There’s nothing like a messy pantry to turn cooking into a nightmare. You spend time digging around for ingredients, buy duplicates of stuff you already have, and become viscerally frustrated every time you open those doors. But the proper pantry organizers will turn your cluttered food storage space into a well-oiled (read: organized) machine that saves you time and money.

Organized kitchen storage ideas let you see everything at a glance, keep food fresh longer and make meal prep easier. These seven must-have organizers will overhaul the way you organize food — no matter if you have a spacious walk-in pantry or a tiny cabinet.

Why Your Food Organization in the Kitchen Needs to Be Better

And before we get to vacuum-sealed containers, let’s take a look at why good pantry organization can make a difference in the first place. A well-organized pantry means less food waste and buying double of something you don’t need. And, it takes the stress out of trying to remember what to buy for the week when you’re in a hurry to throw dinner together one busy Tuesday night.

Families with tidy kitchens cook at home 40% more often than those with cluttered kitchen systems, research reveals. And of course, solid shelf storage also helps keeps food better: protecting it from pests, moisture, and temperature variations.

The 7 Best Pantry Organizers You Need Now

1. Airtight Sealed Storage Clear Containers

Transparent storage bins are the building blocks of a functional pantry. The airtight containers help keep dry goods fresh and visible at a glance. Opt for jars with an airtight seal to keep out pests and retain freshness.

Benefits of clear containers include:

• Easy identification of contents
• Stackable design saves space
• Prevents pest intrusions
• Maintains food freshness longer

Try to find canisters made out of plastic or glass that are BPA-free. Squares or rectangles make better use of space than rounds. Also, pick vessels with large entrances so they can be easily filled and cleaned.

Common sizes run from 1-quart containers for spices to 6-quart containers for cereal and flour. Range of sizes allows you to store small seeds up to larger pasta shapes with ease.

2. Shelf Risers

Expand the storage space for your items with added shelving additional levels to your current shelves. Simple and effective these kitchen storage solutions are especially useful for canned goods, jars and boxes.

Metal shelf risers are more heavy duty than the plastic variety. In addition, the expandable models fit various shelf widths perfectly. Some risers come equipped with nonslip feet to prevent sliding when you remove items.

Here are some of the best features to look for in shelf risers:

• Adjustable width capabilities
• Sturdy metal construction
• Non-slip base design
• Easy assembly process

Put shorter items in the front and taller items in the back of the riser. It lets you keep everything visible and right at your fingertips whenever you need it.

3. Corner Access Lazy Susan Turntables

Corners are notorious black holes for lost objects. Lazy Susan turntables solve that problem by providing easy access to everything with just a spin.

These turntables are great for:

• Cooking oils and vinegars
• Condiments and sauces
• Spice collections
• Small jars and containers

Opt for a turntable with raised edges, so nothing falls off while it’s spinning. There are non-skid surfaces to prevent containers from sliding, and the smooth ball bearings help things spin easily.

Two-tier lazy Susans save space in tall cabinets. Single-tier models, meanwhile, fit precisely in standard-height shelves and refrigerators.

4. Over-the-Door Organizers for Hidden Storage

Your pantry doors house some prime real estate — don’t overlook all the surface area of this sprawling storage situation. Over-the-door organizers deliver instant storage without requiring shelf space. These multi-use pantry organizers work in any room of the home from craft rooms to closets to garages.

Wire rack versions provide good visibility and air flow for bags of snacks and packets. Alternatively, rigid pocket organizers are more suitable for little bits and bobs that will slip through a wire spacing.

Installation options include:

• Hook-style mounting (no tools required)
• Screw-in mounting (more secure)
• Magnetic mounting (for metal doors)

Select caddies with adjustable shelves for varying compartment sizes. This flexibility lets you change storage as your needs change.

5. Pull Out Drawers for Deep Shelves

Deep shelves are storage black holes, turning their contents invisible and out of reach. Pull-out drawers convert these inefficient areas into convenient storage spaces.

These slide organizers are as though kitchen drawers were brought to your pantry, inviting you to store items in the back and with one easy movement bring it to the front. Heavy-duty options can hold up to 100 pounds and are ideal for canned goods and bulkier supplies.

Professional installation helps ensure stability, but plenty of home owners do it themselves with a simple model that comes with brackets and screws.

Key features to consider include:

• Weight capacity ratings
• Smooth-glide mechanisms
• Adjustable width options
• Easy-mount installation

6. Bulk Stacking Storage Systems

Stackable bins are great for corralling loose items and creating “zones” within your pantry. These stackable systems fit multiple food storage needs – so you can stay organized in the pantry or on the go.

Clear bins make identifying contents a snap and stack readily, while opaque bins keep those less-than-pretty packages and containers out of sight. Handle cutouts facilitate lifting and moving the bins while rear stop tabs prevent contents from spilling off the back of the bins.

Use different bins for different categories:

• Large bins for bulk snacks
• Medium bins for baking supplies
• Small bins for seasoning packets

Make sure to label each one of your containers clearly to keep your system sorted in the long run. Also think in terms of color coding to help family members grab things more easily.

7. Magnetic Spice Racks

Herbs and spices do not fit well in a traditional shelf system. Gravity-defying, magnetic spice racks put unused surfaces to work, such as refrigerator sides or metal pantry doors.

These spice holders save space and are easily used because you can see the spices and makes it easy to get to them. They are fantastic for holding spices and free up cabinet shelf space. Transparent canisters help you locate spices with ease, and keep them fresh, as they are airtight.

Benefits include:

• Space-efficient storage
• Enhanced visibility
• Easy access design
• Customizable arrangements

Opt for magnetic containers that have strong magnets and won’t slip or tumble. Make sure the containers also have tight-fitting lids to keep the contents from spilling and retain freshness.

Design Ideas for a Dream Pantry Your Food Will Love

Organized Pantry Maintenance Tips

Organization systems are like anything else — they’re only good when you’re good at keeping them up. Begin by defining zones for the various categories of foods. You might, for instance, make one the home to baking supplies, another to snacks, another to canned goods.

Label items with a clear naming convention. Whether it’s written labels, printed tags or color coding, choose one method and use it throughout your pantry.

Clean the containers once in a while to stop accumulation and smells. It makes sense to double check the expiration dates every month and rotate stock via the first-in first-out method.

Include family to keep the system going. The organization sticks around longer when everyone knows where things belong.

Budget-Friendly Pantry Organization Solutions

Hiring a professional to organize your pantry can easily run into the thousands of dollars, but a DIY solution can accomplish similar results at a fraction of the price. Begin with basic containers and organizers, and upgrade as your budget permits.

Dollar stores frequently have satisfactory plastic containers for non-edibles. But, you should splurge on good storage containers for food so everything stays fresh and bug-free.

Use what you already have before investing in new organizers. Shoe boxes are great dividers, and glass jars are ideal for bulk items.

Consider these money-saving strategies:

• Buy storage on clearance
• Purchase in bulk to minimize per-unit costs
• Choose multi-purpose organizers
• Start small and expand gradually

For comprehensive kitchen and home organization solutions, check out DTDF Home and Kitchen for quality storage products that fit any budget.

Pantry Organization Mistakes to Avoid

There are mistakes that many people make when they organize kitchen storage. First up, don’t you dare buy any organizers until you measure your space. Be sure to measure your shelf dimensions, door clearances and available height before buying anything.

Second, don’t overlook the weight limits for shelves and organizers. Overloading can cause damage and be hazardous.

Third, don’t go overboard on buying small containers. A bunch of little containers are worse than a few containers of the right size.

Finally, don’t forget about accessibility. Keep things you often use at eye level, and use high-up shelves for things you don’t use often.

According to Good Housekeeping’s organization experts, proper planning prevents 90% of common pantry organization failures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How frequently should I reorganize my pantry?
A: Deep clean and reorganize every 3-4 months. But keep things organized daily by putting them all back in their places right when you’re done using them.

Q: What’s the best material to use for food storage containers?
A: Glass containers are more durable and do not hold odors, but they are heavier and pricier. BPA-free plastic containers offer the right mix of price, durability and usability for most households.

Q: What’s the best way to keep my pantry organizers clean?
A: Wash containers and lids with mild soap and water monthly. Do quarterly deep cleaning including removing all items and cleaning containers. Remember to dry thoroughly then refill so the inside doesn’t grow mold.

Q: Should I take foods out of their original packaging?
A: Place long-life items such as cereal, flour and pasta inside airtight containers that will help keep them fresher for longer as well as discourage pests. But hold onto original packaging for expiration dates and cooking instructions until you’ve got them memorized.

Q: What’s a reasonable price to pay for pantry organizers?
A: Plan on spending between $100 and $300 for a full pantry makeover when buying good-quality organizers. Begin with the basics — airtight containers, shelf risers — and gradually introduce specialty organizers.

Q: How can I make the most of a small pantry?
A: Absolutely! Smaller pantries are even more rewarding when well-organized. Get into vertical storage, door organizers, and multi-use containers that take advantage of every inch.

Q: What is the most common mistake in pantry organization?
A: Investing in organizers without first designing the system. Before investing in any organizational products, think about how you’d like to use your space, and how you’ll meet your storage needs.

Revolutionize Your Kitchen with Clever Storage Solutions

Great pantry organizers not only provide space for canned goods and other nonperishable items, but also save time, money and stress. Use these seven must-have organizers, and you’ll have a space that will make you enjoy cooking!

Always keep in mind that an organized life is maintained, not accomplished. Begin with basic containers and shelf storage, then add specialized organizers as your needs change. But, perhaps more than anything else, look for systems that suit your cooking and lifestyle.

Good kitchen storage investment leads to less food waste, easier meal planning and faster cooking time. Your future self will be thanking you, every time you reach to open those flawlessly organized pantry doors.