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10 Expert-Approved Pantry Organization Ideas You Need to Try Now
If you’re like most people, your pantry is probably the messiest and least organized place in your kitchen. But, with a little bit of effort and the right organization ideas, you can turn your cluttered pantry into a well-organized storage space that makes meal prep and cooking a breeze. In this article, we’ll share 10 expert-approved pantry organization ideas that you need to try now.
1. Group items by category
One of the easiest ways to organize your pantry is to group items by category. This means putting all of your baking supplies in one section, canned goods in another section, and snacks in a third section. This not only makes it easier to find what you need but also helps you keep track of what you have and what you need to restock.
2. Use clear containers for pantry staples
Another great way to organize your pantry is to use clear containers for pantry staples like flour, sugar, and rice. This not only keeps these items fresh for longer but also makes it easy to see when you’re running low and need to restock. Plus, clear containers look neat and uniform, which makes your pantry look more organized overall.
3. Install shelves or stacking drawers
If you’re short on space, consider installing shelves or stacking drawers in your pantry. These will help you maximize your vertical storage space and allow you to keep different items neatly separated. Plus, by stacking your items, you can ensure that nothing gets lost or forgotten in the back of the pantry.
4. Make use of behind-the-door space
The space behind your pantry door is often overlooked but can be the perfect spot for storing smaller items. You can install a hanging rack or hooks to keep items like cleaning supplies, spices, or snacks off of your shelves and out of the way.
5. Sort items by expiration date
To make sure that you’re using up your pantry staples before they expire, sort items by expiration date. This will help you avoid wasting food and ensure that you’re using the oldest items first. Plus, it’s a good way to keep track of what needs to be restocked and what you can skip on your next grocery run.
6. Label everything
One of the easiest ways to make sure that everything in your pantry has a home is to label everything. You can use a label maker or even just some masking tape and a pen to label each container or shelf. This will help you find what you need quickly and ensure that everything is put back in its proper spot after use.
7. Use storage baskets
Storage baskets are a great way to keep smaller items organized and in one place. You can use them to store snacks, spices, or even kitchen towels. Plus, baskets make it easy to pull out an entire category of items at once, which can be especially helpful when you’re meal planning or cooking a large meal.
8. Store items in baskets by meal
If you want to take your storage baskets to the next level, consider storing items by meal. You can have a basket for breakfast items, one for lunch items, and another for dinner items. This not only makes meal planning a breeze but also helps you keep track of what you need to restock for each meal.
9. Keep a rolling cart in your pantry
A rolling cart is a versatile storage solution that you can use for anything from snacks to cleaning supplies. Keep one in your pantry for easy access to items that you use frequently, and make use of the extra shelves and storage space that it provides.
10. Clean out your pantry regularly
Finally, the key to pantry organization is to clean out your pantry regularly. Set aside time every month or so to go through your pantry and get rid of anything that’s expired or that you no longer need. This will help you keep your pantry organized and ensure that you’re using everything that you have.
In conclusion, organizing your pantry is a great way to save time and make meal prep and cooking easier. By following these 10 expert-approved pantry organization ideas, you can turn your cluttered pantry into a well-organized storage space that makes life in the kitchen a breeze.
Pantry Organization Tips FAQ
Q: Why is it important to organize your pantry?
A: An organized pantry makes meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking easier and more efficient. It can also help reduce waste by keeping track of expiration dates and preventing duplicates.
Q: What are some basic pantry organization tips?
– Group like-items together (e.g. grains, canned goods, snacks)
– Use clear containers or labels to make it easy to find what you need
– Arrange items in a way that makes sense to you (e.g. most used items at eye level)
– Keep items you use often easily within reach
– Use baskets or bins to corral small items or loose packets
– Consider using a lazy Susan or tiered shelf for easier access to items in the back
Q: How do I maximize space ( Uncover genius ways to maximize space with a kitchen island ) in my pantry?
– Use a door-mounted organizer for spices or small items
– Utilize vertical space with stacking shelves or tiered organizers
– Store larger items or appliances on the floor or lower shelves
– Consider installing pull-out drawers or baskets for easier access to lower shelves
– Use shelf risers to create additional storage space
Q: How do I keep my pantry organized over time?
– Plan regular pantry clean-outs to check for expired items or duplicates
– When grocery shopping, stick to your list and avoid buying items you don’t need or won’t use
– Take a few extra moments to return items to their designated spot
– Consider keeping a chalkboard or whiteboard in the pantry to track inventory or meal planning
– Use clear containers to monitor stock levels at a glance
Q: What are some creative pantry organization ideas?
– Use tension rods to create a vertical divider for baking sheets or cutting boards
– Hang small items (like tea bags or packets) on a tension rod with shower curtain rings
– Use a magazine holder to store cans or bottled drinks
– Utilize the back of the pantry door with a hanging shoe organizer
– Create a DIY pantry label maker with a label maker and paint stir sticks
Q: How can I organize my pantry on a budget?
– Use recycled containers (like glass jars or cardboard boxes) for storage
– Shop discount stores or dollar stores for storage solutions
– Use printable labels instead of purchasing pre-made labels
– Shop sales or use coupons to save money on storage items
– Consider repurposing items you already have in your home (like an old bookshelf or wire baskets)
Pantry Organization Tips
- Mason Jars – Use mason jars to store dry goods like pasta, rice, and beans. Not only do they look aesthetically pleasing, but they also keep your pantry organized and make it easy to see what you have in stock.
- Spice Rack Organizer – Keep your spices in order with a spice rack organizer. There are several options available on Amazon, like a wall-mounted spice rack or a revolving spice rack, depending on your pantry space.
- Lazy Susan – A lazy Susan is a perfect addition to any pantry. Its rotating base allows you to access items in the back of the pantry with ease.
- Pantry Labels – Investing in pantry labels can also help keep your pantry organized. These labels can go on mason jars, baskets, and other storage containers. Amazon has a variety of pantry labels to choose from, with different colors and styles to match your pantry theme.
- Baskets – Use baskets to group together items like snacks or baking goods. They can also help corral smaller items, like packets of oatmeal or tea bags.
- Wire Shelving Units – If your pantry is lacking in storage space, consider adding a wire shelving unit. These can go on the floor or be mounted on the wall to maximize space.
- Clear Storage Bins – Clear storage bins are great for storing items that may spill or are bulky, like bags of flour or snacks. They also make it easy to see what’s inside without having to pull the bin out of the pantry.
- Over-The-Door Storage – Maximize your pantry space by adding an over-the-door storage unit. These can come in the form of a hanging basket or pocket organizer and can be used to store snacks, spices, or other small items.
- Adjustable Shelf Organizers – For more flexible storage options, consider getting adjustable shelf organizers. These can be moved up or down to accommodate larger or smaller items in your pantry.
- Fridge and Freezer Organizers – Don’t forget about organizing your fridge and freezer, too! Amazon has a range of fridge and freezer organizers, like drawer organizers, egg holders, and can dispensers, to help keep your food fresh and organized.
Pros & Cons of Pantry Organization Tips
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, while pantry organization certainly has its benefits, it may not be for everyone. It requires effort, time, and money, and may not fit everyone’s personal preferences or living situations. However, those who are willing to put in the work will find that a well-organized pantry can make meal-prep, cooking, and snacking much more efficient, easier, and enjoyable.
