The pantry may be behind closed doors, but it plays a huge role in how your kitchen functions. If you’re constantly buying duplicates, forgetting what you have, or avoiding the chaos altogether, it’s time for a reset. Let’s bring a little order, beauty, and intention with these helpful pantry organization tips.
Step 1: Take Everything Out
Yes, everything. Start with a clean slate by removing all food items, bins, and extras. This helps you see what you’re working with, toss expired goods, and rediscover hidden gems you forgot about.
Once cleared, wipe down shelves for a fresh start. A clean surface makes a big difference — and it sets the stage for your beautifully organized pantry.
Bonus Tip: While shelves are empty, consider installing adjustable racks to make the most of vertical space. You can fit tall cereal boxes, shorter spice jars, or even add under-shelf baskets for small items.
Step 2: Sort by Category & Create Zones
Group similar items together: snacks, grains, baking ingredients, canned goods, spices, breakfast staples, etc.
Creating zones based on function makes it easier to find what you need and prevents overbuying.
Pro tip: Go beyond broad categories — create a “baking zone” with flour, sugar, and tools; a “snack zone” for grab-and-go items; and a “kids’ bin” stocked at their height.
Step 3: Choose Smart Storage Solutions
Clear bins and jars don’t just look Pinterest-worthy — they help you instantly see what you have and how much is left. Use airtight containers for dry goods to keep food fresh and deter pests.
Baskets are perfect for bagged snacks or root vegetables. Stackable bins can double your storage without taking up more floor space.
Extra Ideas:
- Hang door racks for spices, seasoning packets, or tea.
- Use tiered shelves for cans and jars so nothing gets lost in the back.
- Add a lazy Susan for oils, condiments, or sauces in hard-to-reach corners.
- Pull-out & Install Easily--Built inside sliding rail allows you to open and close these acrylic drawers. Put anti-slip silicone pads on the bottom of the acrylic box to make it more stable and not easy to slide. Just insert the connecting holders into the groove of the bottom plates and install the upper plate
- High Quality Acrylic Organizer--These storage bins are made by PET material, which is 12"L x7.5"W x 7"H, and the using size is 11"L x 5.8"W x 6.5"H. It can bear 15lbs when stacked
- Dimensions: each rectangle storage basket measures 12.5"L x 8"W x 6.5"H inches.
- Natural and Sustainable: wicker baskets for shelves were handwoven from natural water hyacinth over an iron frame, the material is natural and friendly to the environment.
A set of 6 storage boxes (13x7.4x7”), allows for comprehensive grocery management. Quantity and large capacity provide enough space for almost any item of any size, freeing up your space. It's a game changer, no more messy issues! Ideal for home and professional organizers.
![Glass Jars with Bamboo Lids 28 floz [Set of 8]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81EGNa8bwhL._AC_SX466_PIbundle-8,TopRight,0,0_SH20_.jpg)
Glass containers with bamboo lids set of 8, 8x Large: 3.15 x 7.87 inch [about 28 floz], can hold up 1.16lb flour, or 1.69lb sugar, or 0.7lb oats, or 0.53lb pasta. With 3.15" wide mouth design, you can easily refill with any type of foods
Step 4: Make It Functional and Beautiful
Label everything — even the obvious. It adds polish and helps everyone know where items go. Try chalkboard labels for flexibility or a label maker for a sleek look.
Consider mason jars for small items like nuts or chocolate chips — they’re practical and pretty.
Don’t forget: The pantry door and wall space are valuable! Hooks can hold aprons, reusable bags, or small baskets.
8-inch turntable makes countertops, cabinets, closets, and even the refrigerator more organized and tidy
- Set of 2 metal wire racks for kitchen and cabinet organization
- Convenient storage for dishes, coffee cups, small cans, seasonings, medicines and more
- Stackable design saves space on countertops or in pantries or cabinets; use side-by-side or stacked
- 【Adjustable and Detachable】You can adjust the height of each layer of the door kitchen rack to fit your cans, spices or other items of different sizes, which works well for your various storage needs.The basket can be easily removed and placed where you want
- 【Large Capacity and Stable Structure】8-layer large capacity can be reasonable partition to place your things.Strong load-bearing,long-lasting and durable.Over The Door Pantry Organizer is made of high quality metal materials,with enhanced load capacity,robustness,rust resistance and stability
With Intelligent Identification technology, this mini label maker can automatically recognize the label you put in, support a variety size and kind of label paper, such as clear, colorful, cute gift tapes and round labels. The label refills is waterproof and Oil-proof,
Step 5: Prioritize Accessibility
Store frequently used items at eye level. Place heavy or bulk items on the floor in large baskets. Keep kids’ snacks in easy-to-reach bins, and seasonal or rarely used items up high.
Extra Tip: Use the “first in, first out” method — move older items forward when restocking so nothing expires unnoticed.
Step 6: Add Lighting for Visibility
If your pantry feels dark, add battery-operated LED lights or strip lighting under shelves. This small upgrade makes it easier to find what you need and adds a welcoming glow.
Step 7: Maintain the System
A beautiful pantry stays beautiful when it’s maintained. Set a reminder to do a quick sweep each month — check for expired goods, wipe shelves, and return items to their zones.
Quick Wins
- Use risers for canned goods so nothing gets lost
- Place snacks in clear bins for grab-and-go ease
- Install a lazy Susan for condiments and oils
- Add door organizers for spices or small items
- Store dry goods in matching airtight containers
- Create zones for different categories
Pantry Organization Checklist
☐ Remove everything from the pantry
☐ Clean all shelves and surfaces
☐ Discard expired or unused products
☐ Sort items by category
☐ Use bins, jars, or baskets to contain items
☐ Label containers clearly
☐ Place frequently used items within reach
☐ Utilize risers, stackers, and turntables to maximize space
☐ Add lighting if needed
☐ Do a monthly tidy-up to stay on track
Extra Quick Pantry Tips for Instant Results
- Adjust shelves to fit tall cereal boxes or short spice jars — no wasted space.
- Add battery-powered LED lights so nothing hides in the dark.
- Use clear stackable containers to see what you have at a glance.
- Label by category — snacks, baking, breakfast — for easy upkeep.
- Install a hanging door rack for spices, condiments, or tea.
- Dedicate a kid-friendly snack bin at their height to keep them independent.
- Rotate older items forward so food gets eaten before expiring.
- Store bulk items in airtight containers to keep them fresh and pest-free.
- Use tiered risers for canned goods so everything stays visible.
- Add under-shelf baskets for extra storage of small, lightweight items.
Download the Chaos to Calm Declutter Kickstart Guide — it’s free and ready to help.
Tags: Organization, Pantry, Kitchen
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