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Pro organisers share the simple pantry tricks they swear by
These simple changes can help turn a messy pantry into a more streamlined space
Keeping the pantry organised can be surprisingly tricky. Between the kids' snacks, the bulk buys, and the kitchen essentials, it's easy for the pantry to become cluttered. To help, these are the pantry tricks organisers swear by to keep this household space tidy.
The first thing you should do if you want to make your pantry feel more organised is declutter it. Organisers 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 organised and within easy reach.
Organising pros encourage creativity when it comes to sorting out the pantry. Utilise (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, organisers share the pantry tricks they swear by for a tidy space.
Create a "grab-and-go" drawer
Designate a drawer for 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, organising 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.
Related: These 10 kitchen items are taking up way too much space
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 organiser. "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 stick 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 organiser 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.
Related: I organised my kitchen cupboards and it transformed my cooking – here are 6 steps to success
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, baking paper and freezer bags vertically. They're also great for plastic chopping boards and boxes of pasta.
"This hack is very versatile," adds Julie Stobbe of Mind Over Clutter, who prefers cardboard magazine holders with solid 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 organise entertaining essentials that can be pulled out when guests are over.
Put snacks and spices on a lazy Susan
Organisers 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 cans," says Schrier.
Write expiration dates on the back of jars
Any organiser would suggest decanting ingredients into glass jars and labelling it 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 maximise 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.
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