Whether you are decluttering your current home or moving into a new one, it is always a challenge to figure out where to start with pantry organization. There are a few smart tricks that I use that are a big help in knowing exactly which direction to go.
The number one question that I get from readers is where to begin when tackling a messy pantry, so today I wanted to share some creative ideas to serve as your starting point.
1. Pantry Organization With Style
Putting items into baskets is a fantastic way to make your pantry look tidier in an instant. This little trick also helps you see at a glance what needs to make it onto this week’s grocery list.
Now, when it comes to choosing baskets, plastic containers are a breeze to clean, which is a huge plus. Wire mesh baskets are perfect for bigger things, but you’ll find that smaller items like granola bars can slip right through the cracks.
Don’t get too hung up on making everything perfectly uniform. I know matching baskets are aesthetically pleasing, but they aren’t always practical.
I think it’s much better to choose a variety of baskets in different sizes to perfectly suit your family’s go-to pantry items.
You’ll want to take advantage of every inch of your pantry space. Hanging a basket or even a magazine holder on the back of the door creates super easy-to-access storage.
You can also look for stackable baskets that let you grab what you need without having to move the one on top.
Labeling is your best friend here. You can use a label maker, print some custom stickers, or even handwrite them. I absolutely love miniature chalkboard labels; they work so well with a farmhouse-inspired kitchen.
2. Making the Most of Corner Pantry Spaces
If your kitchen is short on storage but has a free corner, the solution is pretty clear. You can either install a built-in corner cabinet or find a freestanding cupboard to act as your new pantry organizer.
A word of advice: try to avoid really deep shelving in your corner pantry. It might feel like you’re giving up storage space, but trust me, you’ll be much happier when you can easily reach all of your pantry staples.
Definitely consider adding some spinning, lazy Susan-style shelves. This small detail is a total game-changer and makes finding cans, spice jars, and other little items so much easier than with standard shelves.
Don’t let a single inch of that corner pantry go to waste. You can mount extra storage on the door and put shelves on every available surface inside. Even the tiniest shelves are useful for holding things like baking soda or jars of peanut butter.
3. Optimizing Cabinet Space
Whether you’re setting up a walk-in pantry or just adding some built-in storage to your kitchen, cabinets are a fantastic way to keep your food storage looking neat and tidy.
Of course, one of the problems with storing things behind solid cabinet doors is that it’s easy to forget what you have. I suggest investing in glass or mesh doors so you can see everything inside without even opening them.
A big in-kitchen cabinet is a brilliant way to keep your pantry staples right where you need them. You can match the outside to your current kitchen cabinets for a seamless look.
And, as I always say, be sure to maximize your storage by mounting shelves or baskets on the inside of the cabinet door.
Cabinets are amazing, but don’t forget how useful a few drawers can be in your pantry. Drawers are the absolute perfect place to store kitchen utensils, snack bags, and all those other items that are tricky to store neatly.
4. Maximize Space With Pull-Out Pantry Systems
It’s so easy to forget about convenience when you’re caught up in pantry organization ideas. But you can absolutely get the best of both worlds by going with a pull-out pantry design.
Pull-out pantry systems come in all kinds of shapes, styles, and sizes. The most popular version I’ve seen is pull-out shelving, and for good reason!
You can add pull-out shelves to almost any pantry setup, whether it’s a walk-in or not. They are particularly helpful for really deep pantries and for any storage that’s close to the ground.
If you’re after some seriously compact storage that can fit into even the most awkward spots, you might be interested in a pantry that pulls out completely. You can build one right into a wall or have it as part of your kitchen cabinetry.
5. Small Pantry, Big Organization
Organization is a big deal, no matter the size of your space. Just because your pantry is in a tiny closet or cupboard doesn’t mean it can’t be a beautifully organized area.
Stacking shelves is a brilliant trick to get more out of your space. You can basically double your available shelving, which is a total game-changer in a small pantry.
Hanging items is another way to free up precious shelf space. I like to add hooks to the underside of shelves or inside cabinets to store things like measuring cups or even mugs.
6. Pantry Organization Ideas for Efficient Shelving Solutions
Open shelving can feel a little more exposed than a closet or cabinets. I love to embrace a bit of stylish clutter by mixing in some decorative pieces with my dry goods and spice jars.
Transferring your food to matching containers can really help tidy things up. Using individual trays is another great idea to keep everything organized and makes grabbing what you need so much easier.
Adjustable shelving is amazing because it gives you the flexibility to store pantry items of all different heights. If you’re putting in permanent shelves, I suggest hanging them at various heights to fit a whole range of items.
Installing shelving from floor to ceiling is key to maximizing your storage, especially if you have a small pantry. I always keep the things I use least on the top shelf and have a cute step stool that matches my kitchen decor.
7. Butler’s Pantry Organization
So many homeowners dream about having a butler’s pantry. But this amazing, multi-purpose room definitely comes with its own set of storage challenges.
You’ll want to give everything a dedicated spot in your butler’s pantry, and that includes countertop kitchen appliances. A pretty decorative tray or a lazy susan is a perfect way to keep your counter space organized and looking good.
Don’t be shy with the pantry cabinets. You might think you can get by with just open shelves in a dedicated pantry room. But I find that relying only on open shelving can quickly start to look chaotic and cluttered.
Take some time to treat your organized pantry like it’s a true extension of your kitchen. Adding a few decorative touches will do more than just make it look better.
When you curate a specific design for your pantry, it can give you that little bit of extra motivation you need to keep it organized.
8. Embrace Wood in Your Pantry Organization
Whether you’re a whiz at carpentry or know someone who can build just about anything, designing a wooden pantry for easy organization is surprisingly simple.
And even if you need to bring in a pro for the job, I promise the results will be so worth the cost.
I love the idea of including custom cubbies for all your pantry must-haves. If you plan on storing small kitchen appliances like a coffee maker, stand mixer, or blender, think about adding some cable management holes to your wood shelves.
Solid wood storage does need a bit more TLC than laminate, metal, or plastic. You’ll want to make sure your shelving is sealed well to avoid any damage. Protective shelf liners are also a great idea to stop any big messes before they happen.
When it comes to looks, there are endless ways to make a wood pantry fit your kitchen’s style. You could let the gorgeous natural wood grain be the star inside and paint the pantry door for a more contemporary look.
9. Closet-Inspired Pantry Organization Tips
If your kitchen didn’t come with a dedicated pantry, your best option is to look at the closest closet. A bigger closet means more pantry space, obviously. But even that tiny, unused closet in your kitchen might have more potential than you think.
You could get by with a wire shelf set up, and your kitchen closet might already have one. However, I think wood shelves are totally worth the investment.
Solid shelving is just easier to clean, won’t snag on smaller items, and does a better job of containing spills.
Once you’ve got everything inside your pantry closet organized, it’s time to focus on the door. Swapping out the door is a great way to add some life to your kitchen decor without adding any visual clutter.
No closet at all? No worries. A larder cupboard is an excellent substitute. These cupboards give you all the organization of a full-size pantry closet but in a freestanding unit.
Look for one that matches your kitchen style and has plenty of shelves and pull-out drawers.
See more about – 60 Small Pantry Ideas
10. Choosing the Right Containers for Pantry Storage
Even if you’re not planning to repackage every single thing in your pantry, it’s always a good idea to have some containers ready to go. Storage containers are often much better at keeping food fresh than the original packaging.
Plus, investing in some stackable containers can save you a ton of valuable shelf space.
Glass storage containers are definitely more durable, but they can be a bit more expensive. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to turn an old glass jar into a high-quality storage container.
I love using mismatched vintage jars as an affordable option. You can also replace the original mason jar lids with updated plastic or wood ones for a fresh look.
A clear container is almost always going to be more convenient than one you can’t see through. The only time this isn’t true is if your pantry gets direct sunlight during the day.
This is one of those areas where your pantry’s style and function might not see eye to eye. If you’re really set on using only one type of storage container, try to find a set that comes with a bunch of different shapes and sizes.
11. Smart Storage Solutions for a Well-Organized Pantry
My number-one tip for pantry organization is to mix and match your storage options as much as you can. If you rely on just one type—like only cabinets, shelves, or drawers—you’ll end up with a space that’s working against you instead of for you.
Most of us get the convenience of a spice rack. Well, you can apply a similar idea to organize your canned goods. Placing smaller items on mini tiered shelves makes it so much easier to see everything you have.
Despite what some organization ideas might suggest, the typical pantry often has to do double duty. Don’t resist the urge to store non-food items in there.
Storage solutions like a shoe organizer or a holder for plastic grocery bags can make sure your pantry looks great no matter what’s inside.
I always try to keep items off the pantry floor, even if it just means putting them in a storage bin. This keeps things like cans and paper towels away from dust and moisture. Plus, it makes it so much easier to move everything when it’s time to sweep or mop.
