A well-organized pantry makes it easier to find what you need and helps reduce food waste. When your pantry is tidy, cooking and meal prep become more enjoyable and less stressful.
These 14 pantry organizing hacks will help you create a space that is both functional and easy to maintain. With simple changes, you can transform your pantry into a place where everything has its spot.
Use clear, airtight containers to store dry goods
Using clear, airtight containers helps you see exactly what you have at a glance. This reduces clutter and makes your pantry look neater.
Airtight lids keep your dry goods like pasta, rice, and flour fresh longer by preventing moisture and pests. Glass jars or sturdy plastic containers work well and add uniformity to your shelves.
Install lazy Susans to easily access oils and sauces
You can use a lazy Susan to keep oils, sauces, and condiments within easy reach. Just place one in a pantry corner or on a deep shelf to avoid digging through bottles.
Turning the lazy Susan lets you see everything at once without moving items around. This simple addition saves time and keeps your space neat.
Label containers with expiration dates
You can easily keep track of food freshness by writing expiration dates directly on your containers. Use waterproof labels or a wet erase marker so you can update dates as needed.
This simple step helps you avoid wasting food and keeps your pantry organized. Labeling also makes meal prep smoother since you always know what’s good to use.
Group similar items like baking supplies or snacks together
When you group similar items, your pantry feels more organized and easier to navigate. For example, keep all your baking supplies like flour, sugar, and baking powder on one shelf.
Do the same with snacks, placing chips, nuts, and granola bars together. This way, you’ll find what you need quickly without digging through everything. Labels can help keep these groups clear and tidy.
Use tiered spice racks for better visibility
A tiered spice rack helps you see all your spices at once without digging through clutter.
By stacking spices on different levels, you can easily find what you need and keep your pantry tidy. These racks fit well inside cabinets or on pantry shelves, making your space more organized and accessible.
Add colorful wallpaper to brighten the pantry
You can instantly brighten your pantry by adding colorful wallpaper to the walls. This small change adds personality without taking up any space.
Choose patterns or colors that make you happy and match your kitchen style. Even a dark pantry can feel lighter and more inviting with the right wallpaper. It’s a simple way to make your pantry a more pleasant place to organize and find items.
Declutter by removing expired items regularly
Check your pantry often for expired or stale items. Tossing out these products frees up space and keeps your pantry safe.
Make it a habit to scan expiration dates once a month. This small step prevents clutter from building up over time. Keeping only fresh items also helps you see what you actually use, making meal prep easier and quicker.
Utilize the inside of cabinet doors with hanging racks
You can add hanging racks or peel-and-stick hooks inside your cabinet doors to create extra storage. These spots are perfect for small jars, spice containers, or even measuring spoons.
Using this space keeps your items visible and easy to reach without cluttering your shelves. It’s a simple change that makes your pantry more functional.
Store pasta and grains in stackable jars
You can save space by using stackable jars for pasta and grains. Clear jars let you see what’s inside quickly, so you’ll know when it’s time to restock.
Stacking keeps your pantry tidy and prevents containers from tipping over. Plus, jars with airtight lids help keep your food fresh longer.
Place frequently used items at eye level
You’ll save time by storing your most-used pantry items at eye level. This makes grabbing essentials quick and easy, especially when you’re in a hurry.
Group similar items together so you can spot what you need without digging around. Keeping these items accessible helps maintain a neat and efficient pantry.
Use baskets to corral small packets and snacks
You can keep small packets and snacks together by placing them in baskets. This helps prevent clutter and makes it easier to find what you need quickly.
Choose baskets that fit your pantry shelves well to maximize space.
Baskets also make it simple to pull out and carry snacks when you’re on the go. This way, your pantry stays neat and organized without extra effort.
Measure your shelf space before buying storage solutions
Start by measuring the height, width, and depth of your pantry shelves. This helps you pick storage items that fit perfectly without wasting space.
Knowing your measurements also prevents buying containers that are too tall or wide for your shelves. It makes organizing easier and keeps your pantry neat.
Keep a small step stool handy to reach high shelves
You’ll find a small step stool really helpful for reaching those top pantry shelves. It makes accessing items safer and easier, especially if your shelves are tall.
Choose a lightweight, foldable stool that fits neatly in your pantry or kitchen. This way, it’s always ready when you need a quick boost.
Use under-bar space for additional shelving
You can maximize pantry storage by adding shelves under existing bars or racks. This space is often overlooked but perfect for small containers or spices.
Installing simple wire or wooden shelves can create extra room without clutter. It helps keep items visible and easy to reach, making your pantry more efficient.