20 Tips For Organizing a Super Messy Pantry

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, the pantry often becomes a neglected corner of the home, bearing the brunt of disorganization and chaos. If you’ve ever found yourself searching for a few tips, here are 20 tips for organizing a super messy pantry.

Some of you may know we moved up north in Utah and are building a smaller home. It’s taken longer than we could ever have imagined. We hope it’s done by Memorial Day, but we don’t want to get our hopes up yet. Once we get into our home I will show you how I will organize our new pantry.

As a prepper and someone who loves to cook, my pantry is a key home feature for me to rely on every day. I like a pantry to be a true kitchen pantry so it’s close at hand, has what I need on short notice, and the pantry items make my cooking chores more simple. I get teased for being a neat freak, but if you saw my bedroom now during the building phase, you’d question that moniker. I really dislike clutter and have always strived for storage solutions that help me stay on top of things.

1. Assess and Empty Your Pantry

Start by taking everything out of your pantry. This allows you to see the extent of the mess and helps you evaluate what items are still usable and what needs to be discarded. Depression vs Recession: Are You Prepared?

Taking an inventory from time to time not only helps you stay better organized and prepared, but it also streamlines your time grocery shopping since you can have your grocery list all put together before you visit the grocery store.

2. Categorize Your Items

Sort and then store the items into different categories such as grains, canned goods, snacks, condiments, and baking supplies. This step lays the foundation for an organized pantry by creating clear sections for different types of items. How to Help Your Family Organize Important Documents

You may want to go an extra step by grouping like items together to prompt a well-organized pantry. Place your cans of veggies together, your canned meats together, and your canned fruits together. Your dry goods like pasta, grains, and rice could also be on the same pantry shelves so they’re easier to find and access.

3. Check Expiry Dates

Dispose of expired or stale items. This step not only declutters your pantry but also ensures that you’re only keeping fresh and safe-to-consume food. Understanding Expiration Dates on Food

If you plan your meals each week to take advantage of what’s on the shelves and rotate consistently, you’ll find you eat better, you’ll have less waste, and you’ll stay on top of the inventory more efficiently.

4. Invest in Storage Containers

Purchase clear, airtight food storage containers for staples like flour, sugar, pasta, and rice. These food items containers not only keep your food fresh but also make it easy to see the contents, helping you stay organized. How To Store Your Food Storage

I have a number of clear bins. I’ve labeled them as discussed in #6 below, but the clear containers allow me to see how much is left in the container so I can plan the replacement accordingly. My last home had a pantry the size of a small closet. Boy, I had to really plan things out to get the most efficient use of the space. We ended up putting more shelves in at eye level and saved the area on the floor for the larger dry goods containers.

5. Utilize Shelf Organizers

Maximize your shelf space by using organizers like shelf dividers and shelf risers. These tools help create additional levels, making it easier to spot and access items in the back of the pantry. How to Organize Your Favorite Recipes

This is particularly helpful if you have limited storage space like did in my “closet” pantry. I found this approach to be one of the best pantry organization ideas I’ve come across.

6. Label Everything

Labeling is crucial for maintaining a tidy pantry. Use a label maker or simple adhesive labels to identify the contents of each container. This saves time when searching for specific items and helps prevent misplacement. 35 OTC Medications You Should Store

You can put labels on each container, or you can place the levels on the front of the shelves if you plan to keep things in the same place for the long term.

7. Group Similar Items Together

Within each category, group similar items together. For example, place all types of pasta in one section and different types of canned goods in another. This further streamlines your pantry organization. You could think of this as having a zone for the categories mentioned earlier, and then placing items in different zones based on the size of the container, type of food, frequency of access, etc.

8. Consider a Lazy Susan for Corner Spaces

If you have corner shelves, a Lazy Susan can be a game-changer. It makes good use of those hard-to-reach areas and ensures nothing gets lost in the back of the pantry. How to Organize a Walk-in Pantry

In our last house, we used a Lazy Susan in the corner of one of the kitchen counters where we had a cabinet to hold our small appliances. That way, the counter didn’t look cluttered, the appliances were handy, and it saved pantry shelf space and didn’t fill the kitchen drawers. We need to be creative to make the best use of kitchen space and free up pantry storage.

9. Optimize Door Space

Install over-the-door organizers for small items like spices, snacks, or condiments. Door storage frees up valuable shelf space and makes items easily accessible. Just make sure to measure things out so the closed door doesn’t bump into the pantry shelves.

10. Prioritize Visibility

Place frequently used items at eye level for easy access. Reserve lower and higher shelves for items that are less frequently used.

11. Create a Snack Zone

Designate a specific area for snacks, making it easy for family members to find and grab a quick bite without rummaging through the entire pantry. Best Snacks to Take With You

12. Install Adjustable Shelving

If possible, invest in adjustable shelving to accommodate different-sized items. This flexibility allows you to customize your pantry based on your current needs, and those needs may change.

13. Group Baking Ingredients Together

If you enjoy baking, designate a section for baking ingredients. This could include flour, sugar, baking powder, and other commonly used items. Consider storing measuring cups and spoons nearby for added convenience. 5 Easy Baking Powder Substitutes

For some of the small items like spices, herbs, and sauces, consider using glass jars for storage. Small canisters can also be used as long as they’re properly labeled.

14. Establish a Cleaning Schedule

Maintain your organized pantry by implementing a regular cleaning schedule. Set aside time each month to check for expired items, wipe down shelves, rotate, and reorganize as needed. 30 Spring Cleaning Tips Every Prepper Should Follow

15. Utilize Baskets or Bins for Loose Items

Gather loose items like snack bags like chips, small condiments, or spice packets into baskets or bins. This prevents them from cluttering your shelves and keeps everything in one place.

16. Implement a FIFO System (First In, First Out)

When restocking your pantry, place newer items behind older ones. This ensures that you use older items first, reducing the risk of food waste. Again, that assumes you take inventory as needed to monitor the effective use of all items.

17. Designate a Pet Zone

If you have pet food or treats in the pantry, designate a specific area for them. This keeps pet supplies separate from human food and makes it easier to manage. How to Keep Your Pet From Getting Stressed in Emergencies

18. Utilize Vertical Space

Hang hooks or small shelves on the inside of your pantry door to maximize vertical space. This is a great spot for storing lightweight items like aprons, reusable bags, or kitchen tools.

19. Regularly Review and Adjust

As your pantry usage evolves, regularly review and adjust your organization system. This helps you adapt to changing needs and prevents the accumulation of unnecessary items. How to Organize Your Home

20. Teach Family Members the System

Ensure everyone in your household understands the organization system. This fosters a collaborative effort to maintain the pantry’s order and makes it easier for everyone to find what they need.

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Final Word

Following these 20 tips, you’ll transform your messy pantry into a well-organized space that not only looks neat but also makes your daily cooking and snacking routines more efficient. May God Bless this World, Linda