31 Best Pantry Organization Ideas for Better Storage Space
Keep it tidy, no matter the size of your kitchen.
By Erin Cavoto
Organizing a pantry is no easy task—even Ree Drummond knows that all too well! When she showed her pantry refresh on social media, she admitted she "immediately regretted" pulling everything out at first. But, once she was done organizing, it was pure #pantrygoals. It may have left you feeling disappointed with your own, wishing you could swap kitchens. But no swapping necessary to beautify your pantry! We're sharing our best pantry organization ideas to prove that your own kitchen can become one of these utterly satisfying spaces, too—worthy of a Ree-inspired restock.
First, start with a clean room: Take inventory of your existing stock of pantry staples, including spices, sauces, cereal boxes, rice and grains, canned goods, and stored baking supplies—by sorting through what's good and what's expired. Next, corral all items by category—it's helpful to organize them in transparent, stackable food storage containers. (P.S. A label maker is handy for this step!) But even if you don't have a dedicated pantry in your home, these tricks will still improve how you organize your spices, baking goods, appliances, and more. For example, you could try putting a spice drawer together or invest in a coffee and tea organizer. You could also hop on the open shelving kitchen trend and turn floating shelves into a DIY pantry that displays spice jars and glass canisters. They might even inspire some larger kitchen storage ideas to make the entire room more styled and tidy.
Repurpose Mason Jars
If you love mason jars, you probably have a lot hanging around unused. Even if you don't, they are so easy and relatively cheap to buy in bulk. So rather than investing in expensive storage containers, go for this affordable option instead.
Borrow Ideas from Other Closets
If you have a pantry door free, why not buy a hanging plastic shoe rack to fill with smaller items like flavor packets or snacks? And why stop there? You can use pant hangers as chip clips, too!
See more at The Krazy Coupon Lady.
Divide and Conquer
Create a Grab-and-Go Snack Section
Prepackaged snacks are great for families on the go. Make them easier to grab by creating a designated snack bin section. Buy clear acrylic bins and place them in an easily accessible drawer or shelf. It will make your grocery list easier, too, because you'll see when you're low in stock.
Roll With It
If you lack space or have great space that's far from your kitchen, try a rolling cart. You can wheel it out when you need it and tuck it away when you don't. It's also great to use in a pinch as a bar cart for parties!
Invest in a Coffee and Tea Organizer
If you're constantly rummaging through drawers looking for the right tea bag then you need a coffee and tea organizer like this adorable one from The Pioneer Woman. Not only is it super cute and floral, it makes managing your morning coffee craving a breeze.
Use a Ladder
In Ree's pantry at The Lodge, she uses a library ladder to access tall shelves. This is a great way to ensure you store items on these hard-to-reach shelves rather than waste the space.
Organize Your Appliances
Ree also uses her pantry for keeping kitchen appliances tucked away on shelves and off the counter. She made sure the shelves were built tall enough to house her tallest appliance (in this case, her KitchenAid stand mixers).
Invest in Cabinets with Pull-Out Shelves
Sliding shelves keep all your canned and nonperishable goods neatly tucked away in a cabinet. It allows easy access without needing to devote an entire closet to your pantry.
See more at Randi Garrett Design.
Go Rustic Chic With a Pegboard
Give any kitchen or pantry wall an organizational makeover with a layer of pegboard. These easy-to-install sheets are speckled with holes so you can hang tons of spice trays, measuring spoons, or your favorite pieces of kitchen art!
See more at Inspired by Charm.
Convert a Nook
Turn a kitchen nook into a pantry by hanging shelves and making custom containers. These wire baskets have homemade leather straps, with DIY steps included so you can make your own.
Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.
Mix Up Your Containers
Use different jars, baskets, and containers to keep your pantry items clearly separate from each other.
See more at Design Improvised.
Add Storage Hooks
Adding hooks to your pantry storage optimizes the space. You can hang utensils, measuring cups, and more.
See more at Inspired by Charm.
Make a Chalkboard List
This pantry uses its space efficiently by placing a chalkboard on the inside of the door. You'll always know what you need to pick up at the store with this handy shopping list.
See more at Not Just a Housewife.
Optimize Cubby Space
A tiny kitchen oftentimes means a tiny pantry. Make the most of your small space by utilizing turntables and expandable, tiered shelves. Turntables are perfect for cabinets that are above eye level because they allow easy access to items you use frequently.
Lean Into the Theme
The supermarket sign above this shelved storage cart pantry is a sweet touch. Even a blank wall in your home can become a simple pantry with some cute décor and shelves.
See more at Big Family Little Farmhouse.
Make Produce Baskets
Keep potatoes and onions tucked away with their own baskets. It'll be a breeze to just grab what you need when you're cooking dinner.
See more at The Identité Collective.
Get Creative with Space
If you're tight on space, use a small cabinet for storage. Keep the top for bigger kitchen items, such as cutting boards and pitchers.
See more at A Bowl Full of Lemons.
Maintain Unity
It's easy to create a tidy pantry when you use uniform labels and containers. Invest in a label maker or purchase a pack of preprinted ones designed especially for a pantry!
See more at Neat Method.
Make It a Multi-Purpose Room
If you've got a big enough space, use your pantry to store more than just food and appliances. Aprons, reusable water bottles, cookbooks, and anything else food-adjacent will be a perfect fit.
See more at Fresh Mommy Blog.
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
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