Free Quote: 800-272-5490  Customer Service: 800-237-0799 Text: 833-621-1881

7 Ways to Organize Your Kitchen Pantry

Feb 22, 2023 | by Carrie

How many times have you walked into your pantry, only to fantasize about Mary Poppins's magical ability to sing, snap, and organize? What we wouldn't give to execute a few crisp snaps and watch our pantry magically right itself.

While that kind of magic may not be possible, Kitchen Magic has reliable kitchen remodeling contractors who can certainly help get your pantry "spit-spot," as Ms. Poppins would say.

Make Mary Poppins Proud! 7 Ideas for Kitchen Pantry Organization

The following 7 steps can help you organize your pantry space so things are neat, tidy and efficient. You'll be amazed at the storage space that opens up with minor planning and re-configuration that we at Kitchen Magic can assist you with.

kitchen pantry

How do you organize a cluttered pantry?

Organizing is a simple and very useful task when you know how to do it. Here are 7 easy steps that will lead you to a neat pantry:

1. Purge and declutter

The first step is to purge your pantry of all the old, expired, and icky stuff that has accumulated over the years. If you work diligently, this step won't take more than an hour. The result will be a more organized pantry where you can find anything you need in five seconds or less. Isn't that a nice thought?

To begin the purging process, put on your favorite music and start unloading the shelves. Sort it into piles:

  • Use regularly
  • Use infrequently
  • Unopened items you haven't used and can donate to a food pantry
  • Totally expired or looks a little suspicious

Now you can clean everything with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. Make sure the shelves are completely dry before you put anything back in there.

2. Re-evaluate the space

Could your pantry be organized differently so they save you more space? If you use your cabinets as a pantry, you may find pull-out shelves or a lazy Susan-type addition are helpful options for maximizing space and keeping things tidy. What about organized spice racks? If you have a walk-in pantry, head online or to your local kitchen supply store to look for bins and containers with clear sides that will help you store things in an organized way without losing touch with what's inside.

3. Consult with a professional kitchen designer

Even if you aren't interested in a full kitchen remodel, you may find a consultation with a professional kitchen designer who will provide ideas for how to make your current configuration more functional. We're pretty good at what we do, and we can help you do a mini-remodel or a re-design of your pantry space so it makes more sense for your lifestyle.

4. Create designated pantry zones

Contemporary kitchen designs often throw out the old "kitchen work triangle" idea and organize a kitchen remodel by specific work zones. You can do the same type of thing in your pantry. Depending on your height and the layout of your kitchen, you'll want to keep "everyday" items in easy-to-reach spaces, while less-commonly used products take up top-shelf or lower-level spots.

Ideas for your pantry zones include things like:

  • Breakfast stuff
  • Kid snack/drink items
  • Easy weeknight meals
  • Spices
  • Baking goods
  • Condiments
  • Party/Social event supplies
  • Pet foods/treats
  • Paper goods
Houzz slider images of pantry cabinet

5. Add stair steps

Hire a carpenter or enjoy a simple DIY task and replace stock cabinetry shelves with custom stair-stepped shelves that make it easy to see rear rows of cans or boxed goods. This makes pantry inventory and ingredient finding so much easier!

6. Install under-shelf baskets

Keep an eye out for under-shelf baskets. They are great for making empty space more efficient, isolating things like bagels, bread loaves, or bags of pasta so they don't get squished.

7. Use the wall space

If there is space along the walls, use designated hangers for cleaning supplies, pots, pans, or cooking tools you don't use as often.

Where can I hire reputable kitchen remodeling contractors?

Interested in more ideas on how to organize your kitchen pantry? Want kitchen remodel contractors who offer high-quality and affordable kitchen remodeling near you? Whether you’re planning a complete refurbishment or just some minor updates, our pros will be there to help you every step of the way and follow all your needs and special requests. 

Thanks to our durable and carefully selected materials and tried-and-tested techniques, you will get the cooking space you’ll love and use for many years to come.

Visit the Kitchen Magic showroom and speak with one of the best kitchen contractors near you.

New Call-to-Action

Topics: Organization and Storage