It’s a Tuesday evening and you walk in the door from daycare pickup. As soon as the kids walk in the door, you hear that same whining sound “I’m hungry.” You’re frustrated and your hands are full of all their things. When you go to the pantry to start pulling out the ingredients you need for tonight’s meal, you’re greeted by the same chaotic mess you look at daily. Cans are stacked haphazardly, bags of chips are spilling out, and you can’t find that box of pasta you know you bought last week. Sound familiar?
If you’re a busy mom like me, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of an unorganized pantry more times than you can count. But fear not! Today, I’m sharing 10 of best and easiest to implement pantry organization ideas that will transform your pantry from a cluttered nightmare to a streamlined haven. Whether you have a small pantry or large walk in pantry, these tips will work and you’ll have a stress free pantry zone in no time.
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1. Start with a Clean Slate
Clear Out Your Pantry
The easiest way to clean something is to empty it completely out and start with a clean slate. That’s right, take everything out. It might seem daunting, but in the end this process is so worth it. Spread out all your items on the kitchen counter or table so you can see exactly what you have. This gives you the best opportunity to look at all of those expiration dates and ask the question of “Is my family ever going to eat this?”
Discard anything that’s expired or you know you won’t use. This will make space for the items you need and actually use.
Deep Clean
Now that your pantry is empty, it’s time to give it a good deep clean. Wipe down the shelves and storage bins using your favorite cleaning products. Personally, when I deep clean, I go for the strong stuff and non-toxic worry goes out the door. Hello, disinfecting wipes (don’t judge!), but this is a great clean alternative. Don’t forget those corners where crumbs like to hide!
While you’re cleaning, think about how you want to organize your shelves. Maybe the top shelf will be for items you don’t use often, and the lower shelves for everyday essentials. Planning ahead will make the next steps much easier.
2. Categorize and Group Similar Items
Group by Category
Now that you are mid-mess, it’s time for the next step in pantry organization: categorizing and grouping similar items. This will make finding that box of Annie’s mac and cheese during a busy weeknight dinner rush so much easier!
Start by grouping all your canned goods together – think soups, veggies, and beans. Next, gather all your grains like rice, quinoa, and pasta. Snacks can have their own special section, too. Same goes for baking supplies: flour, sugar, chocolate chips, you name it.
This step is all about creating zones in your pantry so you know exactly where to find what you need when you need it. Plus, it makes restocking a breeze because you’ll instantly see what’s running low. You can even make this a family activity: get the kids involved by having them help sort and organize. It’s a fun way to teach them about pantry organization!
Use Clear Containers
Now that your items are categorized, let’s talk about one of the best pantry organization hacks: clear containers.
Clear containers are a game-changer for pantry organization. They let you see exactly what you have at a glance, which means no more hunting for that elusive bag of rice hiding behind the cereal boxes. Plus, they keep everything fresh and sealed, which is especially important for items like flour and sugar.
Using clear containers also helps prevent those “oops, I bought another canister of oatmeal when I already had two” moments. Everything is visible, so you know exactly what you have and what you need.
When it comes to choosing containers, there are a ton of options – from higher end sets at The Container Store to similar ones you can find at Walmart that are a bit more budget friendly (especially if you are buying a lot). For grains and baking supplies, I love these airtight storage containers. They keep everything fresh and stack neatly, making the most of your pantry space. For snacks and smaller items, these clear bins with handles and dividers are perfect – they’re easy to pull out and rummage through.
Don’t forget about labels! Labeling your containers adds an extra layer of organization and makes it super easy for everyone in the family to find what they need. Check out these cute pantry labels that are modern, simple, and easy to read
By categorizing and grouping similar items, and using clear containers, you’re taking your pantry organization to the next level and helping to make meal prep and snack time easier!
3. Utilize Vertical Space
Shelf Risers and Stackable Bins
Vertical space is often overlooked in pantry organization, but it can be a total game-changer. Shelf risers are perfect for doubling the space on your shelves, allowing you to neatly stack items that were probably piled on top of each other. Stackable bins are another great option, especially for snacks and smaller items. They keep everything neatly in place and easy to access.
Over-the-Door Organizers
Another fantastic way to maximize vertical space is by using over-the-door organizers, especially if you have a small pantry to organize and are tight on space. These are perfect for storing spices, packets, and other small items that can easily get lost in the depths of your pantry. Plus, they’re easy to install and don’t take up any shelf space. Check out these over-the-door organizers that are both functional and stylish.
4. Label Everything
Labels are not just for looks – they’re a crucial part of pantry organization. By labeling your containers and shelves, you’ll always know where everything belongs. This makes it easier for everyone in the family to find what they need and helps maintain order in the pantry. There are a ton of cute labels – from print at home options, pre-made store bought labels, or you can use a label marker. Chalkboard labels are super cute and reusable, making them a great option for ever-changing pantry contents.
5. Store Snacks at Eye Level
If you’ve got little ones who love their snacks, this hack is a must do. Store their snacks at eye level so they’re easy for the kids to reach. This helps foster their independence and decision making, but also prevents them from rummaging through the pantry and causing a mess. Pro tip: Don’t put it all out at once or you might just find yourself buying more snacks than you used to. Kids are food monsters.
Use clear bins or baskets to keep all of their snack items. This makes it easy to see what you have and keeps everything neatly organized, but also easy of the kids to move and grab stuff. These clear snack bins that fit perfectly on pantry shelves and make it easy for the kids to grab their favorite treats.
6. Use Lazy Susans for Bottles and Jars
Lazy Susans are a fantastic pantry organization tool for bottles and jars. They make it easy to access items without having to move everything around. Just give it a spin and you’ll easily find what you need.
Place Lazy Susans on pantry shelves for items like oils, vinegars, and sauces. They’re also great for keeping jars of spices or condiments organized.
7. Install Pull-Out Drawers
If your pantry has deep shelves and is large enough, you can maximize the space by installing pull-out drawers. They allow you to easily access items at the back without having to dig through everything in front. This is especially helpful for heavy items like cans and bottles.
There are many types of pull-out drawers available, from wire baskets to solid wood options. These pull-out wire baskets are perfect for a quick and easy install, while these solid wood drawers add a touch of elegance to your pantry.
8. Keep a Running Inventory
The Benefits of an Inventory
Keeping a running inventory of your pantry items might sound like a lot of work, but it’s actually a huge time-saver. It helps you keep track of what you have and what you need, preventing those last-minute trips to the store.
You can keep a simple inventory list on your phone or use a whiteboard or chalkboard inside the pantry door. This magnetic board is a great option – hang it on your fridge and write the contents of your pantry – as things are emptied you can remove it or add it to your grocery list so you know to buy more. It’s also handy to reference as you are meal prepping for the week, so you don’t buy something you already have.
9. Use Baskets for Bulk Items
Items like large bags of rice or flour can be tricky to store, but baskets are here to save the day. They keep everything contained and make it easy to pull out the entire basket when you need something. Look for sturdy baskets with handles that are easy to move around.
10. Rotate Stock Regularly
Finally, one of the best pantry organization hacks is to rotate your stock regularly. This means moving older items to the front and newer items to the back, ensuring nothing gets forgotten and expires. Make it a habit to rotate your stock every time you do a grocery run. It only takes a few minutes but can save you from wasting food and money.
With a little time and effort, you can create a pantry that not only looks great but also makes your life easier. From starting with a clean slate to rotating your stock, these tips are designed to help you achieve the ultimate pantry organization so that you can stay busy with your kids instead of constantly cleaning the kitchen pantry. Happy Organizing!
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