How to Organize a Kitchen Pantry on a Budget (Step-by-Step)

Have you ever opened your pantry to grab a box of pasta or a bag of lentils, only for it all to come tumbling down around your feet? Or perhaps you have bought three different jars of cinnamon in a fit of absent-mindedness, only to discover later you had two others stashed away already?

If you have ever experienced this kitchen conundrum, you are not alone. Cluttered pantries are not only aesthetically displeasing; they can also be incredibly wasteful, and a true menace to the would-be-cook. However, you need not break the bank emptying out your cupboards and buying those pretty little matching glass jars for your dry goods. There are many ways to make a kitchen pantry overhauled, without shelling out a small fortune. Read on for an easy how-to guide for a budget kitchen pantry overhaul.

Step 1. Empty It All Out

The first and most crucial step to pantry organization is emptying everything out. Place all of the contents of your pantry onto your kitchen counter, dining room table, or even floor. As you empty each shelf, take this chance to do some much-needed pantry cleaning.

Some tips for the cleaning process:

Make sure to throw away all those lovely spices and condiments that have expired years ago.

Group similar items together as you work so that you can see everything clearly.

Once you have tossed all the expired or unwanted food, set all similar items in groups on your counter.

This part of the process can be pretty eye-opening, as you see all the things you have bought and forgotten about. It is also a vital step in the process, as it helps you figure out how much room you have to work with.

Step 2. Clean It All

Now that you have all this stuff out of your pantry, it is time to tackle the cleaning. This can be a tough task to do, since pantries tend to get pretty grimy after a while. Wipe all the shelves and crevices down with a damp cloth and some dish soap or white vinegar. Allow the shelves to completely dry before putting anything back in them.

Step 3. Shop Your House

Now it is time to really start thinking. The next step is to decide on what containers and storage tools you are going to use. Before you run out and buy dozens of fancy storage bins, take a look around your house and see if there are any old containers or boxes which could be put to good use.

Some common household items which can be used for pantry storage:

Shoeboxes and other boxes can be decorated with old wrapping paper or calendars and used to hold small packets of food.

Old jars or tubs can be cleaned and used for storing dry foodstuffs.

Baskets or bowls can be used to gather loose packets or other items which might otherwise fall on the deep shelves.

It can be surprisingly easy to spend a small fortune on new pans and storage tools, so before you know it, you have spent more replacing your kitchen than you ever thought you would. Be clever and shop your house before buying new things!

Step 4. Categorize and Zone

When you have chosen the containers and tools you wish to use, it is time to start organizing. Group similar items together and figure out what areas in your pantry will be used for what.

Many people find it useful to organize their pantry like a grocery store, putting commonly-used items at eye level and less-used or heavy items on the top or bottom shelves.

Other useful storage tricks:

Keep things you use every day at eye level.

Store rarely-used items or things with limited shelf life on high shelves.

Remember to keep heavy items such as bags of flour or water bottles on the bottom shelves so that they cannot fall and hurt someone.

If you have a pantry door which opens into your kitchen, you could try using over-the-door organizers for extra storage space.

Step 5. Decant Everything You Can

Decanting is the fancy word for pouring your dry goods into pretty, fancy, organized containers. This is an important step, as it will help you avoid unwanted pantry pests such as moths and other creepy crawlies. Many people like to use those clear plastic containers which let you see what is in them, but these can be pretty pricey.

You need not go out and buy a whole set of new storage containers if you do not want to. Just decant the things that are likely to get infested first, such as sugar, flour, oatmeal, and rice. If you like to use the packs the grocery store puts your food in, simply use chip bags or clips to hold everything together. You can use a marker and masking tape to label everything if you like. Some people even like to print out fancy labels and glue them onto the packages with clear scotch tape for a more polished look.

Organizing a pantry can seem like a daunting task, but it really is not as hard as it looks. Once you have purged, cleaned, and organized your pantry, it will look lovely and help you keep track of all your food. You will also see less waste, since you will always know when things are expiring. It makes getting food a lot less of a hassle, too, since everything you need is all in one place. Rolling up your sleeves and diving into your pantry is a fun way to spend a rainy weekend, and you will feel so happy when you are done!