How to Use Bins and Baskets to Organize Your Pantry
Keep it simple so it works—that’s a great rule to follow, especially when organizing. If you’re wondering how to use bins and baskets to organize a pantry, the key is to keep everything in its place without making it too complicated.
Pantry organization doesn’t have to be difficult, and even a simple setup can be practical and look great at the same time.
Next to clothes, food is probably the most expensive item we routinely buy. Actually, scratch that—it’s probably more than clothes since we shop for it so often. With that in mind, keeping the food you invested in stored in a haphazard way is not the best approach to getting the most out of your investment.
Keep it simple so it works. I know I’ve said that already, but it’s worth repeating. The truth is, the more complicated your organizing system is, the less likely you are to stick with it.
Take a grocery store, for example. They organize everything using location and labels. No fancy gadgets, no complicated setups. It’s simple and works for everyone, regardless of age. You can find what you need quickly and easily, and that same idea can apply to your pantry.
Rethink Your Pantry Layout
Where you store things in your pantry should depend on how often you use them. The stuff you grab every day? That should be easy to reach. The things you only use once in a while? Those can go further out of the way. Makes sense, right?
Take a moment to look at your pantry. Is it efficient? Can you grab what you need to make dinner without climbing up on a chair? If not, that’s a red flag. If it’s hard to access, there’s a good chance (and trust me, I know this from experience) you might just go for whatever’s closest instead—even if it’s not your first choice.
A well-organized pantry isn’t just about convenience; it’s also about saving money. When you can see and access what you already have, you’re less likely to waste food or overspend. It’s a win-win!
How to Use Bins and Baskets to Organize a Pantry
Organizing your pantry might feel like a big job, but breaking it into smaller steps makes it manageable and maybe even fun. Using bins and baskets strategically can transform your pantry from chaos to calm. By focusing on different locations in your own pantry, you can create a system that’s efficient and simple to maintain.
Main Area
The main area of your pantry is where you keep the stuff you grab most often, like snacks, pasta, canned goods, and baking essentials. This part of your pantry should be super functional and easy to access.
Best Containers to Use
- Clear Bins: These are great for snacks or individually packed items because you can see exactly what’s inside without digging around. Try to keep everything upright and neatly arranged.
- Labeled Baskets: Use these for grouping similar items, like baking supplies or breakfast staples. Go a step further and organize by category, like Pasta, Asian, Mexican, Quick Sides, or Dinner Mixes. It’ll make things even easier to find.
- Bin Style Turntables (Lazy Susans): These are lifesavers for jars, sauces, and condiments. They’re also perfect for those deep, tricky corners where things tend to get lost.
LAMU 4 Pack Lazy Susan Organizer, Clear Lazy Susan Turntable for Cabinet, Refrigerator, Table Top, Kitchen, Bathroom, Pantry Organizers and Storage, 2 Sizes Included 12in, 10.6in
Best Choice Products Set of 4 9x12in Water Hyacinth Pantry Baskets, Woven Organizers w/Chalkboard Label, Chalk Marker – NaturalVtopmart 4 Pack Extra Large Clear Plastic Storage Bins,11×11 Cube Acrylic Organizer Square Containers with Handle for Pantry,Closet,LaundryRoom,Kitchen,Bathroom,UnderSink Organization
Get our complete Pantry Categories List so you can customize your food storage to match what your family eats.
Organizing Tips
- Group similar items together, like all your snacks in one spot and all your pasta in another.
- Label bins or baskets so everyone in your home knows what goes where.
- Use stackable bins to make the most of your space, and choose ones with wide openings so everything is easy to grab.
Quick Action Tip
Choose one category to organize today. For example, tackle your snacks. Toss anything expired, arrange what’s left in a clear bin or labeled basket, and put it front and center. You’ll immediately notice a difference.
Upper Shelves
Upper shelves often get overlooked, but they’re perfect for storing things you don’t need every day. Think of this spot as your “storage zone” for extras or seasonal items. Just make sure to keep it stocked with lighter items so you don’t risk getting hurt when reaching up high.
Best Containers to Use
- Deep Baskets: Great for extra paper goods like napkins or paper towels. Make sure to label the front so everyone knows what’s inside.
- Opaque Bins: Perfect for storing items you rarely use, like holiday platters, seasonal baking supplies, or canning tools.
- Labeled Bins: These are ideal for cloth items like tablecloths or cloth napkins.
Sterilite 6-Pack Ultra Basket, Open Plastic Bins, Countertop, Cabinet and Closet Organizer, White, DeepYishyfier Plastic Storage Baskets With Lid Organizing Container Lidded Knit Storage Organizer Bins for Shelves Drawers Desktop Closet Playroom Classroom Office (4XL+2L, Light grey)Citylife 4 Packs Plastic Storage Bins with Lids White Storage Box with Handle Stackable Containers for Organizing, 10.12 x 6.97 x 6.22 inch
Organizing Tips
- Keep lightweight items, like paper goods or linens, up here to avoid any accidents.
- Use big, easy-to-read labels so you can see what’s stored up there without climbing up.
- Heavy or awkward items should always be stored lower, where they’re easier to grab.
- Keep a step ladder in your pantry just for accessing the top shelves.
Quick Action Tip
Take everything down from your upper shelves and do a quick sort. Toss anything expired or no longer needed, and organize the rest into labeled bins or baskets. Keep this space reserved for lightweight, seldom-used items to make it safer and easier to use.
Lower Shelves
Lower shelves are easy to reach for most people, making them perfect for heavier or larger items like bottled drinks, bags of flour or sugar, or bulk foods.
Best Containers to Use
- Sturdy Crate-Style Bins: These are a great choice for heavy or bulky items like water bottles, cans, or big bags of rice.
- Large Baskets: Use these to group bulk items together, like family snack packs, fruit cups, or kids’ lunch supplies.
- Pull-Out Bins: These are awesome for keeping smaller items contained. Think side dish pouches, seasoning packets, or even produce like potatoes or onions.
MaxGear Organization and Storage 3 Packs, Plastic Bins Organizer Bins, Woven Baskets for Storage, Plastic Baskets with Handles, Grey Basket for Organizing, Basket Organizer for Home and Office, LargeVtopmart 2 Pack Large Stackable Storage Drawers,Easily Assemble Clear Acrylic Bathroom Closet Undersink Organizers,Plastic Storage Bins for Cabinet,Kitchen Pantry,Medicine OrganizationCurver Set of 6 Jute Medium Decorative Plastic Organization and Storage Baskets, Perfect Bins for Home Office, Closet Shelves, Kitchen Pantry and All Bedroom Essentials, White
Organizing Tips
- Always keep the heaviest items on the bottom shelf to make lifting safer and easier.
- Group similar large items together on their own shelf. For drinks, try sorting by type or who uses them most. For example, water in one bin, protein shakes in another, and juice boxes in a third. And yes, labels are your best friend in a pantry!
- If you’re organizing smaller items, go with larger bins that have dividers to keep spices, lunch supplies, or pouches neat and in their places.
Quick Action Tip
Pick one category on your lower shelves to organize today, like drinks. Sort everything out into groups, then assign one shelf or section for them. Make sure it’s in a spot everyone in your home can easily reach.
Floor
The pantry floor often ends up as a dumping ground for random items, empty boxes, or those sneaky plastic shopping bags that still have stuff inside. The good news? With a little organization, this space can actually be super useful, and bonus, it’s the perfect spot for oversized or rarely used appliances.
Best Containers to Use
- Rolling Bins: These are amazing for heavy items like bottled water or appliances like a crockpot or instant pot. The wheels make it easy to slide them under a lower shelf and pull them out when you need them.
- Tall Baskets: Perfect for long or awkwardly shaped items, like rolls of paper towels or reusable shopping bags.
- Sealable Storage Bins: These work great for pet food, big bags of grains, or anything that needs to be airtight. Bonus points if you get bins with wheels!
- Stacking Bins: These are awesome for produce like potatoes and onions. They’re usually slim and fit nicely in tight spaces.
Simple Houseware Pull-Out Cabinet Sliding Basket Organizer, 17.2PEMAR Set 2 Nesting Natural Wicker Rolling Storage Baskets on Wheels w Insert Handles, Under Table Under Desk Woven Storage Bins, Mobile File Cabinet Organiser (Water Hyacinth, Sizes M, L Nesting)XYZLVSI Slim Storage Cart 4 Tier Fruit and Vegetable Baskets for Kitchen Small Space, Narrow Rolling Cart on Wheels with Wooden Top and Metal Handle for Pantry, Bathroom, Laundry Room
Organizing Tips
- Keep the floor as clutter-free as possible so you can move around easily.
- Use vertical space by opting for taller baskets or stackable bins that take advantage of tight corners.
- Store large appliances on the floor to free up your counters and make cooking less stressful.
Quick Action Tip
Take everything off your pantry floor and give it a good clean. Once it’s cleared, grab rolling bins or tall baskets and start organizing. Label everything to make finding and putting away items a breeze. A clean, functional floor space makes the whole pantry feel more put together.
Organizing your pantry with the help of bins and baskets doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By tackling one section at a time, you can make your pantry more efficient, easier to use, and even your own version of magazine worthy! Remember, the trick is to keep it simple so you’ll stick to the system.
Actionable organization starts small. Pick one shelf, one category, or even the pantry floor, and start there. Use bins and baskets to keep each area organized. Once you’ve tackled that, you’ll be amazed at how motivated you’ll feel to keep going.
