first pictures look like a sliding door and bottom picture looks like a different closet altogether???

I would first find if hinged doors (2 or bifold ) can be installed for easier access

Thank you. The first pics are the ones of the closet and they do have a sliding door. The last pic I showed was just to show our kitchen (just refaced, just steps away from this closet) for context. What would the advantage be of bi-fold or hinged over sliders that actually work (as opposed to my sticky ones)? This closet butts right up against our back door and I guess that's prob why there are sliders, so as not to interfere with that.

Maybe the last pic is inspiration? No to sliding doors - they are hard to get in and out. I like the suggestion of two doors or two bi-fold doors. The kitchen is one of the hardest working rooms in the house. If you are going to be in and out of this pantry daily, you certainly want it to be user friendly. You can get storage systems certainly at Elfa, like you mentioned, Home Depot, Walmart, and Staples. Goggle "inexpensive storage systems" for ideas. Look outside the box - storage systems for a garage may work as well. If you are doing this yourself, look for prices as well as user friendly storage systems. Take advantage of your vertical space. Put your most often used items at shoulder level.

This is a bifold door that hides my washer/dryer. It butts close to the outside door. It takes up less space when open and I can see into the entire closet not just 1/2.

I would consider a shallow (15 inch depth) ikea base cabinet with the number of drawers you need. The countertop will give you a sturdy place for your stand mixer. You could then put some shelves up top and recycling bins to the side.You could even add a shallow high cabinet and dont put the doors on.

you could use ikea pax system. there are so many configurations you could do. I would probably do drawers at the bottom and shelves on top. or, leave the bottom open for your recyclables. it’s a great space to have right off your kitchen.

I have a small pantry about that size. I put one of those stainless steel adjustable-shelf
rolling units in it, with opaque shelf liners so I can see through the shelves.

The unit has five or six adjustable shelves.