Is your pantry space disorganized and overwhelming? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. A well-organized pantry will make meal prep easier, save you time, and reduce food waste. Whether you have a small kitchen cabinet or a full walk-in pantry, the right products will make all the difference.
In this article, we’re sharing the top 10 pantry organizing tools that we swear by. From stackable bins to lazy Susans, these products will help you create a beautiful and functional space. Get ready to have the pantry of your dreams!
1. Airtight Food Storage Containers
First up – airtight food containers. Not only do airtight containers look aesthetically pleasing, they’re also super functional. We prefer acrylic containers for the ability to easily see when you’re running low.
Airtight food containers help keep food fresher, longer by keeping air, moisture, and bugs out (we’ve seen it all). These are especially useful for preserving the freshness of dry goods like oats, cereals, flour and other grains.
If you’re looking for something kid-friendly and unbreakable, we love these acrylic OXO containers. These are especially great as they have a wide mouth and even come with their own scooper, making it super easy to get the contents out.
If you’re looking for something a bit more elevated, this glass set with bamboo lids and labels is the perfect pick.
Pro tip: use a label maker or masking tape on the bottom of the container to note the expiration date of the product.
2. Lazy Susans
Lazy Susans are one of our absolute favorite organizing tools. These versatile tools aren’t just for the pantry—they’re also incredibly handy in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even the garage.
Lazy Susans come in different sizes and are the perfect solution for hard to reach places in the pantry. Use a small lazy Susan in pantry conders to store oils, vinegars, hot sauces, and other condiments. Or use a large lazy Susan on a deep pantry shelf, making it easier to access canned food, nut butters and drinks.
Lazy Susans come in all different sizes and styles, so you can find one to fit your needs. If you like to have your favorite oil, vinegar, salt and pepper on the counter for easy access, we recommend giving these items a home in a beautiful bamboo lazy Susan.
3. Tiered Shelf Organizers
Next up on our list is tiered shelf organizers. These are ideal for pantry staples like spices, canned foods, condiments, and supplements. We love them because they make the best use of vertical space without adding additional shelving.
This option features wide shelves, making it perfect for storing cans or supplements. And this bamboo three-tier rack is an ideal size for storing spices.
4. Stackable Bins and Baskets
Stackable storage bins are another way to maximize the vertical space in a pantry and increase storage space. This is especially helpful in smaller pantries or pantries with only a few shelves. iDesign makes great stackable bins that come in all different dimensions. The acrylic ones are great for knowing what’s inside at a quick glance. We love using these to organize kids snacks. And adult snacks too. Because who doesn’t like snack time?!
5. Door-Mounted Racks
Our next recommendation is a door-mounted rack for the inside of the pantry door. A door-mounted rack is perfect for storing spices, packets, and small jars. It’s a great way to increase the storage space in small pantries.
Pro tip: Parents, use the door rack to create a grab-and-go snack station in your pantry entrance for your kids.
6. Can Dispensers
Can dispensers are the next organizing tool to make the list. When organizing our clients’ pantries, we often find ourselves tossing out expired canned food—those forgotten pantry items tucked away in the back of deep shelves. Using a can dispenser saves space and can maintain a first-in, first out system, ensuring you consume the food before it expires.
This steel rack from Deco Brothers fits most standard 12” pantry shelves and holds up to 36 cans. This bamboo rack is a great option if you prefer something made of natural materials and fits up to 24 cans. It’s compact, easy to put together, and great for smaller pantries.
7. Bamboo Drawer Dividers
If your pantry has pull out drawers, we love these bamboo drawer dividers as they help section out the drawer for different categories. (Most kitchen drawers require the large size and the small size works well in dressers or desks.) They can help create the perfect snack drawer for kids or the perfect coffee/tea station for the drink lovers in the house!
Pro tip: If you have deep drawers, stack two on top of each other to create a taller barrier between sides.
8. Label Makers
On your quest to an organized pantry, group and contain your food by category. And then be sure to label the containers or bins. This ensures the whole household can maintain the newly established organization.
Our two favorite label makers are the Brother p-Touch Cube and the Brother p-Touch portable label maker. The first one is super customizable and can create larger labels. The second one creates smaller labels, making it the perfect option for labeling shelves or noting the expiration date on decanted goods on the underside of containers.
9. Basket Clip Labels
If you end up choosing baskets or bins made out of natural materials (like a bamboo or water hyacinth), you might not be able to adhere a label right on to the container. In this instance, we recommend purchasing basket clip labels and pairing them with pantry labels from Talented Kitchen.
The clip labels typically come in metal or plastic, and a couple different colors, so choose whichever matches your aesthetic.
10. Pull-Out Drawers
If you’re struggling to keep your pantry organized because you have very deep shelves, consider investing in pull-out drawers. There are numerous options online that are easy to install yourself and come in different materials and sizes, so be sure to measure and buy ones that will work for your space.
Tips for Creating a Personalized Pantry Organization System
Organizing your pantry isn’t a one-size-fits-all project—it should reflect your unique habits, cooking preferences, and household dynamics. Here are actionable steps to make your pantry truly work for you:
- Take inventory of what you have in your pantry, thinking about broad categories that you always have in your home
- Group items by category
- Measure your pantry shelves to ensure you buy products that fit
- Choose the right products for your needs and remember function is more important than looks
- Think about the household and set up the system in a way that works for you
- Ask yourself questions like: Do I want the kids to have access to their own snacks or not?
How to Maintain an Organized Pantry
“I just hope we can maintain it,” is something our clients will often say to us at the end of an organizing session. So here are our tips for maintaining your newly organized pantry:
- Label all bins and containers
- When restocking, put your recently purchased items towards the back of the bins
- Schedule an annual or bi-annual pantry purge
- Readjust the layout as your household needs change
- Only purchase enough food that you have space for
Ready to Revolutionize Your Pantry?
Transforming your pantry into a perfectly organized space starts with the right tools! Clear bins, turntables, and tiered shelves not only make it easy to see what you have but also help you avoid wasting food. With a well-organized pantry, you’ll save time, money, and enjoy a clutter-free kitchen. Ready to take the next step? Start with just one shelf, and you’ll be amazed at the difference the right tools can make!
Transform Your Pantry with Ready Set Organize
Navigating The Container Store can be a hassle. If you’re struggling to get your pantry organized on your own, allow Ready Set Organize’s team of professional organizers to take care of it for you. We’ll start with a free half-hour phone consultation to discuss your pain points, your goals, and your aesthetic preference. Then we’ll book a day when our team will come in and completely transform your space in a matter of hours.
FAQ
What is the best way to start organizing a pantry?
Before you start pulling everything out (which we recommend), do yourself a favor and take a picture of your pantry in its current disorganized state. Sometimes we get so excited when we start a new organizing project that we forget this step, but it’s so rewarding to revisit the “before” picture once you’re done with the organizing project.
Ok, now that you’ve got the photo, the next step is to pull everything out and group the food by categories (pastas, grains, canned foods, snacks, cereals, baking essentials, etc.). Next, you’re going to check the expiration dates. Toss anything that’s expired and toss anything you are sure you won’t use (we’re looking at you, gifted fondu kit). While you’re at it, toss any guilt you may be feeling too – whether it’s guilt from letting food go to waste or not using a sweet gift someone gave you – as we don’t have time for that.
If you want the next few steps, send us a message.
How do I choose the right pantry storage containers?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right pantry storage containers. First, you’ll want to measure your shelves to ensure you’re purchasing products that will fit your space. Next, consider aesthetic and function. Are you someone who feels that if items are out of sight, they’re out of mind? If so, you may want to opt for acrylic or plastic containers you can see through. Or if you prefer the look of natural materials like wood or bamboo, then maybe acrylic isn’t the right choice for you.
Can I organize a small pantry with limited space?
Yes. There are so many great organizing products out there that help maximize the space in small pantries.
What are the benefits of using a pantry organization system?
Creating an organized pantry system can save you time and money. It can also maximize your storage space and simplify meal planning.
How often should I reorganize my pantry?
You should reorganize your pantry at least once or twice a year. Get the family involved and have fun with it. Create an annual event where each family member has to make something using something from the pantry that’s expiring in the next few months.
Are there budget-friendly pantry organizing tools available?
Yes! Amazon, Target and Walmart have great budget-friendly pantry organizing tools. If you provide us with your budget and videos of your pantry, we can recommend the most effective products in your price range.
Photo by Jean van der Meulen on Pexels.com