddy66]

A nice looking project.I used 1x4s to build mine and I didn't hang mine on a wall. Your wall hanger makes more sense. Thanks for sharing.

[@normabournes5789]

Hello, I’m wondering how the organizer has held up over time? I love the design and that the materials needed to build it are so cost effective! Thank you for making this video! I became a subscriber today :)

[@AnaWhiteDIY]

Thank you for watching and welcome! We are still using it and it's holding up great.

[@luvnotvideos]

Cool project. Well done and practical. Thanks for sharing.

[@shellywry7118]

Practical, efficient, smart! Everyone should have one in their home. (Where are the instructions in the link? Have they been posted? I apologize, I’m new to this😊)

[@LucGPTnki]

Here's an idea to add to the mix: before adding additional screws, remove the plexiglass and add/cut out .75" or so wide strip openings at the center of each "column" about 2-3" from the bottom and from the top. (I'm not suggesting the method because there are a few, take your pic) Then screw the plexiglass back into place, adding 1-2 additional screws between the current screws for stability. This allows for the ability to guide the cans down, reducing possible damage AND the ability to rotate the can, in situ, to see the full labels of each more easily.

[@KatytheNightOwl]

A wonderful idea, Ana - and a real space saver, too :)

[@greggreed3076]

I loved the design. Instead of going with 6 I would do it in sections so you could have a top section of 6 then a bottom section of 6.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome job! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@GunnerAl9]

Great video! You're right, six can's should be the max which allows you to have a larger variety of canned food. You can also use a label maker and label each row and change them out as needed. The Plexiglas idea is great. I purchased a bunch of pieces at a recycle center for $10 and cut them size and they had a few scratches, it was very cost effective. You can get a little thicker plexigas too! Again, great video!

[@patricialadd520]

Hello! I am a new subscriber from Kalamazoo, Michigan. I love this awesome, brilliant idea! Thank you for sharing. 😉👍

[@malousalem1189]

Love that idea👌

[@suzieq9009]

Girl this is just awesome I have the same shelving problems going to see if I can find room for something like this thanks so much for the inspiration

[@he1224]

Finished one for my wife today. Thank you!

[@fynbo1007]

Brilliant idea, love the way it turned out. Amazing way to stores your can’s. Thank you for sharing your amazing idea, God bless you and your family

[@nancysnider5348]

I love this idea. I'm thinking of so many uses I've had to add them to my project notebook.

[@GlitterPoolParty]

I really like the sleek design. I agree that 12 cans is too high of a drop. But just cut it in half and make 2 6-can height racks and put both on the wall. Then if you buy cans in 12s, use 2 columns on one rack to store the 12 and just mark which column you are pulling from if both columns are full.

[@bluemustang5002]

I'm glad I saw this video. I'm making a similar shelf for my spices. I'm using 1x4s that I have sitting around. However, I need a few more supplies added to my online cart, like work gloves and a square.

[@nancymoe4476]

What a good design. That will free up quite a lot of shelf space.

[@boydmerriman]

You can also add quarter inch panel strips (or 1" trim pieces) down each run over the plexiglas where you still have the see through but not as bulky as thicker strips. It will also strengthen the plexiglas so it won't bulge as much.

[@501badgirl501]

What an awesome design. Thanks for the video and plans !

[@mightymouse654]

My husband and I have been looking for a way to store cans and this is by far our favorite. I love the low profile and high visibility. For us, it's out of sight out of mind, so being able to see what we have is a must. This looks awesome!

[@AnaWhiteDIY]

Great, happy to help!

[@patriciasmith1521]

Love this, going to use chicken wire instead of plexiglas.

[@ATDLN]

As usual, outstanding idea and craftsmanship. At the end you pointed out that a shorter stack of cans would be less pressure on the plexi. While watching I was thinking of building the unit and halfway up insert another angled bottom between dividers and then cut plexi into 2 sheets. Almost or possibly same storage, more options regarding number of spaces and less strain on plexi. Also using the rear boards as hangers and spacers was great! Have you considered adding a sheet of 1/8 inch between those boards and the wall? Attachment will still use the boards and with plywood against wall it provides more space for cans but it especially would provide protection for the wall from the cans moving downward.

[@g-bgcg]

I would put plexi glass or contact paper on a thin Masonite board behind the rack so the walls don’t get marked up. Great idea and I love everything bright white. I think it’s great you can do all of this. I am afraid of the skill saw sound haha.

[@Megan-nm9lz]

all your videos are practical and purposeful

[@dovesolutions]

Love your can shelf.

[@Jane_Ricciardi]

Nicely done!

[@BirdYoumans]

What you did was really neat, but if instead of running the dividers vertically, run them horizontally, then you don't need the plexi nor do you need to drop them, just put them on the shelf. Instant access to any can in case the can you want winds up in the middle of a row. You don't have to remove a bunch of cans to get to the one you want, just reach up and get it. saves you 19 bucks as well. Just a thought.

[@garynagle3093]

Nice project. I like the plexiglass for visibility. If it’s loaded with Jacob’s beers, he’ll need to connect refrigeration. 🤪🍺

[@gondolin12]

Gary Nagle put it outside and you don’t need refrigeration. it’s Alaska after all 🤣

[@garynagle3093]

murgul morgul very true! 🤪🍺🍺

[@Diniecita]

Yes, I have been looking for a good plan for making on of these for our pantry. I'm building it tomorrow. Thanks so much!

[@revelationrancher6555]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing! Im thinking maybe some thicker plexiglass strips ran vertically might work out well.. 😁

[@gingermonette7455]

Love your creative ideas!

[@AnaWhiteDIY]

Thank you! 😊

[@1crazynordlander]

The wood strips would allow you to make it 12 cans high as you could guide the cans down by hand when you put them in the top.

[@AnaWhiteDIY]

I agree! The wood strips are great, you could customize so much with them! The acrylic glass looks better imho but it is more limiting. Trade offs!

[@jcrefasi1]

@@AnaWhiteDIY I love this project!! My first thought was "I don't want to risk denting the cans when they drop so how can I tweak this?" I love the Idea of the wood strips! Also Would I then be able to put the cans in 1 at a time vertically above the last can and have enough room to turn it horizontal? That way the organizer could be taller and more narrow to fit my pantry. Mine could be 18 cans high and 4 stacks wide!!

[@prepping_essentials]

Great project and also great to see the special wildlife so close to your home

[@martyclack8782]

Awsome job on your can organizer

[@71160000]

I built a slopped on almost fifty years ago. The issue with it is it doesn't hold near enough cans if you store several months of food as I do or if you have cans of different proportions. My solution was to buy several six foot tall roll around steel shelving units. Each one is capable of holding several hundred cans about eight deep and two or three high on each shelf. If you set it away from the wall you can load it from the back and remove cans from the front sliding them forward as you use up the front ones. Cheap and movable if you need to.

[@robertelliott44]

Looks really good ! The only thing I could suggest is Plex on the back to protect the wall from scrapes and scratches ? Nice work guy's 👌

[@mickeytorres3492]

I thought the title said CAT organizer...This is a much better idea. Great project Ana!

[@AvilerED]

Knowing cats the way I do, I think organizing cats would be about as effective as herding cats :)

[@dymondwillow2]

@@AvilerED OR organizing a can of worms.

[@samanthabloggins1775]

Thanks for showing us the moose in your yard lovely outdoor shot!!

[@robertmoreno3898]

Looks great!!!! nice project!!!!

[@nedrawilliams6657]

Bomb!!!! You could legit sell this girl.

[@kathylewis7543]

Thank you great project! Thanks for sharing!❤️🤗

[@janeirvine8391]

I like the design. I would probably go with the wood strips. Question: Do you have any ideas to store the larger refried bean cans, smaller tomato paste and tuna fish cans? Thank you for posting this! Blessings, Health, Prosperity and Peace to you and yours and to all who read this! 👍😘😇💖

[@DBJCobb]

Nice job Ana......

[@marilyngodfrey868]

You did an amazing job!

[@arbuckleoakshomestead6800]

Love this project. I always have a array of cans and seeing them ar a glance would help with shopping. Thanks for sharing such a great idea.

[@ceefiveceefive]

Love it Ana!

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Wow great ideal 👍

[@ivyclark70]

I love this idea! Thanks for sharing. 🙏

[@volition51]

REALLY neat idea, but I think you're right about 6 cans high, so why not do two 6 can dispensers, one above the other? Same storage amount but more versatility: potential for twice as many kinds of food and less pressure on the plexiglass. I think you've got a winner here!! I like that as you buy new cans you load from the top and take from the bottom so cans stay in date order. So maybe 8 high, and multiple units. Imagine on the back of a door 😊.

[@kan-zee]

the back of a door, would add weight on the door and hinges. I tried it, it don't work.