How to Organize Your Pantry — and Keep it That Way

Written By: Meredith O’Connor

Where’s the rice… do we have rice? How long has this dusty box of granola bars been in here? Why did I buy pasta sauce when we have three jars?

A disorganized pantry makes simple tasks like finding a snack or dinner ingredient feel like pure chaos. But tackling the mess can be, well… daunting. Between storage containers, kitchen appliances, cans, and boxes, it’s hard to know where to start. 

Don’t stress. We’ve all been there. And we just so happen to know a handful of tips that’ll help you get your life together and your pantry looking pristine. 

We can’t promise you’ll be the next Marie Kondo, but we can guarantee a bit more peace of mind — at least until the kids get hungry. 

Here’s how to reorganize and declutter your kitchen pantry like a pro. 

Why Pantry Organization Matters

We all allow clutter to overtake some areas in the house (hello, junk drawer). The pantry shouldn’t be one of them. 

An organized pantry helps you keep your budget in check by ensuring you’re not double- or triple-buying items you already have stocked. When everything is where it should be, it’s also easy to see what you’re running low on so you’re never left without the kids’ favorite snacks or lunch essentials. You’ll cut down on food waste, too.   

Easy Tips For Reorganizing Your Pantry 

Where you start the pantry reorganization process makes all the difference. And taking things one step at a time will ensure you don’t get overwhelmed mid-declutter. Follow these easy tips and you'll transform your pantry in no time. 

Pull everything out. This critical step will allow you to take stock of what you have and if there are items — like cookbooks and extra coffee makers — that you don’t need anymore. 

Clean the shelves. A good vacuum followed by wiping down surfaces with Truly Free Everyday Cleaner and reusable cleaning cloths will eliminate dust, debris, and crumbs, and set you up for a successful reorg. 

Take a deep breath. By now, everything from your pantry will be piled on your kitchen counters. Before you start spiraling, take a deep breath, grab a glass of water, and take a quick break to keep from getting burnt out. 

Use storage baskets. Not only do storage baskets keep things tidy, they look great on the shelves. We love The Home Edit’s baskets. The narrow versions are perfect for snack bars, coffee, and small appliances while the larger options are great for storing seasonal items like paper plates and cutlery. 

Organize paper items. Keep your paper towels neatly in place with this hack. Use an expandable curtain rod that’s tall enough to place between the top and bottom of a shelf and stack your paper towels between the rod and the wall. Voila! 

Utilize can racks. Get everything from soups and beans to peanut butter and Nutella jars organized with can racks. You’ll maximize space and see what you have in seconds. 

Invest in glass containers. Display your rice, flour, seeds, sugar, and other items you use frequently in glass containers to keep clutter at bay. If you buy in bulk, swap the glass for food-grade gallon buckets. 

Place appliances in one area. Make it easy to see your appliances by stacking them all in one place. When they’re not stuffed in a corner, you’ll use them more.

Put your feet up. Congratulate yourself on a job well done and a successful pantry makeover. Time to sit back, relax, and let the kids take care of dinner tonight. 

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