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15 Pantry Organization Ideas People Love

  • Zak 

Clutter can make a home look disorganized and dated. While it’s almost impossible to avoid it completely, there are many ways to keep your home clean, organized, and mostly clutter-free.

Given that a pantry is used to store all of our ingredients and foods, it should come as no surprise that it requires some careful planning to keep it organized. A well-organized pantry can make your kitchen more functional, reduce food waste, and bring a sense of calm to your cooking space. Whether you have a small cupboard or a spacious walk-in pantry, these ideas will help you maximize your storage and keep everything neat and accessible.

I’ve included a list of pantry organization ideas that are practical and affordable so that people across all budgets can improve their pantry.

How To Organize Your Pantry And Reduce Clutter

1. Declutter and Categorize

If your pantry is an absolute mess, begin by emptying your pantry. Once emptied, you can start organizing it with the use of categories. Categories allow us to stock and arrange items in an orderly fashion based on metrics we deem important. Check expiration dates and discard anything that’s past its prime. Group similar items, such as canned goods, snacks, baking supplies, and spices. Place items of frequent use upfront and store less-used items towards the back of drawers. This will give you a clear idea of what you have and make it easier to plan your space.

2. Use Clear Containers

Invest in clear, airtight containers for grains, pasta, cereals, and snacks. Not only do they keep your food fresh, but they also allow you to see exactly what you have at a glance. Label each container for added convenience. Clear containers offer more aesthetic flexibility since they are non-obtrusive and pair well with most kitchen furniture colors.

3. Install Adjustable Or Floating Shelving

Wasted wall space should be utilized with shelves. Adjustable or floating shelves let you customize the height of each shelf to accommodate items of various sizes. This is especially useful for tall bottles, small jars, or bulky packages.

4. Add Lazy Susans

image courtesy of Mambos

A lazy Susan can be a game-changer for corner spaces or deep shelves at an affordable price. Use them to store spices, condiments, or small jars to easily rotate and grab what you need.

5. Incorporate Tiered Organizers

Tiered shelf organizers are ideal for canned goods and spices. These allow you to see items at the back without having to rummage through everything in front. They are also an eye-catching piece of storage for a great price.

6. Hang Door Racks

Utilize the back of your pantry door by installing door racks or over-the-door organizers. These are great for storing small items like seasoning packets, foil rolls, or snack bags. Wood and metal racks offer strength and elegance, while plastic racks offer a cost-effective solution.

7. Use Baskets and Bins

Group similar items in baskets or bins for a cohesive look. For example, use one basket for kids’ snacks, another for baking supplies, and another for breakfast items. Label the bins to maintain organization. Woven baskets are stunning, while plastic baskets and bins are easily available and easier to clean.

8. Maximize Vertical Space

Use stackable containers, risers, or under-shelf baskets to maximize vertical space. This is particularly helpful for small pantries where every inch counts.

9. Install Hooks and Pegboards

image courtesy of Thedecorfix

Hooks and pegboards can hold reusable bags, aprons, or kitchen tools. Mount these on pantry walls or doors to keep things off the shelves. Pegboards can also be used as a planner or stocklist that can be frequently updated to track what items you have, what items are expiring, and what items need to be restocked.

10. Create a System

Assign specific zones in your pantry for different categories of food. For example, dedicate one shelf to snacks, another to baking supplies, and a third to canned goods. This system helps maintain order and makes it easier to find items.

11. Use Labels

Clearly label everything, including shelves, bins, and containers. This ensures that everyone in the household knows where items belong and helps maintain the organization. Sticky notes work, but so do printed labels that have been laminated for long-term use.

12. Rotate Stock

When restocking your pantry, place newer items at the back and older items at the front. This “first in, first out” system helps prevent food waste by ensuring older items are used first. Consider keeping fruits and vegetables in cooler areas of the pantry to avoid overripening or rotting due to sunlight exposure or humidity.

13. Light It Up

Install LED strip lights or motion-sensor lighting to brighten your pantry. Good lighting makes it easier to find items, especially in dark or deep spaces.

14. Maintain Regularly

Set aside time every few months to declutter and reorganize your pantry. Regular maintenance prevents clutter from building up and keeps your space functional.

15. Use Mason Jars

I love to ferment vegetables and pickle fruits. Mason jars are the best storage units for this type of food, and they’re super affordable and easy to label. You could also use them to store cereals, grains, and spices.

Final Thoughts

An organized pantry is a game-changer for any kitchen. With these tips, you can create a system that works for your space and lifestyle, making cooking and meal prep more efficient and enjoyable. Start small, and soon you’ll have a pantry that’s not only practical but also a joy to use.

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