Everything You Need to Maximize Storage in Your Pantry
We consulted top home organizers and got their top storage recommendations for keeping your pantry neat and tidy.
A pantry is a great place to store your everyday food items, cookware, snacks, paper goods — you name it. But the downside to that catchall storage is that it can get cluttered — and fast which is why you need pantry organizers.
"Pantry organizers can help you maintain an organizing system that fits your specific lifestyle," says Julia Foulk, founder of The Organizing Method. "You can group the same categories together for easy access and long-lasting benefits."
Foulk recommends creating zones within the pantry to help keep you organized. "One for breakfast, one for snacks, one for grains, another for spices and condiments, one for baking, etc," she says. "I like to keep the most used items in the most accessible areas of the pantry and I also store rarely used appliances on the top shelf and overstock items in a basket on the floor so you can easily restock your pantry."
If you're ready to organize your pantry and use the space to its fullest potential but don't know where to start, don't worry. We've compiled a list of the best pantry organizers with help from some organization experts to help you corral all the clutter in the kitchen.
A stackable food storage bin is a kitchen pantry essential. Made from shatter-resistant plastic, these bins are useful for storing a plethora of items, from granola bars to macaroni and cheese packs. With their large opening dips, you can easily grab what you need out of the bin without making a big mess.
You'll create more storage space in your cabinets with this three-tier spice organizer and be able to easily see what you have on hand. "I always recommend a non-skid 3-tier spice organizer because they create vertical space and make it easy to see everything at a glance," says Jill Yesko-Diana, founder of Discover Organizing. "They are perfect for short cabinets and keep spices neat, accessible and securely in place. No more rummaging or knocking things over." Plus, it has a non-slip shelf lining, so you won't have to worry about anything falling off the tiers and making a mess.
Is your pantry filled with Stanley Quenchers, YETI mugs or reusable water bottles? Well, if that sounds familiar, then instead of having random bottles on every shelf of your pantry, opt for this stackable cup organizer. "Once you've gone through your collection of water bottles and discarded the ones that you don't like, that are broken, or that are missing the tops, using a water bottle organizer is the next step to keeping the water bottles from rolling around on a shelf or falling over when you try to grab the one in the back," says Lauren Saltman, professional organizer and owner of Living. Simplified. "The fact that these are stackable allows you to customize the organizer to fit your needs."
Never worry about losing something in the back of your cabinet again. This heavy-duty spice rack gives you easy slide-out access to all your spices. Just install two screws and you'll be ready to start organizing.
Cut down on clutter and add a nice touch to any space with these beautiful baskets. "These baskets are a perfect mix of function and style," says Olivia Parks, owner of Professional Organizer New Orleans. "They are great for grouping pantry items like snacks or baking supplies and adding labels makes it even easier to stay organized." Their natural look also adds a nice touch to any pantry and the built-in handles make it easy to pull them off the shelf and restock, too.
This stackable organizer allows you to store up to 36 cans vertically. We love how you can see all of the items on the organizer, too, so no more wondering what's behind that can of beans.
Tea drinkers will rejoice with this tea bag organizer that fits perfectly in nearly any pantry. With eight equally proportioned sections, this organizer can hold different flavors of tea like English breakfast, chamomile, black, Earl gray, peppermint, etc. "You can group your tea bags by type (decaf or regular)," says Saltman. "If you have a large collection of teas, you can easily stack this organizer. And if a tea bag breaks, the organizer is easy to clean." Additionally, the see-through plastic makes it easy to find which tea bag you're looking for, and the lid keeps everything in place while providing a surface for additional stacking.
This revolving storage solution will help you keep an eye on everything you have in your cabinet — and you won't have to worry about reaching in to get something in the back and knocking everything over. (You know, you've done it.) "I love Lazy Susans because they make corner cabinets so much more functional," says Yesko-Diana. "They maximize space, keep everything organized and ensure nothing gets lost in those hard-to-reach areas. With a simple spin, everything is within reach, saving time and hassle."
These stackable containers are great for keeping your pantry neat and organized — and your food fresh. The snap lids form an airtight and watertight seal between the container and lid, so you won't have to worry about food spilling or going stale. Use them to store cereal, sugar, pasta and more. "Be sure to label everything carefully so you don't confuse the salt with the sugar," Saltman adds. "And if you change your mind, these are easy to wash and relabel with new contents."
For those pantries that are filled to the brim with items whether that’s boxes of cereal or even bottles of water, there’s another option: the door. This steel cabinet door organizer can be hung over a door to hold baking sheets, cutting boards, washcloths, lids and similar kitchen essentials. "This solution keeps items neatly arranged and easily accessible, making it quick to find what you need," Yesko-Diana tells Food Network.
Under-the-shelf baskets are such a smart idea, allowing you to make use of every inch of your pantry space. They easily clip to a shelf, no tools or screws necessary, and can store everything from small spice packets to plates.
There's no such thing as too many food storage containers, including these extra-large airtight ones from Amazon. Both reusable and BPA-free, the food-grade containers work to keep food fresh for longer including cereal, cookies, pasta, rice, nuts, etc. This set even comes with measuring cups and dry-erase markers so you can label each one to keep track.
You can never have too many Lazy Susans in your pantry, especially if you like to cook or bake. This plastic turntable spinner makes it easy to find what you're looking for by spinning it around. There's an outer wall to keep items contained while providing optimal visibility so you can find what you're looking for at a moment's notice.
Do you currently keep all of your food storage bags in a messy drawer? Are you always rifling through it to find the size you need? This handy bamboo organizer will solve all of those problems once and for all. Easily store gallon, quart, sandwich and snack bags. You can even label the organizer with the included stickers so you never have to wonder what's in each slot.
There just might be some space in your pantry that you aren't utilizing, and it's right behind the door. This over-the-door rack comes with six baskets that are perfect for storing cans, spices, muffin mixes — the list goes on.
Many households are fans of plastic wrap and aluminum foil, whether to pack school lunches, save leftovers or carry snacks. Regardless of the use, it can be a bit of an eyesore to have multiple boxes scattered over the kitchen. This pantry organizer has three shelves and can be extended horizontally to fit a number of different-sized boxes. Plus, its non-slip rubber feet will keep it from moving around even with light pressure.
More on Shopping for Organizers
You'll find several different types of pantry organizers made from different materials as you shop. Karyn Tomczak, professional organizer and founder of Precision Organizing Plus, explains some of the different types:
Plastic
- Pros: Lightweight, affordable, and available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. BPA-free options ensure safety for food storage.
- Cons: May retain stains or odors over time.
- Uses: Good for dry goods like pasta, snacks and cereals.
Glass
- Pros: Durable, non-porous (does not retain odors or stains), and often comes in clear options for easy visibility. Glass containers are also safe for both food storage and heating.
- Cons: Heavier and can break if dropped.
- Uses: Ideal for storing baking supplies, grains, and items that benefit from an airtight seal.
We all follow those recipes that only call for a tiny bit of an ingredient and then the rest has to be put away until next time. Instead of letting it go bad, pantry organizers can help preserve freshness. "Airtight containers keep items like flour, pasta, and cereal fresh for longer, preventing staleness and contamination from pests," says Tomczak.
Metal (Stainless Steel or Tin)
- Pros: Sturdy, long-lasting, and often provides a sleek, modern look. Metal is also impermeable, keeping food fresh.
- Cons: Not transparent, so it’s harder to see the contents unless labeled.
- Uses: Common for items like flour, sugar or bulk grains.
Ceramic
- Pros: Aesthetic appeal with various colors and patterns; non-reactive and durable.
- Cons: Can chip or crack if mishandled and is usually heavier.
- Uses: Suitable for items like coffee, tea, and other dry goods.
Acrylic
- Pros: Clear like glass but lighter and more shatter-resistant. It’s also easy to clean and often used for modular containers.
- Cons: Prone to scratching and may become cloudy over time.
- Uses: Good for frequently accessed items, like snacks and cereals.
Instead of having your items get lost in the dark abyss of a pantry, clear containers and labeled bins make it easier to see what you have at a glance, reducing the risk of forgetting or repurchasing items, according to Tomczak.
Silicone
- Pros: Flexible, lightweight, and often collapsible for easy storage when not in use. Typically BPA-free and safe for food contact.
- Cons: Less common for long-term storage as they’re not rigid.
- Uses: Ideal for snack pouches or smaller storage needs.
How to Clean and Care for Pantry Organizers
After spending money on pantry organizers, you'll want to do your best to properly care for them. "I recommend plain water with a small amount of vinegar on a microbial cloth, such as Norwex," says Yesko-Diana.
Aside from cleaning the surfaces, Tomczak recommends using shelf liners to keep them free from excess food debris and to make it easier to clean out crumbs should they occur. You can even use a handheld vacuum to remove any crumbs if they remain.
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