How to organize a small pantry
Do you struggle with space? If so, this easy guide filled with tips on how to organize a small pantry will get you back on track with your organizing goals.
Sometimes, you need to think outside of the box with your pantry organization finding ways to keep food, paper products, overflow dishes, and appliances put away and in their place.
When I finally had a home with a pantry, it was small, yes, but after living years without anything, I was still very grateful to have a space to store my food.
I had to learn pretty quickly as many organizing hacks as I could to make that area work. We had a young growing family and all the things that come with a house full of hungry boys. Organization was not only needed, but it was also required.
Fast forward to my dream home, we finally had a large walk-in pantry with loads of space for all the things a big family needed to grow.
Even though my pantry is now large, I still use all those organizing tips from years ago because they work, small space or large.
What can you store in a pantry?
When it comes to pantry storage, the possibilities are endless. A pantry can be your kitchen’s best friend, storing a variety of items that make meal prep efficient.
Start with the essentials like canned goods, cereals, and pasta—staples that a growing family uses almost daily.
Don’t forget about snacks and treats, which are perfect for grabbing on the go or enjoying during movie nights. If you have the space, consider designating an area for paper products and cleaning supplies so everything is within reach when you need it.
You can also store baking supplies such as flour, sugar, and baking powder in canisters with baskets of spices nearby.
Even those rarely-used appliances that tend to crowd countertops can find a home in your pantry.
Not sure you have the room for everything? Keep reading for our top tips that will get you back on track with your pantry organization.
How to Organize a Small Pantry
Organizing a small pantry can seem challenging, but with the right strategies, you can maximize every inch of space. When looking for more space in an area, don’t be limited to what is in front of you.
- Look up high to see if there is room near the ceiling.
- Inspect the floor area and see how much space you have to utilize.
- Finally, check the walls and the door area for more room to add tools and organizers for more storage.
Every inch is yours to use, and with a bit of creativity, you might find you have more than you first thought.
Step #1. Sort what you have
The first step is to sort the things you have in your pantry now. I like to use a few main categories to help me better find the best location for each.
- Food
- Paper
- Cleaning
- Seasonal
- Appliances
- Misc
You may not have something in each category, but this list should get you off to a good start.
Step #2. Assess the Space You Have
Next, look at the room you have now. What you want is to find room for each category you have.
Prime Real estate
In organizing, prime real estate is the easiest area to get to, the shelves right in front of you. This is where you will want to store your food.
Higher Up
The shelves that are a bit trickier to reach are a good spot for lighter items such as napkins, paper towels, or tablecloths.
Down Low
The floor is the best location for heavier items such as extra appliances or bulk food items.
The Walls
This area is good for small things such as seasoning packets or spices.
The Door
This hidden space is great for overflow items.
Put it into Action:
Before you start emptying things out, use sticky notes to label each area. Once done, take a step back and evaluate what you have.
This visual step will better help you to see if the area you have selected gives you enough room for what you plan to keep there.
DM Pro Tip: Less is more when you have a small storage area. Yes, purchasing in bulk can save you money, but the space needed to store it can cost you more in stress and frustration. To resolve this, find a friend you can split a bulk purchase with. You will still get the deal, but you will not be faced with a pantry crammed to the roof.
Step #3. Empty and Clean
I find when organizing a space it is always best to start with a clean slate. Start by emptying out everything in your pantry and sort as you go. Toss any expired or stale items as you find them.
Once empty, give things a good cleaning working from the ceiling to the floor.
Be sure to keep the sticky notes in place so you remember what will be stored where.
Step #4. Bring In the Tools
To make the most of your space, you will need to bring in organizers for each area. What tool you use will all depend on what you are organizing. Let’s break it all down.
#1. Food items
For organizing food items, clear bins or baskets are essential tools. These containers help group similar products together, making it easy to grab what you need without rummaging through shelves. Consider using stackable bins to maximize vertical space, and label each one for quick identification.
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For canned goods, a tiered shelf organizer can be invaluable. These shelves allow cans to be stored in layers, ensuring all labels are visible and making it straightforward to see what you have on hand. If space is limited, consider a rotating can rack, which can efficiently store multiple cans while utilizing corner spaces.
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Dry goods such as pasta, rice, and cereals benefit from being stored in airtight containers. Transparent jars or canisters with sealed lids not only preserve freshness but also allow you to see when stock is running low. Group them by type and use shelf dividers for organization if necessary.
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Get our Pantry Category List for more tips on how to organize food.
#2. Paper items
When organizing paper items such as paper towels, napkins, and plates, consider using deeper baskets that are light weight and easy to access.
Long narrow baskets are good for foil and other wraps. ,Remember, paper items will be up higher, and a lightweight bin will be more efficient in this area.
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#3. Small Appliances
Storing small appliances can be challenging due to their varied sizes and weights, but using appropriate organizers can make the task manageable.
For smaller gadgets like hand mixers or coffee grinders, consider using sturdy bins or baskets on lower shelves to keep them easily accessible. Ensure these are placed at a height where it’s comfortable to lift them without straining.
Heavier appliances can go on the floor in pull-out baskets. This will allow you to pull the basket out, giving you more room to choose the appliance you need.
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#4. Spices and Seasoning Pouches
Storing spices and seasoning pouches may seem tricky, but using this creative tip will get you back on track. See if you have an area on the sides of your pantry where you can hang a small bin or basket. Just a few inches is all you need to hold pouches and two seasonings.
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Not, it may not sound like a lot, but every bit helps in a small pantry.
#5. Extras
One area that tends to get overlooked in small spaces is the door. First, look to see how much space you have when you close the door, if the shelves are flush with the frame, you will need to go very thin to ensure you close the door without issue.
If you have a few inches or more, you have more options available for you to use.
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A door organizer is perfect for items like:
- Oils or vinegars
- Boxes mixes
- Snacks for kids
- Cereal
- Baked goods
- Seasonings
Step #5. Putting it all together
Once you have your organizers set up in an area, stop and return things before moving on to the next. Again, being visual and intentional with this project will help you to be more successful overall.
Continue in each area.
- Set up the organizers you chose.
- Put items back in their new home.
- Use labels to remember what belongs where.
- Move on to the next area.
By incorporating these storage strategies, your small pantry can become an efficient and organized space. Taking the time to plan and implement these tips ensures that every item has its place, making it easier to find what you need and keeping the chaos gone for good.
Remember, the key is to customize your space to fit you and your family in an easy to keep up with plan. It needs to be easy to use for you and your entire family. To help, use labels, give a tour, and explain the importance of keeping things in their place.
With these tips, your small pantry organization will be off to a great start!
