Let’s be honest: keeping a pantry organized can feel like an ongoing battle. Between meal prepping, grocery shopping, and life getting in the way, our pantries can quickly become a cluttered mess. These ten simple steps will help you get started organizing your pantry.
This post is all about pantry organization tips!
A well-organized pantry isn’t just pretty; it makes cooking easier, saves time, and even cuts down on food waste.
What I love the most about these steps is that you don’t need to overhaul everything in one day. With a few innovative ideas, you can get your pantry in shape and keep it that way.
Before we jump in, be sure to download my free pantry organization checklist below. It covers everything in this article and is a super easy way to keep track of it all.
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Step 1: Assess Your Pantry Space
Before rearranging everything, take a moment to assess your pantry space. Whether you have a walk-in pantry or just a few shelves in a cabinet, knowing what you’re working with is SO helpful.
Measure your shelves, note any awkward corners, and take inventory of the storage items you already have. Once you know your space and what you’re storing, you can create a plan that works for you.
Trust me, this first step will save you a lot of wasted time and money and help you make the most of your space.
Step 2: Group Items by Category
Grouping pantry items by category is a game-changer. Start by separating your snacks, baking goods, grains, canned items, and spices into different zones. This way, you’ll always know exactly where to find what you need—and what’s running low.
Keeping similar items together also helps reduce the chance of overbuying things you don’t need (looking at you, my 3 bags of unopened flour!).
Step 3: Shop for Clear Storage Containers
Clear containers are a pantry’s best friend. They look neat, and they let you see exactly what you have on hand.
Store items like pasta, rice, cereals, and flour in airtight, clear containers to keep everything fresh and easy to spot.
Plus, they cut down on bulky packaging, freeing up space. Whether you get glass or plastic, these matching containers give your pantry a streamlined look, which makes it feel tidier.
Step 4: Label Everything
When everything has a place, you’re less likely to have chaos. This is where labeling comes in handy.
Label your containers, baskets, and shelves to create a system that’s easy to follow.
You don’t have to go overboard with fancy labels—a simple label maker, or even handwritten stickers will do the trick.
Having labels helps you find things faster and makes it easier for everyone in the house to know where things belong. I’ve found this especially helpful to coordinate with my husband and make sure we both know where things go.
Step 5: Maximize Vertical Space
If you’re not using the vertical space in your pantry, you’re missing out! You can install extra shelves, but my favorite way to add vertical space is to simply use stackable bins or under-shelf baskets to make the most of every inch.
Tiered shelf organizers are a wonderful way to display spices and other small objects, making them easier to see and access. I also like using these in my bathroom closet.
Another great option to try is a door-mounted organizer to hold spices, condiments, or snack bags. This frees up valuable shelf space.
For larger pantries, you could even add a small shelving unit or adjustable racks to keep things organized and easy to reach.
Step 6: Add Lazy Susans and Baskets
Lazy Susans are a must for those hard-to-reach corners. Use them to store small items like condiments, oils, or spice jars. Give it a spin, and voilà! You can see everything without knocking things over.
Baskets are another great way to corral items like snack bags, small baking goods, or spice packets. I can’t tell you how many taco seasoning packets I’ve lost to the abyss of my pantry. Baskets keep things looking tidy while making grabbing what you need on the go easier.
Step 7: Use Drawer Dividers for Smaller Items
If you have deep drawers in your pantry, drawer dividers are a lifesaver. Use them to organize things like snacks, tea bags, or small packets.
Instead of digging around for that last granola bar, everything will have its place. Drawer dividers can also keep your drawers from becoming a catch-all for random items that don’t belong.
Step 8: Implement a First-In, First-Out System
One thing I hate is when I go to my pantry looking for a snack, only to find a bag of chips that expired last year.
It’s easy for older items to get pushed to the back of the pantry and forgotten. That’s where a first-in, first-out system comes in handy.
Organize your pantry so that newer items go behind older ones. This way, you’re using up what you bought first and cutting down on food waste. It’s especially helpful for things like canned goods, grains, and baking supplies.
Step 9: Keep a Simple Pantry Inventory
A pantry inventory can be a game-changer for larger households or bulk shoppers. It makes grocery shopping so much easier.
Keeping track of what you have helps avoid overbuying and ensures you always know when you’re running low on essentials.
Whether you use an app or a simple notepad, having a visual reminder can help keep your pantry in check without extra effort.
Step 10: Seasonal Decluttering
Lastly, give your pantry a seasonal refresh. Every few months, take some time to clean and declutter.
Throw away expired food, wipe down shelves, and reorganize as needed. Regularly refreshing your pantry keeps it from becoming a mess again and makes sure everything is in its place.
Pantry Organization Checklist
If you’re feeling overwhelmed at this point, don’t worry. I’ve summarized everything into a checklist you can print and work on over time. It’s a 10-step checklist will help you tackle clutter and transform your pantry into an organized, efficient space. You can download the checklist below.
Conclusion
Organizing your pantry doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Start with some of these ideas and create a space that makes life a little easier.
You’ll be surprised at how much more fun (and stress-free) cooking can be when everything is organized and easy to find. Ready to tackle that pantry? Let’s get organized!
Don’t forget to save any of these images to your Pinterest account using the Pinterest share buttons on this page so that you can easily find them again later!
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