Spilled: My 13-step guide on how to organize a pantry

Need to organize a pantry? It might seem like a daunting task — but an organized pantry does so much more than aesthetically pleasing bragging rights. It saves money and reduces waste too!

And, it goes without saying that if you're figuring out how to organize a kitchen, the pantry organization (with some pretty pantry storage containers) will give you Queen status in your cookspace.

Think about it like this: taking the time to properly organize your pantry is a triple W— it means more money in your pocket, less expired food going to rot at the back of shelves, and a gorgeous aesthetically-pleasing space that’ll make you excited to meal prep. You don't always need to buy anything either, it's all about working with what you have and thinking outside the box (sometimes literally).

So I’ve rounded up some of the easiest ways to achieve a neat and tidy pantry, from kitchen shelf ideas to the food storage containers to invest in plus pantry organizers you've seen on your FYP. Oh, and I've even chatted to some pros for expert-approved tips that will ensure your pantry will not only look good but will actually help create a system that ensures you can easily maintain your newfound tidy ways.

How to organize a pantry in 13 easy steps

"It pains me to see how many people end up buying things they don't need simply because they can't find it," says Amy Bloomer, founder, and professional organizer at Let Your Space Bloom. "This is especially pertinent when it comes to buying groceries. People will now use what they have because they know where to find it."

1. Start by removing expired products

Expired spices are often cakey and unusable. You’ll want to throw the contents in the trash and recycle the containers. You’ll also want to remove any expired pantry items — tossing them in the compost is the easiest way. 

"Even if you think an expired product is still okay, just toss it," says Bloomer. "It’s not worth taking a chance with your health."

2. Group like categories of food together for easy access

To max out on kitchen storage capacity, getting a categorization system in place will help. "Categories that are most frequently used and accessed should be stored all together so one can ‘throw and go," says Bloomer. 

"This will also help to reduce the time it takes to put away groceries as you'll know precisely where everything goes."

3. Edit your Tupperware and food storage containers

We’re all guilty of an overflowing collection of plastic containers — but there’s no point in keeping mismatched containers just because you don’t want to put them in the trash. 

Bloomer suggests recycling any containers that don’t have matching tops and editing your collection to include only those that are actually used. You can also consider investing in glass containers to ensure a more sustainable pantry moving forward.

I've got a wholllleeee guide on how to organize Tupperware if you're Li'l Miss butterfingers and don't quite trust yourself to own glass just yet.

4. Don't overcrowd your space

For a pantry in particular, it is so important to leave some empty space. "Unlike most spaces in your house, the contents of your pantry are constantly being used and thrown away and refilled," says Brianna Nitsberg, founder and decluttering expert at Simply Life by Bri.

"As such, it is so important to make sure you aren’t overcrowding your pantry, or else you won’t have any room for new foods."

5. Shop only what you have space for

"Going off of my last tip, if you have a small pantry, you have to account for that when you go shopping," says Nitsberg. 

"Of course, buy whatever foods you want to eat but be reasonable at the supermarket and keep in mind the space that you have to store this food."

6. Don't be shy with organizing tools to max out space

"Lazy Susans are one of the most fun and functional tools for keeping many spaces organized," says Bloomer. 

"Use clear jars and/or containers to store flour, pasta, sugars, seeds, and cereals. This storage strategy helps to prevent spoilage and helps you keep tabs on what items are running low."

7. Remove items from their original container

"One of the most common mistakes we make when organizing the kitchen is putting on display all the food items we tend to use on a daily basis, in their original containers. Whether it’s cereal, nuts, and seeds, cookies, or dry pasta, most of the packaging is not designed to preserve the product inside once it’s opened," says Gabriela Makler, founder of Mumi Design.

"This is why it is so important to use reusable zip-up bags like these from Stasher, made of food-safe PVC which is also lead-free and BPA-free; to store food items in a hermetic baggie made to preserve the original qualities of the food item."

8. Color code your goods

"Being able to assign a color to each item is also a great plus, this way everyone can recognize the color for cookies, cereal, or oatmeal at first glance. In the process, we will be avoiding any accidents and unnecessary messes," says Mekler.

9. Subdivide your items efficiently

Yes, you should group the same items. However, you should also organize them by frequency of use. "Place items you use more often than others in the most accessible spot," suggests Edward Jones, founder of HomeCareHow. 

"Next, organize them according to the time of day you use them. For example, arrange your items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."

10. Have a ‘first in, first out’ system

"A proper ‘first in, first out’ system lets you lessen your waste," says Jones. "Place your older spices, vegetables, and fruits at the front. Then, place your newer food items at the back."

11. Label your pantry right

"You should label your items, especially the ones you’ve transferred in jars and spice containers," says Jones. 

"You should not only label the contents but also the expiration dates. Make sure to mark them clearly. You don’t need to spend much but you can do it efficiently by using washi tape and a marker."

12. Consider a pegboard

"I recommend using a pegboard to hang heavy-duty items that take up the most space in your pantry. This item can be used to display different pots and pans along with spatulas," says Benjamin Stenson, CEO of Norsemen. 

"The neat display gives it an aesthetic appeal and becomes the center of attention. As pots and pans are distinctly apart from each other, you no longer would have to deal with their clicking and clacking."

13. Make sure your systems are sustainable for the future

Above all, make sure the systems you are creating are sustainable in the long run. "You know yourself better than anyone, so set up your systems accordingly," says Nitsberg. 

"For example, try to have easy access to all of your most used items and put those lesser-eaten foods on higher shelves."