Imagine opening your pantry and instantly finding exactly what you need. No clutter, no expired cans hiding in the back, and no more buying that jar of peanut butter you actually didn’t need. That’s the power of good organization. It saves time when you're cooking or writing a grocery list, helps you stay on top of expiration dates to cut down on food waste, and brings a sense of calm to your kitchen by keeping clutter in check.
Whether you’re working with a walk-in, a closet, or just a single cabinet, these five steps will help you turn your pantry into a well-organized space that truly works for you.
Step 1: Take Inventory and Sort Your Pantry
Start by pulling everything out and giving your pantry a clean slate. Toss anything expired or that you no longer use. To cut down on bulky packaging, transfer dry goods into clear, labeled containers to improve visibility and access. Then, sort your items into logical categories, such as:
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Baking staples
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Canned goods
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Snacks
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Spices
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Non-perishables
As you sort, take note of what you have the most of—this will help you determine which components will work best in your future pantry design. For example, lots of canned goods may call for extra open shelving or pull-out wire baskets, while an overflow of snacks or spices might be better stored in drawers or bins. Taking stock now ensures your new pantry is designed to support the way you actually live.
Step 2: Choose the Right Storage Solutions
Smart storage is key, especially in small pantry spaces. Whether you need open shelving to keep everyday staples in view or enclosed storage to tuck clutter away, there are a variety of unique ways to tailor your pantry to your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite pantry features:
Step 3: Arrange Items for Maximum Efficiency
With your new pantry system in place, it’s time to arrange it all in a way that works for you. Here are a few of our top pantry organizing tips:
When everything has a place, your pantry works harder—and your daily routine gets a whole lot easier.
Step 4: Labeling for Better Organization
Labels are more than just a nice finishing touch—they help everyone in the household know where things go and keep your pantry organized over time.
Try:
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DIY chalkboard labels or handwritten tags for a personal touch.
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Pre-made label sets for a uniform, polished look.
Whichever route you choose, labeling supports long-term pantry order and helps you stay on top of what you have.
Step 5: Maintain an Organized Pantry (But How?)
A beautifully organized pantry won’t stay that way without a little upkeep. Keep it under control with a few regular habits:
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Check your inventory weekly before grocery shopping.
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Deep clean seasonally to keep shelves clean and remove items that are no longer fresh.
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Use the FIFO method (First In, First Out) so older items get used before new ones.
Just a few minutes each week can go a long way in maintaining your progress.
Pantry Project Spotlight
The Dies family was looking for a pantry solution that could keep up with their busy lifestyle. Their existing pantry was stocked to the brim, with items piling up from floor to ceiling. The original wire racks lacked the durability and storage capacity they needed, so they turned to EasyClosets to elevate the space with a more functional organization solution.
They worked with Erna, one of EasyClosets expert designers, to design a custom pantry with adjustable open shelving and beech drawers, all in a bright white finish.
Now everything has a dedicated home, and their daily routine just got much simpler.
View more pantry success stories
Common Pantry Organization Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, some habits can undermine your pantry efforts. Here’s what to watch out for:
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Overbuying containers before assessing what you actually need.
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Mixing up categories, which makes it harder to find what you’re looking for.
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Storing everyday items out of reach, which adds frustration to your routine.
Learning how to organize a pantry doesn’t require a full kitchen remodel—just a few smart strategies and the right tools. From decluttering to labeling, these steps are designed to help you stay organized, save time, and make the most of your space. Whether you’re dealing with a spacious walk-in or a single cabinet, your dream pantry is within reach.
