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15 pantry organisation ideas to make the most of your space

A few simple changes can make your pantry easier to use.

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If your pantry has become a jumble of half-used bags, cans, and boxes, a few smart organising strategies can help bring some order back to the space. We tapped experts for the best pantry organisation ideas that make the most of your storage space. These ideas make it easier to find what you need and keep track of what you have.

Clutter is a common issue in pantries. Between those snacks you forgot about, the collection of cans you stocked up on last time they went on sale, and your expansive spice collection, it can be hard to find the thing you’re actually searching for. So before you invest in a new set of wicker bins or install a vintage-inspired pocket door, the first thing you should do is declutter the pantry.

Once you’ve cleared out the pantry, you can start planning the upgrades that will make it more functional. Think better lighting, space-saving organisers, and over-the-door storage. You can also opt for stylish touches like a bold wallpaper or a chic paint colour.

Keep reading for insights on the best pantry organisation ideas designers love. For more creative tidying ideas, read our roundups of clever kitchen organisation ideas.

1

Illuminate your space

wellorganized pantry with glass doors showcasing various food items
CHRIS LOVES JULIA

Take a cue from Chris Loves Julia and install lights to make it easy to find your pantry essentials. These bloggers went with auto light switches in the door jamb. As soon as the doors open, the lights immediately turn on, adding a chic touch to the overall design.

2

Stack breakables on risers

pantry
Laura Kinsella of Urban Organyze

For this pantry that Urban OrgaNYze's Laura Kinsella designed for a family of four, 'acrylic shelf risers double the usable space without distracting from the stunning dishware and serving pieces.' Kinsella then placed special-occasion dishes higher in the cabinet and created zones on lower shelves for everyday pieces.

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3

Set limits

pantry organization ideas
Courtesy of Lemonaid Solutions

'Baskets, bins and other organising solutions can make a pantry more efficient, but don't overload them. Once the container is full, it’s full—no more cramming,' says professional organiser Stephanie Treantos of Lemonaid Solutions. 'You might think leaving things stacked on shelves will work short-term, but it’ll only create clutter as others start using the space or when you're in a rush.'

4

Install a vintage shelf

open kitchen shelving displaying various jars and a potted plant
Courtesy of Inspired By Charm

One of the easiest ways to add character to a space is with vintage finds. Michael of Inspired by Charm thrifted a vintage wooden shelf and dressed it up with pantry staples and a few potted plants.

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5

Consider shelf depth

organized pantry shelf with clear containers and various food items
Tidbits & Company

While deep shelves are a huge plus for any pantry, if you're not careful, they can also make it hard to find things. To make it easy to access items, Cami of Tidbits & Company outfitted her RV's compact pantry with long clear containers for condiments, juice boxes and more.

6

Elevate your beverage station

pantry organization ideas
Laura Cattano

Start your morning off right with a well-organised coffee or tea station. Professional organiser Laura Cattano doesn't just keep her everyday cups and appliances within reach - she added a drawer especially for tea bags, coffee pods and sweeteners. 'The deep clear plastic bins, labeled by the type of tea, makes choosing your favourite easy,' Cattano says.

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7

Place kids' snacks at eye level

organized pantry with various food items and storage containers
Thee Tailored Life

If you live with children, it pays to carve out kid-friendly snack zones. 'Place approved snacks at a child-friendly level to promote independence,' says organiser Ashley Hines of Thee Tailored Life. 'This simple adjustment helps little ones grab their own snacks while maintaining pantry organisation.

8

Build in the microwave

pantry organization ideas
Arin Solange

Instead of letting her microwave take up much-needed space on the kitchen counter, blogger Arin Solange decided to build it right into her narrow pantry. It adds a sleek touch to the floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and makes her kitchen 'feel less chaotic.'

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9

Stack clear bins

cabinet organized with bins
Kenika Williams

Keep it simple with clear bins that can be stacked on shelves to save even more space. 'They help to maximise vertical space and keep categories visible and easy to access,' says Atlanta-based organiser Kenika Williams of Tidied by K.

10

Make use of wall space

storage area featuring cleaning tools and pantry supplies
Homemade by Carmona

When you have a small setup, every bit of space counts. Ursula Carmona of Homemade by Carmona decided to install a wall-mounted organiser for things like vacuums and brooms. It frees up floor space and prevents the pantry from feeling too cluttered.

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11

Take inventory

pantry organization ideas
Bless'er House

You'll never run out of an item again with this simple tip. Bless'er House keeps an inventory list on a wall in her pantry, so she always knows exactly what needs to be replenished.

12

Hide pantry items in wicker baskets

hide pantry items in matching baskets organized pantry
Madeline Harper

From baking supplies and fresh produce to extra paper towels, corral kitchen essentials in baskets to minimise clutter in your pantry. In case you forget what's what, be sure to label bins and jars, as Anastasia Casey of The Interior Collective does here.

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13

Group food by type

pantry organization ideas
Patricia_Burke

Treat your pantry like a supermarket, putting similar items nearby. Designate areas for breakfast items, like cereal and oatmeal, plus canned goods, condiments and packages goods, such as pasta or rice. Here, Pearce Design Group puts canned beverages and non-food items down below.

14

Install a sliding door

butcher block counter in the pantry and brass rail for hanging pots and utensils
Photo: Keyanna Bowen; Design: Weeth Home

Not only does a sliding door with glass panels exude charm, it provides easy access to your pantry without taking up additional space. Inside, designer Jess Weeth of Weeth Home installs a butcher-block counter for extra prep space and a brass rail for hanging pots and utensils.

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15

Use a mix of storage

pink pantry
A Beautiful Mess

After blogger Elsie Larson painted her pantry a pretty pink, she layered in storage solutions, including woven baskets, metal bins, food storage containers and a canned goods organiser. Then, she tucks away a small stepping stool to make top shelves more accessible.

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