Ways to Organize a Kitchen Pantry

Group similar items together to make organizing and finding things much easier.

Start by sorting everything into a few categories like food, cleaning supplies, paper goods, appliances, and maybe a "miscellaneous" section for random items that don’t fit elsewhere.

You might not have something for every category, and that’s okay. Just focus on what works for your pantry.

This way, you can easily see what items you’re running low on or what’s missing.

When it’s time to do your grocery shopping, you’ll know what you need at a glance.

Wire shelves are fantastic storage options for a kitchen pantry. You can use them to stack items and containers to make the most of every inch of space.

Plastic storage baskets with labels work great, but you can also use transparent storage containers if you prefer to see everything at a glance.

Choose carefully where to store each type of food. Rice, cereals, pasta, flour, and other dry goods are best stored in airtight transparent containers to protect them from moisture, pests, and spoilage.

Baskets, meanwhile, are great for grouping items that don’t need airtight storage.

For example, canned goods and baking supplies in their original packaging can be stored in baskets for easier access.

Who needs bulky racks? Drawers are perfect for small spaces and can hold more than you think. Just add some dividers, and you’re all set.

Add drawer dividers or small bins to group together similar items—snacks, seasoning packets, granola bars, and more.

You can also use sturdy cardboard or small wooden slats to create custom dividers that fit your drawer perfectly.

Measure the inside of your drawer, cut your materials to size, and slot them together to create different sections.

This simple project lets you organize everything neatly without spending a lot. You can even adjust the dividers anytime your storage needs change.

A Lazy Susan keeps everything within reach with just a spin. Use it for spices, condiments, jars of sauces, and small snack packs.

If you’re storing items you use often, put your Lazy Susan near the stove or cooking area for easy access.

You can also place it on high shelves, in corners, or in other hard-to-reach spots.

There, you can store things like baking supplies, backup condiments, or extra jars and bottles.

Here’s another idea: dedicate your Lazy Susan to just one category, like spices. This will make cooking so much easier.

Transparent airtight canisters can make your pantry look amazing and help your food last longer. Some people even transfer their pantry staples from their original packaging to these clear containers for a cleaner, more organized pantry.

They are great for pasta, rice, flour, and other essentials, but not everything should be stored in them.

Oils and other perishable goods that require refrigeration are better left in their original containers to maintain freshness.

Spices, coffee, or tea can go in airtight canisters, but make sure they’re kept in a cool, dark spot to preserve their flavor.

A good rule of thumb is to transfer dry goods that benefit from being sealed and protected from air or moisture, but always check the product’s storage instructions to be safe.

Use a can riser to organize your canned goods.

Unlike bins where cans can stack up and get lost, a can riser's tiered design can help you maximize space and keep everything accessible.

It’s a flexible solution that can work for more than just cans.

It’s also great for spices, condiments and baking essentials like extracts and sprinkles.

Mount this produce basket on your kitchen pantry's wall and save valuable counter and shelf space!

These baskets are perfect for storing onions, potatoes, garlic, and other fresh produce—items that don't need to go in the fridge.

You could also use them for bread, snack bags, and even kitchen towels.

The best place to mount a produce basket like this depends on your kitchen layout. It can be on any open wall in or near your pantry, beside your meal prep area, or inside a pantry door.