I love a good sale, especially when it comes to saving money on my favorite food items. I also like to have a really well stocked pantry. Combine the two and you have a recipe for a disaster, which is exactly what our pantry was.

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It seems I had a hard time saying no to a good deal, even when I had no place to put it.

7 Steps to an Organized Pantry

Something needed to be done.

Nick and I took about two hours one weekend to reorganize. We started with emptying the pantry. There were some items that really could go elsewhere (extra soap, ziploc bags, vitamins, etc.). We set those off to the side. There were also some items that were expired and needed to be thrown out. Next, I organized the remaining items by category. (I placed all cereals together, all crackers together, etc.)

Once the items were organized by category, Nick and I set up a Kanban system. Kanban is a replacement system (more about that in a future post). We then put items that were used less often in the more difficult to reach places, like the top shelf and corners of the pantry. Frequently used items were placed front and center for easy access.

For some smaller items, such as individual packets of crackers or granola bars, I prefer to use shoebox sized containers. The packages they come in tend to take up a lot of space. When using this system, it is important to rotate through items so that everything is used by the expiration date.

Containers we use – Sterilite 6 quart containers

After each item was placed appropriately in the pantry, I made sure that there was enough space for each item when the pantry is fully stocked. Knowing what I planned to add to the pantry was essential in this step! It is also a good idea to leave room for expansion, miscellaneous goods and seasonal items.

I also moved some items around. This is important! You only want to start labeling once you’re happy with your set up.

Related Post: Easy Toy Organization System Kids Can Use

Maintaining an Organized Pantry

When everything was in its final place I began labeling the shelf under each item. This helps me to remember where everything goes. It also makes it very easy for anyone to find what they are looking for! That certainly comes in handy with four young children.

The Label Maker We Use – Brother Auto Shut Off Label Printer

You’ll notice some empty spaces when you look at our ‘after’ picture. Those are spaces I am saving for items that I know I will be putting into the pantry in the future. Even though it was crammed with items in the before picture, there were some things missing that are normally in there! Leaving those spaces and having some space for miscellaneous items ensures that our pantry will stay organized.

Review after a few weeks to ensure the new organization system works for everyone. It is always OK to make it better!

Pantry Organization Recap

1. Empty the pantry.
2. Sort items into three categories: staying in the pantry, finding a home elsewhere in your house or being discarded (either through donation or being thrown away).
3. Organize items staying in the pantry by category.
4. Place frequently used items in easily reached spots. Place rarely used items in corners or on the top shelf.
5. Move items around until you are happy with the placement of everything.
6. Label!
7. Review. Update if necessary.

What are your tips for an organized pantry?