Small Pantry Organization Ideas

Keeping a well-organized pantry can be a daunting task, especially if you have limited space. When designing the pantry shelves, I had scoured the internet for the shelving and organization ideas.  With the right tips and tricks, you can transform your small pantry into a functional and efficient storage space! After much research, here are some of my favorite ideas for maximizing space and keeping your pantry organized and clutter-free.

Tips on Organizing A Small Pantry

Start With Taking Everything Out

One of the first steps to organizing a small pantry is to declutter and get rid of any expired or unused items. This is such an important step as this will not only create more space but also make it easier to find what you need. Once you've cleared out the clutter, you can start utilizing some of these small pantry organization ideas.

Use Clear Containers for Storage

Clear containers are a MUST in organizing your pantry. Instead of a regular basket, clear containers help you see what's inside quickly without having to rummage through shelves or bins. Clear containers are also a great solution for storing dry goods like rice, pasta, and cereal in a small pantry. You can easily keep track of your food inventory and know when it's time to restock.

Source: @homestylebytess

Source: @home_puzzle

Source: @getneat_withlisa

My Favorite Clear Bins:

My Favorite Clear Plastic Canisters:

I love OXO good grips clear canisters. Ideally, get a set and save money, or you can get them on sale from places like Home Goods or Costco.

Use Vertical Space & Doors

Don't forget to utilize the space on your pantry doors and walls. Install hooks, racks, or shelves to hang items like aprons, measuring cups, or spices. You can also use an over-the-door shoe organizer to store small items like packets of seasonings or snack bars. This will not only free up shelf space but also make it easier to see and access your items.

Source: @sortedandstyledtampa

Source: @a.simple.start

Source: Naptime Decorator

Source: Everyday Laura

My Favorite Door Organizer:

Group Similar Items Together

One of the easiest ways to maintain an organized pantry is by grouping similar items together. For example, keep all baking supplies in one area, all canned goods in another, and snacks in a separate section. This will not only make it easier to find what you need but also help you keep track of your inventory and avoid buying duplicate items.

Source: @littlecornerof_joy

Maximize Under-Shelf Space

Make use of the often overlooked space under your shelves by adding baskets or bins. This is a great way to store small items like kitchen linens, packets, or snack bags. You can also label these bins for easy identification and to keep things organized.

Source: Hunker

Source: BuzzFeed

Source: The Container Store

My Favorite Undershelf Drawer Basket:

Invest in Shelf Risers

By using shelf risers, you can create additional layers of storage and utilize the vertical space in your pantry. This is especially useful for storing canned goods or jars that tend to take up a lot of space on shelves.

Source: @crosswellorganizing

Source: @agv_my_lifestyle

Source: Sharon Rowley

My Favorite Shelf Risers:

Tiered shelf risers are great to have visibility of everything that you have in your pantry. They are great when it comes to organizing canned goods or spices. 

Label Things Clearly

Labels make everything uber organized. I like to label my containers and bins so that I can easily find what each bin holds. Even with the clear bins, it makes a difference when multiple people are opening and using the pantry and know exactly where things go.  You can use stickers, chalkboard labels, or a label maker for a more polished look.

Source: @organisedsimplicity

Source: The Kitchn

My Favorite Labels:

I love things simple and minimalistic looks. These are my favorite minimalistic look labels you can use to organize your bins and storage. 

Use Lazy Susan's

A Lazy Susan is a rotating tray that can be placed on shelves for easy access to items. This is particularly useful for deep and corner shelves, where it may be difficult to reach items at the back. I also love using these for small snack items that you can stand and rotate to find. Use Lazy Susan's to store spices, oils, or bottles of vinegar and keep them within arm's reach.

Source: @righton_target

Source: BuzzFeed

Source: Domino Magazine

My Favorite Lazy Susan’s:

Regularly Purge & Reorganize

To maintain a well-organized pantry, it's important to regularly purge and reorganize your items. This will not only prevent clutter from building up but also help you use up older items before they expire. Take some time every few months to go through your pantry, check expiration dates, and declutter any unnecessary or expired items.

By following these small pantry organization ideas, you can make the most out of your limited space while keeping everything neat and easily accessible. Remember to be creative with your storage solutions and regularly maintain your pantry to ensure it stays organized. With these tips, you'll have a pantry that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing in no time. Happy organizing!

List of Products You Might Want to Organize: