Organize Your Pantry Like a Pro (and Keep It That Way)

Sep 4

If your pantry feels like an unorganized mess, you’re not alone. Over time, even the most organized kitchens can become cluttered and chaotic. But the good news? A few smart systems can transform your pantry from messy to magazine-worthy, making it easier to plan meals and save money.

Here’s your simple, step-by-step guide to organizing your pantry and keeping it that way.

Empty Everything Out

Start with a clean slate. Pull every item out of the pantry and lay it all on your counter or table. This is the perfect time to:

Check expiration dates
Toss old, expired, or questionable items

Sort and Categorize

Once everything is out in the open, group like items together. Creating categories makes it easier to find what you need and keep things organized long-term. Some common categories include:

Grains & Pasta
Canned Goods
Baking Supplies
Snacks
Breakfast Items
Condiments & Sauces
Spices

Choose the Right Storage

Use containers, glass jars, bins and baskets. I use Tupperware Modular Mates and Large baskets in my pantry.

Here are some options:

Clear bins for grab-and-go snacks or groupings like “lunchbox items”
Airtight containers for flour, sugar, pasta, chips and cereal to keep them fresh.
Tiered risers for canned goods so you can see everything at a glance
Lazy Susans for sauces, oils, or small jars
Over-the-door racks for extra storage in small pantries