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Inspiration & Tips/Care advice & Guides/Organise the pantry

Tips to help you organise your pantry

A well-organised pantry saves time, reduces food waste, and keeps your kitchen tidy. We know it's all too easy to end up with cluttered shelves with open bags, and unlabelled jars. But those days are behind you! Our clever tips will help you organise your supplies, creating a kitchen that's not only functional but stylish too.
Updated on Thursday, 30 January 2025
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Organise the pantry with practical storage jars from Brabantia and baskets from Korbo for an easier everyday life.

String kitchen white - Combination G

Why you should organise your pantry

A well-organised pantry offers a host of benefits:

  1. You can quickly see what you have, helping you avoid buying duplicates unnecessarily.
  2. Airtight containers protect your food from moisture and pests.
  3. Clear labelling and a systematic arrangement ensure your products are used up before they expire.
  4. Some clever storage solutions not only keep your pantry tidy but also make it easier on the eye too.

Our six practical steps will help you organise your pantry to perfection!

1. Sort your supplies regularly

Before you start reorganising, it's a good idea to take a look at your stock. Check all food for its best-before dates and get rid of any expired or rarely used items. A good rule of thumb: anything that's not been used in the last 6–12 months can either be thrown out or donated.

Tip: Implement a rotating system (‘first in, first out’) by placing older products at the front and sorting new items at the back.

2. Smart storage containers to make finding what you need a breeze

Open packaging can quickly lead to chaos and cause food to spoil faster. Invest in reusable storage containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic. These will keep food fresh for longer while creating a more streamlined look in your pantry.

  • Glass containers are perfect for dry foods such as flour, pasta, or rice.
  • Metal or ceramic containers help protect sensitive items like coffee or tea from light.
  • Stackable plastic boxes save space and make it easier to access your supplies.

3. Clear labelling for effortless organisation

Label all your storage containers and jars with their contents and best-before dates. This ensures food is used up on time and brings a sense of order to your pantry.

Labelling Tip: Use a labelling machine for consistent labels, or opt for washable chalk markers to label jars – this way, you can easily update the contents as needed.

Print smart labels with a dymo to organise your storage jars more easily.

Do you have an important label from an item that you want to save and keep track of? Cut out the label from the packaging and stick it inside the lid of the storage jar.

4. Group food by type

A well-organised pantry relies on thoughtful categorisation. Group similar items together to make them easier to find.

  • Dry foods: Store flour, sugar, pasta, rice, and pulses in airtight containers.
  • Spices & herbs: Keep them in a dark place to preserve their flavour.
  • Snacks & sweets: Use clear boxes for quick access.
  • Tinned food & storage jars: Stack them so that the oldest items are always at the front.
  • Baking ingredients: Keep frequently used ingredients like baking powder, vanilla sugar, and nuts in a dedicated box.

Extra Tip: Use rotating trays for hard-to-reach corners – perfect for oils, vinegar, or tinned foods.

Mark your spices with handy labels so you can easily see which spices are which in your pantry.

5. Use baskets and drawers for packages and loose items

Baskets, crates, and drawers are ideal tools for a well-organised pantry.

  • Wire baskets allow for good ventilation and are perfect or storing potatoes and onions.
  • Wooden or plastic boxes are perfect for keeping small items, like baking accessories, easily accessible.
  • Drawer inserts help keep smaller packages neat and tidy.

Tip: Opt for stylish storage solutions in neutral colours to create a calm and organised atmosphere in your pantry.

6. Organise a sustainable pantry

Choose long-lasting products and reduce packaging waste with smart storage solutions.

  • Storage jars made from recycled glass
  • Reusable cotton bags for dry goods
  • Metal or wooden clips for sealing open packages

With the right strategy, you can save time, space, and stress. Whether using stylish glass containers, baskets, or clever labelling systems, a well-organised pantry not only looks better but also makes everyday cooking more efficient.

Photos: Angeliqa Dahldorph Nielsen, HAY, Bodum, Joseph Joseph

Anja Wahnig
Author

STORAGE IDEAS FOR THE PANTRY

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