Pantry Organization Ideas

Begin your pantry organization project by clearing out the pantry completely. As you work, group similar items together to make it easier when you restock the pantry, and so that you can see how much space you’ll need for each grouping. Also take the time to get rid of items you no longer use and to discard food past its expiration date. Finally, address anything that needs to be repaired or replaced, such as broken hinges and wobbly shelves.

The next step is to thoroughly clean every surface in the pantry. Wipe down walls and doors, oil hinges if needed and clean baseboards and floors. If you have wire shelving, it might be easier to pop out the wire shelves and wash them down with a scrub brush.

Now that you can see how much space you have and what you actually store in your pantry, it’s time to create zones or sections. Dividing your pantry in this way makes it easy for you and your family to grab snacks, find equipment and see what you have on hand before grocery shopping. For example, store snacks on a lower shelf if you have small children. Place large bottles and other items on the floor. Group small kitchen appliances and equipment together in one area. And place items that you use infrequently on top shelves.

Next, take a minute to see what pantry organization ideas will help you maximize your space. These include:

Wire shelves – If you’re starting from scratch, wire shelves are versatile, inexpensive and easy to install. Wire shelves are a quick and easy solution to pantry shelving.

Steel racks – If you have a walk-in pantry, a steel rack can give you extra storage space. The Home Depot has a variety of both decorative and utilitarian racks to choose from.

Stackable shelves – Stackable shelves make the most of vertical space in your pantry. Measure accordingly before purchasing to ensure that the shelves will fit in your pantry.

Pantry baskets and bins – Woven and wire baskets and bins are a pretty way to create zones and sections in your pantry. Deep baskets let you hide unsightly or infrequently used items. Shallow baskets let you group items and see what you have. There are also stackable basket systems to consider.

Lazy Susans – Lazy Susans take advantage of storage in hard-to-reach corners. Some can be installed so they don’t move; others are portable and can be moved from shelf to shelf. Tiered Lazy Susans are ideal for storing spices and condiments.

Spice racks – Spice racks come in all shapes and sizes. Some are mountable on walls while others sit directly on shelves.

Food storage containers – Food storage containers make it easier to see what food items you have on hand, especially if you buy in bulk. They also keep food fresher longer, since many are airtight.

Pull-out drawers – If you have a walk-in pantry with built-in cabinets, add pullout drawers for easy access.

Pie safes and antique cabinets – If you have a vacant wall in a walk-in pantry, dress up the space and add extra storage with a pie safe or antique cabinet.

Pantry door organizers – To capitalize on vertical space, use a pantry door organizer to hold small food items, spices and snacks.

Pegboards – Julia Child made pegboard storage famous. You can implement the same storage system on a vacant wall in your pantry.

A pantry doesn’t have to be boring. Before installing organizational items and returning food and equipment to the shelves, dress up the space with wallpaper, paint and a pretty shelf liner.

To keep everything in its place, add labels to baskets, bins and food storage containers. Some containers even come with built-in labels.

For an of-the-moment look, replace your pantry door with a sliding barn door. This type of door also makes it easier to access your pantry since it slides out of the way.