Organizers For A Small Pantry

Few things are as frustrating as a cramped kitchen—except maybe a tiny pantry. Dealing with food storage in a small space can be such a headache—and it can end up costing you money, too. Why not tackle the problem with some smart small pantry solutions?

With the right ideas for pantry organization, you can simplify one of the busiest parts of your kitchen. And don’t worry, these tips aren’t just for huge pantries—they work perfectly for tiny kitchens as well.

Organizers for a small kitchen pantry

My first two homes did not come with a pantry. I remember struggling to fit food into kitchen cabinets and how frustrating it would be to try to keep some sense of order. A cabinet to hold canned goods, a drawer to hold plastic wrap, and another cabinet to hold all of our baking supplies.

And no matter how hard I tried, food still spilled out into my kitchen. Bread stacked in the corner on my counter, canisters holding whatever I could stick inside, even cereal boxes precariously perched on my refrigerator waiting to tumble anytime I would open the door.

I knew there had to be a better way, a more efficient way, for storing our food in a way that was easy to keep neat and organized no matter what limitations our kitchen had.

A messy pantry can be a thing of the past. Wire Pantry Shelving Organizers can help you keep track of everything so nothing goes to waste.

ORGANIZERS FOR A SMALL PANTRY

Dealing with a tiny pantry can feel like a constant puzzle. Finding more space might seem impossible, but here’s the good news—small pantries can be surprisingly versatile. With the right organizers, you can maximize every inch, make your pantry look bigger, and fit in more of what you need.

Keep the Basket-ditch the box

One way is to use small baskets for packaged items like snacks, popcorn, and crackers ditching the boxes they came in. Not only will you be able to more easily see what you have, but you will know with a glance what you are running short on.  

You can use baskets in a drawer helping you to compartmentalize the area more easily or on a shelf giving you a way to keep things from spilling over into other areas.

Image that shows: Snacks sorted in plastic baskets.
Source: declutterinminutes.com

Make a DIY Chip Organizer

Let’s face it, chips can be bulky no matter what size they are and if we are not careful, easily crushed. This simple and fund to make chip organizer is perfect to keep chips in place more easily. Use this setup in corners or narrow areas putting hidden space to better use.

This display can hold roughly nine bags of chips but you can custom tailor a chip organizer so it fits your pantry and your family’s love of chips.  

Hot glue clothespins to a vertical plank or other lightweight material customizing it to match your personality. Hang in securely and begin using it right away.
A creative chip storage solution featuring bags of snacks clipped to a wall-mounted board labeled "Chips"
Source: practicalwhimsydesigns.com

Organizing Spices

Keeping spices organized can be a challenge, but a few simple solutions can make a big difference. Try using stadium shelving to keep your spice bottles visible and easy to find.

Another option is to transfer them into stackable containers to maximize your shelf space. Don’t forget to label containers with the date to ensure your spices stay fresh and full of flavor.
A spice cabinet with labeled plastic containers, spice jars, and resealable pouches
Source: declutterinminutes.com

Storage Bins or Boxes

If you’re like me and can’t get enough of the farmhouse style, why not bring a little of that charm into your pantry? Swap out plain plastic bins for small wooden crates with bold labels. It’s such a fun way to combine decor and organization in a tiny pantry.

Bins are super handy for keeping this busy area neater and more put away. They’re perfect for corralling snack bags, food pouches, boxed foods, or even drinks, helping your pantry stay neat and functional.

Rustic wooden crates labeled "SPICES" and "HERBS"
Source: creativegreenliving.com

Use Doors to Your Advantage

Running out of shelf space in your pantry? Don’t stress—your pantry door has untapped organizing potential. An over-the-door organizer is a game-changer for storing spices, herbs, or baking ingredients. It keeps everything neat, visible, and within easy reach for cooking.

Here’s another tip: try adding hooks or a small bar to the inside of the door for hanging lightweight items like measuring spoons or reusable bags. It’s a simple way to add even more functionality to your pantry space.

Image that shows: Spice rack over the door
Source: cravingsomecreativity.com

All in One Organizers for Small Items

If you struggle with space in your kitchen, consider storing measuring items in your pantry area. You can find an all in one organizer to hold your measuring cups, spoons, and other baking tools. By keeping things close together you will save yourself from having to search throughout the kitchen each time you are working on a baking project. 

Image that shows: Basket sorting baking utensils.
Source: declutterinminutes.com

Small Areas Convert Well for Storage

Still need ideas for storage? Look no further than your cabinet door. Many times this is all you need to hold measuring spoons and cups. All you need are some command hooks and adhesive cork board and you can transform a cabinet door into storage space.

When purchasing hooks, I suggest the small wire command hooks as they will fit easier most measuring cups and spoons. 

Image that shows: Small command hooks attached to a cabinet to hook up measuring cups
Source: declutterinminutes.com

Corral with Plastic

Plastic containers or baskets are very popular when it comes to pantry organizers because they are both durable and incredibly sturdy. Baskets can help sort items pouches, boxed meals, canned goods, jars, condiments, even produce.

Using baskets that are all the same color give a nice look to this busy space.

Sturdy pantry baskets such as these also make it easy to take a quick shopping inventory and eliminate overstocking or purchasing something that’s not needed.  

A pantry with labeled blue storage bins for condiments, side dishes, soup, and other essentials
Source: declutterinminutes.com

If your kitchen feels too small or too cluttered, don’t worry. These Real Simple Kitchen Organization tips will help you make the most of what you have.

Turntables and Lazy Susans

Creating space where you may be a bit short is easy to do with a lazy Susan. Also known as turntables these organizers can also be a great way of sorting cans.

These organizers can be the best solution for dark corners or other difficult areas that might be a struggle to utilize efficiently.

You can use turntables to hold spices, canned goods, condiments, or oils. Another option is to use each one for a different category of food such as pasta, boxed dinners, drinks, or Mexican.

A pantry shelf featuring a rotating lazy Susan stocked with a variety of canned goods
Source: organizedmom.net

Vtopmart 4 Pack Clear Stackable Storage Drawers, 4.4'' Tall Acrylic Bathroom Makeup Organizer,Plastic Storage Bins For Vanity, Undersink, Kitchen Cabinets, Pantry, Home OrganizationVtopmart 4 Pack Clear Stackable Storage Drawers, 4.4” Tall Acrylic Bathroom Makeup Organizer,Plastic Storage Bins For Vanity, Undersink, Kitchen Cabinets, Pantry, Home OrganizationVtopmart 4 Pack Clear Stackable Storage Drawers, 4.4'' Tall Acrylic Bathroom Makeup Organizer,Plastic Storage Bins For Vanity, Undersink, Kitchen Cabinets, Pantry, Home OrganizationKitchen Details 3 Tier Can Organizer | Canned Food Storage Rack | Kitchen Cabinet and Pantry Organization | Holds 36 Cans | Space Saving | ChromeKitchen Details 3 Tier Can Organizer | Canned Food Storage Rack | Kitchen Cabinet and Pantry Organization | Holds 36 Cans | Space Saving | ChromeKitchen Details 3 Tier Can Organizer | Canned Food Storage Rack | Kitchen Cabinet and Pantry Organization | Holds 36 Cans | Space Saving | Chrome2 Set Pantry Organizer Storage Stackable Kitchen Laundry Organizers for Onion, Potato, Fruit, Produce, Vegetable Clear2 Set Pantry Organizer Storage Stackable Kitchen Laundry Organizers for Onion, Potato, Fruit, Produce, Vegetable Clear2 Set Pantry Organizer Storage Stackable Kitchen Laundry Organizers for Onion, Potato, Fruit, Produce, Vegetable Clear

 

Use Containers for Baking Supplies

The packaging that baking supplies come in can be a real hassle—bulky, messy, and hard to keep track of once you’ve opened it. A simple fix?

Transfer everything into labeled plastic containers with secure-fitting lids. It cuts down on clutter and keeps your pantry looking tidy.

Since baking supplies aren’t usually things kids grab often, you can stash them on a higher shelf, freeing up lower shelves for snacks or family-friendly items.

Bonus tip: look for stackable containers to make the most of your space—they’re an easy way to double your storage.
A baking cabinet with labeled airtight containers for ingredients, baking supplies, and cookie cutters
Source: amber-oliver.com

Utilize the Floor

The pantry floor is often an overlooked area. The floor of the pantry is the perfect area to organize those big bulky items. Using laundry baskets helps organize items like bags, paper goods, chips, or even bags of rice.

These laundry baskets are great because they are super easy to roll in and out and easy to move the heavy items in and out of place.  
A recycling station featuring labeled wire bins for paper goods and bags
Source: creativegreenliving.com

When you’re looking to organize a small space in your kitchen be sure to look at all the areas you have available. Remember, nothing is off-limits, the floor, the walls, up high, even the door can be set up to hold your family’s food.

You might be surprised at the organizers for a small pantry that is out there. 

You don’t need a fancy walk-in pantry to stay organized. Learn How to Declutter a Kitchen Pantry today and make your life easier.

More Organizing Resources:

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