The pantry is the heart of the kitchen, but it's also one of the most challenging areas to maintain. By spending a little extra time organizing this space to reflect your habits, you can make prepping, cooking, and cleaning any meal more enjoyable. Here are six simple steps from organization experts to help you get started.
1. Group items by category
Begin by going through your pantry shelf by shelf and grouping items together—oils and vinegar, grains and pasta, canned goods, etc. More often than not, items in a specific category have a similar shape, optimizing the available space. For example, the stackable Cookware Set from our sister brand, Equal Parts, is a great way to keep everything you need neatly in place.
2. Group items by use-case
If you have specific items you always use simultaneously—like baking supplies or a stash of ingredients for a go-to recipe—try storing them together in a Medium Bin or Large Basket to keep everything easily accessible.
3. Arrange items by frequency
Once you've organized by category and use-case, start rearranging each group based on how frequently you use them. If you make pasta a few times nights a week, then maybe your Medium Basket with spaghetti, canned tomatoes, and sauce should remain front and center.
4. Wipe down the shelves as you go
Rather than emptying your entire pantry, which can quickly become overwhelming, wipe down the shelves as you go. The illusion of a fresh start can make it a little easier to maintain your newly organized pantry.
5. Be realistic about what you need
You may love the idea of matching glass containers in your pantry, but that level of uniformity requires ongoing maintenance. Transferring items like flour and sugar into jars makes these items easier to store and access, but don't feel the need to go overboard. Be realistic about whether or not applying this method to your entire pantry makes sense for you.
6. Pick up the pantry staples
Given most pantries have shelves, it's easy to overlook the need for additional organization in the space. A set of Nesting Trays for your oils and vinegar can define the area and make it easier to clean up any future spills. Shelf Risers can immediately double your storage capacity. Well-placed Storage Bins or Wire Baskets can help corral packaged goods that would otherwise get tossed around.
