Pantry organization is an essential skill for creating a functional and efficient kitchen. Learning how to organize a pantry allows you to know exactly where every ingredient is, making cooking stress-free and enjoyable. With the right pantry organization tips, you can transform your space into a system that works for you. Below are six easy steps to help you master pantry organization and create a system that lasts.
Start Fresh with Pantry Organization
The first step to effective pantry organization is starting with a clean slate. Completely empty your pantry so you can clearly see what you have and identify expired or unnecessary items. Cleaning and sanitizing your shelves is critical, as it prevents spills and build-up that could attract pests. This simple step lays the groundwork for how to organize a pantry that’s both functional and visually appealing.
- Completely clean out your pantry. Move every item from that area into another location so all you see is a blank space.
- Sanitize and clean shelves. Old spills and build-up can be unattractive and harmful, and they can cause unwanted visitors (mice and ants) to visit you.
- Discard expired items and throw out stale and opened items. This is good for your health and will create extra space to work with/see.
Line Your Shelves for Better Pantry Organization
Lining your shelves is an often-overlooked step in pantry organization, but it can save you time and stress. Spills and breakage are inevitable, so using waterproof and gripping liners helps protect your shelves and makes cleaning easier. Adding this layer of protection is an important part of learning how to organize a pantry effectively.
- Waterproof Cabinent-Shelf Liners: I love these because they come in assorted sizes and colors, so you can choose what will work best for you.
Take Stock of What You Have in Your Pantry
A key part of how to organize a pantry is understanding what you already have. Start by grouping pantry staples such as oils, vinegars, spices, and canned goods. This approach not only highlights what you use most often but also ensures accessibility. Organizing pantry staples into clear bins or jars enhances visibility, which is a cornerstone of efficient pantry organization.
- Look through the pantry items in your secondary location and start grouping items together, such as oils, vinegar, baking, etc.
- Now, you want to look at your space and contemplate maximizing it. The key things to think about are:
- Accessibility: Don’t put everyday items too high on shelves or in places that are hard to reach.
- Functionality: Don’t stack items like snacks that will probably be eaten every day.
- Visibility: It’s essential to see what you have so you can use it. That’s why I always like to use clear containers and organize them so that everything can be seen instead of placing items behind one another.
Invest in Pantry Organization Systems
Investing in the right storage solutions is crucial to maintaining a well-organized pantry. Label everything to ensure items return to their designated spots. Use these pantry organization tips for specific categories:
Use a Label Maker
A label maker is the cornerstone of an organized pantry. Label every bin, jar, and container to make it easy to find and return items to their designated spots.
- Label Maker: The first key to organization is having a label maker to perfectly label absolutely every bin, jar, or container to keep your system organized.
Organize Pantry Staples by Category
Pasta, Noodles, Rice, and Grains: Decant these items into stackable bins or glass jars to maintain freshness and a clean aesthetic.
Recommended: Stackable Clear Bins with Labels, Glass Canisters with Bamboo Lids, Assorted Airtight Plastic Storage Containers, Assorted Sized Airtight Glass Jars
Bread: Store in a bamboo bread box to keep it fresh and mold-free.
Recommended: Bamboo Countertop Bread Box
Beans and Legumes: Use bins or airtight containers for original packaging or a more polished look.
Recommended: Clear Plastic Bins, Glass Canisters with Bamboo Lids, Airtight Plastic Storage Containers
Separate Oils and Vinegars
Oils: Use a turntable to keep your oils accessible and prevent messes.
Recommended: Nonstick Turntable Lazy Susan
Vinegar: Organize vinegars on a separate turntable for easy access.
Recommended: Nonstick Turntable Lazy Susan
Spice Storage
Decant spices into uniform jars and organize them on a spice rack for easy access and a tidy look.
Recommended: Glass Spice Jars, Elevated Bamboo Spice Rack, or this Non-stick Elevated Shelf
Maximize Visibility for Cans and Baking Items
Canned Goods and Stocks: Use elevated shelves to make canned goods and jars visible at a glance.
Recommended: Non-Stick Elevated Shelf
Baking Section: Store flour, sugar, and baking essentials in airtight containers. Use separate bins for smaller items like sprinkles or chocolate chips.
Recommended: Large Airtight Clear Storage Containers, Clear Plastic Bins
Specialty Categories
Sauces and Condiments: Organize on turntables or elevated shelves for easy access.
Recommended: Nonstick Turntable Lazy Susan, Non-stick Elevated Shelf
Special Seasoning: Create separate bins for ethnic ingredients like Mexican, Asian, or Italian staples.
Recommended: Clear Plastic Bins
Shelf-Stable Produce: Store potatoes, onions, and other produce in stackable bins to keep them fresh and organized.
Recommended: Stackable Wire Bins
Snacks and Beverages
Cereals and Snacks: Keep cereals in airtight containers and snacks in compartmented bins to prevent clutter.
Recommended: Airtight Plastic Storage Containers, Compartmented Clear Plastic Snack Bin
Beverages: Use organizers or dispensers for canned and bottled drinks to maintain order.
Recommended: Canned Beverage Clear Organizer, Glass bottle, and Can Expandable Drink Dispenser
These pantry organization products make it easier to maintain order and access items effortlessly.
Maximize Small Spaces with Creative Pantry Organization
Don’t let limited space stop you from creating an efficient pantry. These pantry organization tips help you make the most of your storage:
- The Door Organizer: Perfect for holding spices, snacks, or smaller pantry staples.
- Under Cabinet Drawer: Keep frequently used items like spices or snacks handy.
Stackable Clear Plastic Bins: These allow you to build vertical storage and keep items categorized.
Creative solutions like these are key to understanding how to organize a pantry in even the smallest of spaces.
Maintain Your Pantry Organization System
Consistency is critical to keeping your pantry organized. Return items to their designated spots and regularly assess your pantry for spills, expired goods, or misplaced items. A maintained system simplifies your daily routine and ensures your pantry remains a functional space. Mastering how to organize a pantry includes developing habits that make organization effortless.
More Favorite Kitchen Basics
- Clean As You Go: Keeping your pantry tidy as you use it prevents build-up.
- Pantry Staples: Discover essential items every organized pantry should include.
- Grocery List Ideas: Plan your pantry restocks with these helpful tips.
