10 Rules for Organizing Your Pantry/Kitchen
There are so many rules or effective approaches to organizing your pantry/kitchen that it can be hard to know where to start. Pantries are the lifeblood of a home where the kitchen and meal prep are a focal point. You approach your pantry to discover what you’ll make for the next meal. Check out these rules if you struggle with organizing your pantry or kitchen!
Let’s be real: Who wants to clean out a pantry? I’ve always been a good organizer. There are family members who’ll tell you I’m O C D! I’m lucky to have friends who will let me organize their houses and cupboards since I enjoy the task! Keep in mind that I never think anyone’s house is unorganized. LOL!
A few friends know I love rearranging and organizing cupboards, closets, pantries, and garages. Sometimes, you just need a little help to get started because it may initially seem overwhelming. Sorting through stuff and having my friends decide what they can discard, sell, or donate truly brings me joy.
So, let’s get started with a few of my ideas to help you organize your pantry/kitchen:
Table of Contents
- Do a Big Clean-Out
- Donate Unused Items
- Create a System
- Group Like Items Together
- Use Containers
- Label Everything
- Keep It Clean
- Shop For the Pantry You Have
- Keep Your Stockpile Elsewhere
- Keep a List
1. Do a Big Clean-Out (check these before and after pictures)
I’m so lucky to have friends who will let me organize their pantry as source material for a post! The first step to organizing your pantry is to do a big clean-out. This means getting rid of anything expired, obsolete, or you know you won’t use. You’ll need to evaluate what you consider essentials and remove the less-needed items if they take up too much space.
It can be tough to let go of things, but remember that clutter-free kitchens will make your life much easier in the long run as you take full advantage of your available storage space. 10 Things You Can Do With Expired Food
2. Donate Unused Items
If you have any non-expired items you know you won’t use, consider donating them to a local food bank or soup kitchen. This is a great way to declutter the inventory in your pantry and help those in need. The Pantry Needs These Simple Items
3. Create a System
Once you’ve done your big clean-out, it’s time to create a system to track how everything should be organized. There are many different options for organizing your pantry, so pick a system that works best for you and then stick with it. Some good choices include grouping similar items or using a label maker to label shelves according to category.
I also love these OXO Containers—any size is great. I just measure where I’m going to put the containers and order the ones I need that will fit the space the best. Remember, my motto is to buy right the first time for any purchase. Once I’ve opened a can or box, I put a bunch of food items in OXO canisters. It helps keep food items fresh; you can see what’s inside the clear bin, and they’re easy to open.
4. Group Like Items Together
The best way to organize your pantry is by grouping like items together. For example, keep all of your baking supplies and spices in one area together, and place the canned goods so they can be viewed and reached easily. This will help you know exactly where everything is when you need it and keep track of what you have. I keep Mark’s breakfast cereal in these Rubbermaid Containers and Rubbermaid Lids.
I love my new kitchen! We have cupboards above the kitchen counter and roll-out kitchen drawers below with the “soft close” feature. The drawers are great since I don’t have to bend over to see what’s in them. I have a bunch of drawer organizers that keep items together in one space.
5. Use Containers
Organizing your pantry with containers is also a great idea. This will help keep everything neat and tidy and help you see exactly what you have. You can store dry goods in baskets, storage bins, or mason glass jars. If the containers are also somewhat airtight, the food will last longer.
Putting your pantry items in containers means putting them in the drawers or on cabinet shelves by type or zone and leaving space on your counter for things you always use, like small appliances, if space is limited. IDesign Plastic Dividers
6. Label Everything
Be sure to label everything in your pantry so that you know exactly what it is. This will help you find things quickly, and it will also help you keep track of your food. You can label your shelves or storage containers using labels, tags, or chalkboard paint. Food Storage Containers I Recommend
A good example is my labeled buckets with gamma lids I use to store flour, wheat, rice, and pasta. Besides using different colors for the buckets, having a label on the top or side makes identification much easier, especially for your kids who help out in the kitchen.
I use this label machine, and I LOVE it! Label Machine
7. Keep It Clean
Be sure to keep your pantry clean and free of food debris. This will help keep bugs and rodents away and make it easier for you to find what you need. Be sure to sweep or vacuum your pantry regularly and wipe down your shelves as needed. 58 Frugal Kitchen and Pantry Items You Need If you find piles of stuff on your countertop or in a drawer, it’s time to find a place that’s useful for those items to see and have access to.
Mark and I always put things in the dishwasher after every meal. We make sure the pots and pans are clean and dry before we store them in their designated drawer as shown below. The picture at the top of this post and below shows my utensils and how they’re put away after being washed. This big drawer has been great since it holds all the items and each type of utensil has its plastic tray for easy viewing and access.
8. Shop For the Pantry/Kitchen You Have
When you’re at the grocery store, be sure to shop based on your pantry size. This means you should only buy items you know you will use before the expiration date that will fit in your pantry storage space. Don’t buy more than you need; be sure to use up what you have before buying more. What You Need In Your Food Pantry. IDesign Plastic Dividers
9. Keep Your Stockpile Elsewhere
If you have a stockpile of non-perishable food, keep it in a separate area from your pantry. This will help you save space, and it will also help you stay organized. You can keep your stockpile in a basement if it is cool and dry. Items like Dutch ovens, solar ovens, and paper goods can be stored in the garage or enclosed shelving in the carport. 30 Survival Foods to Stockpile for Any Disaster
10. Keep a List
Having a list of everything in your pantry can be helpful. You can write down exactly what is in each container and decanter and how much you have, or you can keep track of expiration dates. This will help you keep on top of things and make sure nothing goes to waste. Make sure you have the staples that make for healthy foods and easier meal planning and prep, like flour, sugar, rice, pasta, canned goods, and other things your family enjoys regularly.
What can you do if you have a small pantry?
If you have a small pantry, there are still ways that you can keep it organized. Be sure to use the above tips, and also consider these additional suggestions:
- Store items on door racks or hanging baskets. Hang kitchen aprons on hooks or brackets attached to the pantry door.
- Use clear containers so that you can see what’s inside.
- Keep frequently used items at eye level to make them easy to access.
- Keep frequently used cooking items together, such as spices or oils.
- Consider installing more shelves or other storage solutions to maximize your space. This may also mean moving the shelves closer together or spreading them out if the containers require that step.
- Remove any unnecessary items from your pantry that are taking up space but not being used, such as old food containers or unused kitchen appliances.
Overall, there are many different ways to keep your pantry organized, no matter what size it is. Be sure to find a system that works for you and stick with it. With a little effort, you can have a clean and organized pantry to make your life much easier.
How can you organize your pantry/kitchen on a budget?
Use what you have on hand to store items, such as empty food containers or mason jars. Look for affordable storage solutions, such as baskets or bins that you can find at dollar stores or thrift shops. How to Make the Best Pantry Ever
Why is a pantry/kitchen organization important?
Pantry organization is important because it can help you save time and money. When your pantry or kitchen is organized, you know exactly where everything is and can easily find what you need. This can help you avoid buying duplicates of items that you already have and ensure that nothing goes to waste. A well-organized pantry can also help you plan your meals, as you can see exactly what ingredients you have.
What are some common mistakes people make when organizing their pantry/kitchen?
One common mistake people make when organizing their pantry is not considering the amount of space they have. This can lead to buying too many items or trying to fit things too large into a small space.
Final Word
If you are struggling to keep your pantry organized, there are many tips and tricks that you can use. Be sure to figure out what system works best for you, and stick with it. With a little effort, you can have a clean and organized pantry to make your life much easier. May God Bless this world, Linda
Ha! I just spent the past two days rearranging and reorganizing my pantry! It’s a (former) bedroom so it’s very “roomy”…and very full! We have been remodeling and painting our kitchen and dining room so the pantry sort of got away from me, lol.
I’ve always tried to keep like items together, rotate, etc. But…I found 14 cans of fruit that got lost and ruined. Have now made lists of what’s where and how much is there. Trying to get more clear storage containers so I can more readily see what I have. With grocery prices being what they are I can’t afford to lose food!!
Great article Linda, keep up the good work!
Hi Beth, I love hearing you are working on your house, I love to remodel too! LOL! You know we all have had to toss a few cans, it’s okay. It’s called food insurance, we may eat it, but we may not. But we have it! I love clear containers as well! Linda
Another idea for a small pantry is to set aside space near your LTS for overflow from the pantry. Anytime you use something up, you restock the pantry from the overflow space. New purchases go directly to the overflow space.
I’m blessed with two pantry cupboards, one built-in and one freestanding, that have plenty of room for everyday items. But I still have extra cans of common staples like refried beans and soups, containers of cooking oil, etc all down in a separate shelf next to my long term supplies. Having a can-rotation system helps keep things in date, but for larger items I just have to be disciplined to rotate the supplies each time I add new stock to the overflow area. And I always check how much I have versus how much we’ve been using so I know not to buy things that might not be useable when we get around to them. Cutting out waste is important with the price increases lately, but having enough to get through until shelves are restocked can be just as important….
Thanks for all you do for the prepping community!
Hey DM,
Don’t worry about those dates on the items. With the way things are going in this country and the world, you will probably be using most of it within the next year or so. Perspective. LOL!!!
Harry, I agree with you! This year is going to be rocky! Linda
I know most best by dates are pure fiction, but a few things I know have to be used pretty close to the date – oils are the biggest, but I’m also leery of some cream based soups like clam chowder, and saltine and soup crackers are surprisingly quick to spoil once past their printed date. Other things I’ll let it go FAR past the printed date. For example, I’m using tuna dated in 2017 and Chef Boyardee from 2019. Still quite safe to eat, although part of that may be the conditions I store the food in (a fieldstone basement in New England.)
Hi DmWalsh, great conditions having a basement in New England! Love it, Linda
I understand. You are lucky to have the fieldstone basement. Here in the Texas Hill Country we have to take other measures. We have a very small house, but I have a storage shed/workshop out back and have a well insulated room in it with a window air conditioner to keep it at 68 degrees. That’s where we store our supplies. As to dates, if something truly goes bad, I consider the loss like paying an insurance premium on a policy and never making a claim. LOL! Further, we had a can of Spam that had gotten pushed to the back of our house pantry and overlooked. About a year ago, I found it and it was dated sometime in 2012. The can looked good. I opened it. It smelled fine , looked fine and tasted fine. I ate it all of it and had absolutely no repercussions.
When the SHTF, we will not be able to be picky.
Have a great day!
Hi Harry, the Spam story is the best! Linda
A neighbor lady died and a neice who got the house said we could have the food storage. In it was Skippy Peanut Butter in glass jars from 1982. Yes, 1982. I would challenge anyone to tell the difference between its taste and a brand new jar. It was stored in her garage. I have had newer jars that were in plastic go rancid a lot sooner. I think glass is better to store things in. Then I was born in the glass container capital of the world or at least a sign on the west side of the town said so.
Hi Chester, oh my gosh, this is the best comment ever! I had forgotten peanut butter used to come in glass jars. I know a few brands that still do come in glass jars. Adams and Santa Cruz I believe. I haven’t even thought about the peanut butter being in plastic jars since they introduced plastic to Peter Pan, Jif, and Skippy peanut butter back in 1988. I think you are onto something. Glass food items would stay fresher longer compared to plastic jars. Thank you for bringing this to our attention! I love this! Linda
Hi DmWalsh, thank you for your kind word, my friend! I love how we all have a system that works for each of us. You are so right about cutting down on waste especially now. Crazy how empty the shelves are right now. Linda
Linda,
I knew I should never have let you know that we are not real well organized in our preps. LOL!!!
Hi Harry, I pictured you as extremely organized, my friend! I guess we must always define, organized….Mark is not organized at all. He would get compliments on how organized our garage was…people thought he organized it!! LOL! Nope, he would have to ask me where everything is. Life is good! Organized or not! LOL! Linda
Great suggestions! And very timely. My current pantry is well organised but now that I’m moving it will require a whole new look at things. Since my days of living in a wall tent up North I’ve always made sure to use critter proof containers, a habit that’s stuck with me. I also like to group small containers of related items in larger ones so you can just grab all the baking bits and bobs in one go and the like. My new place will likely have pantry space as a smaller front section of long term storage. If I’m lucky I can reuse my Excel spreadsheets in the new place with some simple cut and paste regarding locations. All my lovely adjustable wire shelving is packed up and ready to go! I’ve used zip ties to connect the shelves in what will hopefully be pinch and slide proof easily handled bundles. If I’m patient at the other end I can even poke the zip tie locking bit so they come loose and can be used again.
Hi Alice, thank you, my friend! Moving is a challenge but it sounds like you have it organized and ready for the move! Life is good even in a new location! Linda
I love an organized pantry! My kitchen pantry is fairly large plus I also have a cold room in the basement. When I use up something from the pantry, I restock from my basement supply and it goes on the next grocery list. I hardly ever run out of anything that I use on a regular basis and this has literally been a life-saver for my family. Husband thinks I’m a little OCD about this, but he’s never gone hungry. LOL
Hi Paula, I love hearing you have a large kitchen pantry!! Oh, and the cold room in the basement is a bonus! It feels great to never run out of the things we use often because we organize and rotate! Linda
Now that I have cleaned out and reorganizing our beverage cupboard, the rest is easy. We have a slide-out cabinet next to the stove for spices and condiments. Our lazy susan corner cabinet is baking supplies and store bought cookies. One upper cabinet hold all our medications, vitamins and supplements. We have two good size pantry closets. One holds all the dry goods, cereals, coffee and Tupperware Modular containers. The other is canned goods, glass jars and bottles. I don’t have a separate long term storage, with the exception of water and ginger ale in the garage cabinet. Our freezer in the garage could use some straightening. Lining up everything neatly is my calming therapy. When we first moved here, 6 years ago, I never thought I could fill all these closets…..now I know better!!!!
Hi Chris, I love your last comment, I never thought we could fill all of these closets! We know better! LOL! Organizing is calming to me as well. I like that word! Linda
Just a heads up everyone….TWO more food processing plants had fires over the weekend, One, a Perdue soybean plant in Virginia, the other, a Saladino plant in California. That makes 22 plants….. and the lame stream media says NOTHING!! Bigger and better pantries for all! God watch over us all.
Hi Chris, I have a post going live tomorrow on the fires. I did a lot of research about the percentages. I’m not as worried as I was before researching. I am concerned about our food chain, yes, indeed, the fires were not what I thought. Fires are bad, no doubt. Linda
I forgot to mention the candy cabinet…….everyone has one right????
Yep, I have a goodies cabinet.
Hi Janet, awesome, we all have a candy cabinet or stash! Linda
Hi Chris, oh yes, we all have a candy cabinet!! LOL! Linda
My pantry and my food storage are separate. I keep the things I use for cooking daily in my pantry. Everything that isn’t in a can, ends up in a clear plastic container. I am not going to pay good money for food and let it go bad. I have very large containers for white flour, wheat flour, macaroni, and brown rice. Medium containers for white rice, oatmeal, and stevia. Small containers for tea, and other sundries. I know where everything is, and know it will be good when I reach for it.
Hi Janet, I’m with you, I need clear containers! I can see what I have or what I need! Linda
I am going to pantry jail!!! I cannot follow these rules! Number one reason is that I have no pantry! I have 3 smallish cupboards for my pantry. Unfortunately, this means that some food items get shoved into a cupboard wherever they will fit. That also means that sometimes I “think” I have something but simply cannot find it. So, I end up purchasing more. I have a bookshelf in my second bedroom (really tiny as it is also the laundry room) that serves as my “overflow”. I recently purchased a 3-tiered container set up that has doors on the front. It sits by my refrigerator and has now become my pantry. It won’t hold much and the heavier canned items will go in the cupboards and the lighter food items will go in this new 3-tiered setup. I also have an over the door rack in my 2nd bedroom.
I think what I really need to do is to create a list of what I have and where it is located but that just seems daunting to me!! I would LOVE to have an actual walk-in pantry that I could organize and have all of my foodstuff in one place and visible.
Hi Leanne, pantry jail, oh my gosh, been there done that! LOL! My dream has always been to have a walk in pantry, I thought I had told the builder what I wanted but he didn’t listen to me. So I have one wall, one rolling cart in our living room, and cabinets with food stashed here there and everywhere. I do the same thing, I can’t find the sweetened condensed milk and I go buy one and then I find 6 in one of the cupboards. It’s life, LOL! We both have overflow in other rooms. Thankfully we have food! Linda