Key Points
- Big or small, organising your pantry doesn't have to break the bank.
- Divide your pantry into zones to make finding things a breeze.
- Our free Pantry Basics Program can help you transform your pantry.
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the pantry is the soul that needs a little nurturing too. A cluttered and disorganised pantry can be a source of frustration, but with a pinch of time and a dash of effort, you can transform your pantry into an Instagram-worthy space that is both beautiful and functional.
If you’re ready to give your mini – or not so mini – food cupboard a makeover, we’re here to show you how. In this article, we share our tips around how to organise your pantry so that you can find what you need, stop overbuying and prepare meals with ease.
What is the first step to organising a pantry?
Before you begin, it’s best to take stock – not only of the products and containers you have but of what’s working for you in terms of layout and accessibility.
- Remove all products and containers, checking dates and tossing out expired (or questionable) stock as you go.
- Put aside any items that are about to expire so that you can dedicate an area just for them.
- Pop on a good tune, and get to work wiping down each shelf with a disinfectant spray or your favourite natural cleaning solution.
- When you’re done cleaning, measure the height and depth of your shelves. This will help you figure out which containers and storage solutions will fit best.
After you clean and declutter the pantry, the next step is to write a list of pantry must-haves
Next, make a list of pantry must-haves
And when you’re done, sign up for our free Pantry Basics Program.
Developed by nutrition experts, this five-day email program will guide you through the process of transforming your pantry into a haven of nutritious (and delicious) ingredients to power your household all day long.
Organising a small pantry can be a challenge but baskets, hooks and storage boxes can help
Use these smart pantry organisation ideas
Spice up your pantry and keep the clutter at bay with these simple but effective organisation ideas and hacks.
Split your pantry into zones
Dividing your pantry into zones is a tried and trusted method that will help you keep things in check and know where to find them. Consider your lifestyle and how you use the space, then establish zones that cater to the types of food you store.
Common zones include:
- baking supplies and dry ingredients, like flour, sugar, baking powder, pasta and seeds
- breakfast essentials, like cereal, oats, pancake mix, syrup and spreads and nut butters
- family snacks that are easy to reach, including popcorn, crackers, dried fruit, muesli bars and whatever tickles your fancy
- oils and condiments such as olive, rice wine, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar and anything you prefer not to keep in the fridge
- canned goods, like baked beans, legumes, soups, sauces and fruits
- cupboard-loving veggies that need a cool, dark home, like onions and potatoes (note: onions shouldn’t be stored with potatoes or other moisture-releasing produce)
- tools and appliances arranged in priority order on a low shelf to provide easy and safe access
- non-essential and rainy-day products, tucked away neatly for special occasions
Pimp up your pantry organisation containers
Transparent containers and baskets will give you a clear picture of what's inside and help you keep track of ingredients so you don’t overbuy. Look for options that are airtight, seal properly and are easy to clean. Bonus points if they stack well or interlock.
Label everything
How often do you stand in the pantry, scanning the shelves for minutes on end until you find the item you’re looking for? A little label can go a long way towards achieving domestic bliss, because not only will you be able to find your things in a jiffy, but other people will too.
Go around in circles
All hail the humble lazy Susan, for there’s no better way to store jars, bottles and essentials. They’re compact and especially useful in tight pantry spaces and corners. The kids will love them too.
Stick em' up high
Unlock the vertical space in your pantry with stacking shelves. That way you can see what’s what and create more room to store all your essentials.
How to organise a small pantry
When you’re tight on space you need to make use of every nook and cranny, hang baskets on the wall and add spice racks to the back of the door. You can even repurpose items like old magazine holders and shoe hangers as space-saving options.
How to organise a deep pantry
Sometimes it’s a case of the bigger the shelf, the bigger the mess. Deep shelves may become an easy target for anything and everything that fits, especially when you’re in a hurry. For this reason, forward planning is a must.
Pull-out drawers and baskets are a great solution for deeper shelves and cupboards. Place sometimes items towards the back and essential items towards the front for easy reach and packing.
If pull-out drawers aren’t an option, arrange containers in order of height, with larger and taller containers at the back. You could also use shelf racks to create height and improve visibility and reach.
No matter the size, organising your pantry doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, there are plenty of ways to achieve a tidy and functional space on a budget. One simple tip is to use affordable storage solutions like mason jars or plastic containers, some of which you might already have at home. Check your local op shop or community pages for secondhand options, or shout yourself to something new – the choice is up to you.
Keeping your pantry and kitchen organised and uncluttered year-round can help make cooking more fun
Maintaining an organised pantry
Keeping your pantry fresh and organised is easier than it sounds. If you run a regular stocktake, take a moment each week to remove expired items and to keep the shelves clutter-free. With a bit of TLC every now and then, your pantry might just become your new favourite hang out all-year round.
Remember…
Organising your pantry is an investment of time that will pay off in the long run. You’ve just got to get started and before you know it, you’ll be loving your freshly organised space.
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