Need to organize a pantry? It might seem like a daunting task – but an organized pantry does so much more than offer an aesthetically-pleasing bragging right. It actually helps save money and reduce waste.
And, it goes without saying that if you're figuring out how to organize a kitchen, the pantry is next in line.
'It pains me to see how many people end up buying things they don't need simply because they can't find it,' says Amy Bloomer, founder and professional organizer at Let Your Space Bloom (opens in new tab). 'This is especially pertinent when it comes to buying groceries. People will now use what they have because they know where to find it.'
Think about it like this: taking the time to properly organize your pantry is a win-win-win—it means more money in your pocket, less expired food going to rot at the back of shelves, and a gorgeous aesthetically-pleasing space that’ll make you excited to be in the kitchen. You don't always need to buy anything either, it's all about working with what you have and thinking outside the box.
How to organize a pantry in 13 easy steps
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the easiest ways to achieve a neat and tidy pantry, from kitchen shelf ideas to the pantry food storage containers to invest in plus pantry organizers you want to know about. These expert-approved tips will ensure your pantry will not only look good but will actually help create a system that ensures you can easily maintain your newfound tidy ways.
1. Start by removing expired products
Expired spices are often solidified and unusable. You’ll want to throw the contents in the trash and recycle the containers.
You’ll also want to remove any expired pantry items—tossing them in the compost is the easiest way.
'Even if you think an expired product is still okay, just toss it,' says Bloomer. 'It’s not worth taking a chance with your health.'
2. Group like categories of food together for easy access
To max out on kitchen storage capacity, getting a categorization system in place will help. 'Categories that are most frequently used and accessed should be stored all together so one can ‘throw and go,' says Bloomer.
'This will also help to reduce the time it takes to put away groceries as you'll know precisely where everything goes.'
3. Edit your Tupperware collection
We’re all guilty of an overflowing collection of plastic containers and Tupperware—but there’s no point in keeping mismatched containers just because you don’t want to put them in the trash.
Bloomer suggests recycling any containers that don’t have matching tops and editing your collection to include only those that are actually used. You can also consider investing in glass containers like these from IKEA (opens in new tab) to ensure a more sustainable pantry moving forward.
4. Don't overcrowd your space
For a pantry in particular, it is so important to leave some empty space. 'Unlike most spaces in your house, the contents of your pantry are constantly being used and thrown away and refilled,' says Brianna Nitsberg, founder and decluttering expert at Simply Life by Bri (opens in new tab).
'As such, it is so important to make sure you aren’t overcrowding your pantry, or else you won’t have any room for new foods.'
5. Buy only what you have room for
'Going off of my last tip, if you have a small pantry, you have to account for that when you go shopping,' says Nitsberg.
'Of course, buy whatever foods you want to eat but be reasonable at the supermarket and keep in mind the space that you have to store this food.'
6. Don't be shy with organizing tools to max out space
'Lazy Susans are one of the most fun and functional tools for keeping many spaces organized,' says Bloomer.
'Use clear jars like these from Amazon (opens in new tab) and/or containers to store flours, pasta, sugars, seeds and cereals. This storage strategy helps to prevent spoilage and helps you keep tabs on what items are running low.'
7. Remove items from their original container
'One of the most common mistakes we make when organizing the kitchen is putting on display all the food items we tend to use on a daily basis, in their original containers. Whether it’s cereal, nuts, and seeds, cookies, or dry pasta, most of the packaging is not designed to preserve the product inside once it’s opened,' says Gabriela Makler, founder of Mumi Design (opens in new tab).
'This is why it is so important to use reusable zip-up bags like these from Stasher (opens in new tab), made of food-safe PVC which is also lead-free and BPA-free; to store food items in a hermetic baggie made to preserve the original qualities of the food item.'
8. Color code your goods
'Being able to assign a color to each item is also a great plus, this way kids can recognize the color for cookies, cereal, or oatmeal at first glance,' says Mekler.
'In the process, we will be avoiding any accidents and unnecessary messes.'
9. Subdivide your items efficiently
Yes, you should group the same items. However, you should also organize them by frequency of use. 'Place items you use more often than others in the most accessible spot,' suggests Edward Jones, founder of HomeCareHow (opens in new tab).
'Next, organize them according to the time of day you use them. For example, arrange your items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.'
10. Have a ‘first in, first out’ system
By using a ‘first in, first out’ system, you’ll be encouraged to use your older items first.
'A proper ‘first in, first out’ system lets you lessen your waste,' says Jones. 'Place your older spices, vegetables, and fruits at the front. Then, place your newer food items at the back.'
11. Label your pantry right
'You should label your items, especially the ones you’ve transferred in jars and spice containers,' says Jones.
'You should not only label the contents but also the expiration dates. Make sure to mark them clearly. You don’t need to spend much but you can do it efficiently by using washi tape like these from Hobbycraft (opens in new tab) and a marker.'
12. Consider a pegboard
'I recommend using a pegboard like this one from IKEA (opens in new tab) to hang heavy-duty items that take up the most space in your pantry. This item can be used to display different pots and pans along with spatulas,' says Benjamin Stenson, CEO of Norsemen (opens in new tab).
'The neat display gives it an aesthetic appeal and becomes the center of attention. As pots and pans are distinctly apart from each other, you no longer would have to deal with their clicking and clacking.'
13. Make sure your systems are sustainable for the future
Above all, make sure the systems you are creating are sustainable in the long run. 'You know yourself better than anyone, so set up your systems accordingly,' says Nitsberg.
'For example, try to have easy access to all of your most used items and put those lesser eaten foods on higher shelves.'
How do I section my pantry?
We looked to The Home Edit (opens in new tab) for a little more expert inspiration on how to section your pantry, big or small:
1. Working from the top of this cupboard down, we can see that the organizational magic-makers favor turntables like these from Amazon (opens in new tab) for smaller items. That way everything’s easy to find and you don’t end up losing items in the deepest recess of your unit.
2. Also key? Clear canisters like these from Wayfair (opens in new tab). This way you can see when you’re running out of, say breakfast cereal, so you aren’t left doing a last-minute dash to the shops. The other benefit? Your items stay fresh in air-tight containers so there’s no food waste.
3. And while we’re talking clear containers, The Home Edit ladies love clear bins like these from The Container Store (opens in new tab). You can group items in them, and you can pull them out just like a drawer.
4. At the bottom of this pantry is another Home Edit favorite: baskets like these from IKEA (opens in new tab). These do a similar job to the clear bins, but they also help make your pantry or cupboard look good, and Clea and Joanna have aesthetics in mind as well as order. Why shouldn’t your pantry storage be a great sight to behold?
