Pro Organizers Share the Simple Pantry Tricks They Swear By
These simple changes can help turn a messy pantry into a more streamlined space.
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Keeping the pantry organized can be surprisingly tricky. Between the kids' snacks, the bulk buys, and the kitchen essentials, it's easy for the pantry to become cluttered. These are the pantry tricks organizers swear by to keep this household space tidy.
The first thing you should do if you're looking to make your pantry feel more organized is declutter it. Organizers say items like expired foods, stale ingredients, and food gifts you haven't used (like bottles of olive oil or spice blends) should all go. Once you've cleared some space, the tips below can help you keep your remaining supplies organized and within easy reach.
Organizing pros encourage getting creative when it comes to organizing the pantry. Utilize (or create) storage in places you might not usually think to use, like the back of the door. You can also use things like rods, tiered shelving, and lazy Susans to create more space in your pantry and keep things close at hand.
Below, organizers share the pantry tricks they swear by for a tidy space. If you're looking for more tips, read up on the pantry mistakes to stop making ASAP and the pantry habits organizers avoid.
Create a "grab-and-go" drawer.
Designate a drawer to kids' snacks, treats or on-the-go breakfast, so everyone in your household can quickly (and neatly) grab what they need. "It's perfect for busy mornings and preventing the infamous snack avalanche," says Shira Gill, organizing expert and author of Minimalista.
"This involves decanting all items from their original packaging and displaying them in an aesthetically pleasing and easily accessible way," says Pam Meluskey, co-founder of Settled, who suggests arranging the grab-and-go station at a kid-friendly height.
Hang kitchen tools from a rod or rail.
Install a metal rail or small tension rod under a pantry shelf to "hang lightweight kitchen tools like measuring spoons or produce bags," says Gill. "It keeps them accessible and frees up drawer space."
Here, designer Jess Weeth of Weeth Home hangs a brass rail, then uses S-hooks to display small pots and utensils.
Install battery-operated lights.
If you're lucky, your pantry has overhead lighting — but still, it can be difficult to see every shelf. "Under cabinet lighting is a game changer," says Emi Louie, professional organizer. "Stick-on motion-sensor lights can help you see what you have in deep shelves or cabinets."
There are plenty of battery-operated options available. All you have to do is adhere them to the bottom or side of your pantry shelves.
Add storage to the pantry door.
Whether for jars, spices or snacks, an over-the-door organizer will improve your pantry's functionality. "This space is generally overlooked, but is a great place to add a door rack with baskets to increase storage capacity," says Natalie Schrier, founder of Cut the Clutter.
Use cardboard magazine holders for storage.
"Magazine holders aren't just for a home office," says Gill. Use them to store awkward items like foil, parchment paper and storage bags vertically. They're also great for plastic cutting boards and boxes of pasta.
"This hack is very versatile," adds Julie Stobbe of Mind Over Clutter, who prefers cardboard magazine holders with sold sides.
Bring in a rolling cart.
"If you need more flexibility, a rolling cart tucked into a corner is a clever way to store extras while keeping them accessible," says Gill. Here, 27 South Interiors brings in a bronze rolling cart to organize entertaining essentials that can be pulled out when guests are over.
Put snacks and spices on a Lazy Susan.
Organizers agree: Lazy Susans are a great way to ensure everyday ingredients, snacks and spices are within reach. "They're always useful for oil, vinegar, condiment and sauce bottles, as well as canned goods," says Schrier.
Write expiration dates on the back of canisters.
Any organizer would suggest decanting ingredients into glass jars and sticking a label on the front — but don't forget to hide key information on the back. "Use a dry erase label on the back of the jars to write expiration dates or cooking times," says Meluskey.
Use tiered shelving.
Whether for cans, spices or decanted containers, tiered shelving helps to tame clutter and maximize space."The tiered approach ensures you can see every ingredient at first glance," says Meluskey.
"Now you can actually see what you have instead of accidentally buying the same thing three times," adds Gill.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
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