Guest Picks: 21 Nifty Pantry Organizers
Just say no to pantry chaos with these containers, racks, bins and other storage wonders
Beth Hunter
January 6, 2014
It’s time to keep that resolution to get more organized in 2014. I think the pantry is a good place to start, so I’ve rounded up 21 items to help you create an organized and beautiful pantry this year — and keep it that way every year. — Beth from Home Stories A to Z
If you have a blank slate to work with, try the Elfa shelving system; it looks easy to install and is attractive to boot. I love the wire drawers and the flexibility it offers.
Let’s face it: Dry goods just look better out of their original packaging and in clear glass containers. These are also great for keeping track of what you actually have on hand in your pantry.
I own five of these jars and love them. The rubber seal ensures that dry ingredients stay fresh, and the glass ensures I know exactly how much rice, pasta and flour I have left.
Chalkboard labels make any glass container look cuter. If you don’t have your own digital vinyl cutter, buying premade labels is a great option to help you keep containers neat and tidy.
Large chalkboard labels are fantastic for keeping track of items stored in floor storage bins in the pantry. I keep several bulk items in large floor bins, and sometimes I can’t remember what is in them.
Water bottles falling off pantry shelves or rolling out of the refrigerator can be a problem. This clear container stores your water bottles so they are easy to grab and go.
If you have ever tried to stack a bunch of baby food jars in your pantry, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of their repeatedly tumbling over. A rotating carousel for baby food will save space in the pantry and allow you to easily find what you need.
I recently bought one of these spice packet organizers after realizing I had around 15 buried and expired taco seasoning packets that had gotten lost in larger pantry bins. Having the right storage containers makes all the difference in keeping a pantry well organized.
Back-of-the-door storage space is often overlooked and underutilized in kitchen pantries. Consider adding a door organizer to maximize your space.
Stacked cans are difficult to see and not always the most efficient storage method. A can rack would help keep your cans safely in place and allow you to see what you have on hand.
Another great option for organizing cans, jars and spices is a tiered shelf. Items that typically would be lost at the back of the shelf would be easily visible with this system.
Lazy Susans are great additions to corner shelves in the pantry. They allow you to maximize storage space and keep smaller items visible. I love that this one is stainless steel and can also be used for serving food.
Keeping track of spices while also keeping them looking stylish is a challenge! This spice caddy would keep your spices looking cute, and it actually comes with 16 spices, making it a great value.
Carousel spice racks are sometimes too tall or take up too much space in narrow pantries. This spice rack might not be the most attractive option, but it certainly is practical. Arrange your spices vertically in this pullout shelf to make organizing a snap.
Hunting around your cabinet for a specific spice can be frustrating. This pullout and drop-down spice rack enables you to easily access 30 full-size or 60 half-size spice bottles.
Add a shelf and drawer to your kitchen pantry with this basket organizer. Some of my pantry shelves are so tall that it’s difficult to fully utilize the space. I think this organizer would come in handy for potato storage with cans on top.
I have three large locker baskets like these in my pantry, and I love that I can easily see everything I have stored in them. They are attractive and practical, which is exactly what I want in a pantry organizer.
Stackable wire baskets make for great vertical storage in a cramped cupboard. I use similar containers to store school snacks and protein bars.
For kitchen pantries that are open and visible, wicker baskets are a great option for hiding clutter. You can even add chalkboard labels to the fronts to better keep track of items.
Every room in the house deserves to be beautiful and reflect your individuality, and pantries are no exception. Shelf paper is a great way to dress up a pantry and add some instant personality.
Next: 11 Ways to Wake Up a Walk-in Pantry
Next: 11 Ways to Wake Up a Walk-in Pantry
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The Elfa drawers are cool, but I didn't really need drawers. I just bought the same metal bars from the hardware store, brackets and and eight 4 foot wide x 10" deep shelves. The shelves replaced a wire rack that I hated. Wire shelving is awful, and deep doesn't make sense either. The shelves take much less space so you can get into the pantry easier, and are still half empty. The whole thing cost less than $200 and took a couple hours. I use inexpensive clear plastic tubs to corral small items (like a drawer would).
I agree with qofmiwok that wire shelves and/or wire baskets are awful. Stuff falls through. My walk-in pantry has wood shelves. I use lidded containers with labels (the old masking tape and pen works wonders and is replaceable). It's a pantry and I will never be worried if it isn't looking pristine with organization! But for those who worry about it or who need to spend money on this stuff, just make sure you stick to your preferred shape. It makes it easier to line it all up. Square does hold more than cylindrical for containers.