DIY Can Organizer

[@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

[@Spokenfan]

This is brilliant 👏 I wish I had a wall for this 👍👍 Unfortunately I need to make one like the cansolidator version. My closet is 6 feet tall 2 feet wide and 3 feet deep. I have a circular saw and hand tools but I can’t seem to come up with an idea that is just right. If you have any ideas or a video I’d much appreciate the help. Thank you for sharing 👍👍 Stay safe healthy and happy 😃✝️🇺🇸

[@eyeonart6865]

Take Plexiglass off and put a spacer to make them shorter rows then cut plexiglass so you can make it shorter for cans to drop.

[@kaycox5555]

awesome idea!

[@scripsiscriptum524]

This is awesome

[@AnaWhiteDIY]

Thanks for the visit!

[@dainalr]

My tip when she’s screwing this is to throw a couple Brad nails in just to hold it so that when you’re screwing it in it stays in place

[@johnyb9884]

I like the strips of wood instead of plexiglass. How about strips of plexiglass instead of wood? Edges of plexiglass world have to be rounded so they don’t cut your hands.

[@AnaWhiteDIY]

👍

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 😉

[@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 😻

[@stetsonator]

Just cut stripes of plex glass for your dividers and have access all the way to lower your cans.

[@AnaWhiteDIY]

Hey that’s really smart!

[@stetsonator]

@@AnaWhiteDIY Love you folks and all that you do! Thank You!

[@kan-zee]

very smart Stetson..sand down the edges of the plex glass , and it would look very sharp...cheers

[@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!

[@holidaygirl1224]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@lancelenoir2875]

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

[@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.

[@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😊)

[@LynjasOkey]

Fantastic diy project nice pantry thanks for sharing

[@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!!

[@patriciasmith1521]

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

[@moorsense]

I don’t like the idea of dropping the cans. Wonder if you can load from the bottom up.

[@hume6900]

moorsense why not?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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! 🤪🍺🍺

[@alabastrulalb]

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

[@macantakai]

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

[@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

[@songs4thesoul]

Great idea thanks for sharing.

[@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.

[@duallinguallady-aishaahmed1812]

You are just awesome, I wish, I could be talented as you! Too old and maybe too late but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try!

[@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 😆

[@vadim3976]

You can always do plexiglass strips. 🙂👍

[@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.

[@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

[@2552Zeus]

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

[@twominutetips]

And another great and practical project by the Amazing Ana.

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Wow great ideal 👍

[@huejanus5505]

Great idea, but those cans come down like a hammer blow every time, not sure how long that bottom will hold. Maybe use plexiglass strips instead of wood strips on the front, then you can slow the drop and keep that clean look.

[@ladeene06]

Hahahaha😁....Ironically, and shamefully, my former can goods shelf is now held up by said can goods! Lol. So desperately need this! No...let me rephrase that. I DESERVE this. I go through an intense workout just to rotate the dates. (When the children become grown enough to go through the pantry regularly) This simple project would illuminate that extra process. Talk about working smarter, not harder. Thanks for sharing this.

[@AvilerED]

2 6 can sized organizers would allow for more separation of different foods.

[@crestonsimpson1370]

I am looking at your design and based one that I built from a design like this. I ran into an issues with being able to access the cans from the bottom as I didnt have enough finger room to grab the cans. I ended up having to take a hole saw and cutting a finger groove so I could grab the cans. Something for viewers to think about when making your own design.

[@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.??

[@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!

[@nancysnider5348]

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

[@alexreith4877]

I don't think I'd want a beer that had been dropped... 😂

[@kan-zee]

hahaha...Yeah.,, it will be spray party , for sure..LOL

[@GrahamBartle]

Just putting this out there; flip that thing on its side and loose the glass and you can get the cans out in any order, share rows with mixed items and not drop you cans 4 ft.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@sueschultz9358]

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

[@mandyleeson1]

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

[@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.

[@chronosferatu345]

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

[@paulisialinka]

I think I will try to do this but put another row, so I can have top row for maybe top row for 4-5 cans and lower row for 5-6 cans. More space for more different kind of cans.

[@carlbelken4478]

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

[@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.

[@zedwpd]

I have more than six different canned items and dont want to pull out a mess of cans to get to what I want. Making two smaller ones with one on top the other would allow me to have 12 different canned items.

[@Nanasews4]

What idea would you use to be able to get to, a can of a different type, that is in the middle? Pulling cans out till you reach your selection, would put a lot of wear and tear on you project. Love the idea, and would love to make one.

[@kan-zee]

I have this challenge as well...different sized cans...so I made two can dispensers, one for the common soup can size, and the other for largers than soup cans.

[@UllaCliffShads]

I would turn it, so can divider become shelf

[@zedwpd]

Then gravity wouldnt move the cans to the opening.

[@UllaCliffShads]

@@zedwpd remove the plixglass

[@kan-zee]

@@zedwpd Unless they were angled with the help of gravity..but then it would be a table size, and not vertical.

[@cindywagner4623]

I like the concept but how can you reach a can if it falls in sideways? I thought the idea of sideways was good too. Fill that wall!

[@lornejim1432]

How about just build regular shelves that way you can grab the can of food that you actually need immediately🤔

[@ed9958]

great concept i would eliminate p-glass & make easier to read labels

[@revelationrancher6555]

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

[@maxe381]

“Get outta here!” *lil butt tap* 😂😂 yup! I know that feeling haha. Husbands 🙄🤪 amiright?! You guys are adorable ☺️☺️

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@nevermindthebull0cks]

Put a horizontal divider in that and have an upper section as well. Twice as many canned goods sorted that way.

[@nancypeteja6560]

Great idea, great job!😉👍💖

[@deb8416]

What about the odd sized cans, like Campbells Chunky soups, or the larger/taller cans?

[@daciasdiy1861]

Deb Gillotte no room for those 😂

[@Multiplemom3452]

You could still put some wood strips across the things with the plexiglass looks great I like it. Wish I could use my walls in my apartment.

[@AnaWhiteDIY]

Thanks for watching!

[@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.

[@snoww2009]

In vertical style can dispenser, the first can will hit hard. I prefer sloped style where you feed the cans from one end or S-shape style where the cans are fed from top.

[@AnaWhiteDIY]

Thanks for watching!

[@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! 😊

[@shawncostello1932]

Good idea .I would go with the wood strips to hold the cans in then you could move them so you could see what they are.

[@patricialadd520]

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

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome job! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@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.

[@malousalem1189]

Love that idea👌

[@samanthabloggins1775]

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

[@hankjones5233]

I like the idea of holding 12 cans (maybe 13). If you are buying bulk they usually come in cases of 12. I would hang lower so as not to have to reach so high. Wooden slats to keep from drop. And possibly putting a larger board (1x6?) on the bottom to give slant. Overall another great idea from a fellow Alaskan.

[@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

[@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!

[@lindalong2297]

Love the plexiglass idea! TY.

[@markwilliams3148]

Just turn it sideways and use it like a shelf get rid of the plexiglass

[@serenitysealed485]

I am tool jealous. You have a lot to equipment and the space to use it.

[@larrybe2900]

Nice job. Agree on the current height but eight high leaves room for extra before shopping.

[@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.

[@swimupstream737]

Perhaps you could put some kind of plywood on the back. The cans will really mark up your wall. ?? Great idea.

[@thomasohanlon1060]

All that has to be done one pice of wood down the center of each can run in the back, to shorten the drop cut the plexiglass at the horizontal to open a drop point and a new bottom, cans won't fall as far and still have full use. I've been building things like this for years.

[@monamorgan8614]

It’s art for the pantry😁