35 Ways to Organize Your Pantry on a Budget

Organizing a pantry requires discipline for you and the people who access it. Having a system in place can be a big help in maintaining a clean and organized pantry.

First, ensure you check your pantry items regularly to either remove expired products or the dead stock that you never use. Second, if there is too much stock that would otherwise go bad or you may not need, donate them to other people. Avoid hogging. Lastly, reorganize your pantry with the updated stock in their designated zones.

This article provides you with 35 ways to ensure that the pantry system works for you while sparing your coins. Let’s dive in!

1. Categorize your pantry by food types to create zones

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2. Store items in clear, airtight containers for easy identification and freshness

Courtesy of Macy’s

3. Add adjustable shelves to accommodate different sizes of items

Courtesy of Ryan Liebe

4. Attach racks or pockets to the inside of pantry doors for additional storage

Courtesy of Alice Gootee

5. Install pull-out drawers for easy access to deep pantry items

Courtesy of Emily Anderson

6. Utilize tiered shelves to keep items visible and accessible

Courtesy of Jon Jensen

7. Implement a First-In, First-Out System by putting the new items far back and the older ones at the front

Courtesy of Classy Clutter

8. Store items by frequency such as keeping frequently used items at eye level and less used items higher or lower

Courtesy of Janelle Jones

9. Add baskets under shelves for additional storage space

Courtesy of Michelle Drewes

    10. Repurpose magazine holders to store items like foil, plastic wrap, and cutting boards

    Courtesy of Mike Garten

    11. Repurpose file sorters or desk organizers for packets and small items

    Courtesy of The Zhush

    12. Use pegboards for hanging utensils or small containers

    Courtesy of Marie Pierre Morel

    13. Install LED strips or battery-operated lights to improve visibility

    Courtesy of Sara Barney and Katie Jameson

    14. Keep a small step stool or sliding ladder in the pantry for reaching higher shelves

    Courtesy of Stacy Zarin Goldberg

    15. Design the lower shelves of your pantry to store healthy snacks for children

    Courtesy of The Home Edit

    16. Store dry goods like pasta, rice, and beans in mason jars

    Courtesy of Kevin Miyazaki

    17. Use the same type of container for a uniform look and efficient stacking

    Courtesy of The Home Edit

    18. Incorporate decorative wicker baskets for a cohesive and attractive pantry

    Courtesy of Beckwith’s Treasures

    19. Keep items in labeled plastic bins which show the content and the expiration dates

    Courtesy of Thomas Loof

    20. Group cereal, oatmeal, and breakfast bars in one area

    Courtesy of Patricia Burke

    21. Install a spice rack on the pantry door or wall

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    22. Store onions, potatoes, and other produce in breathable drawstrings bags or open baskets

    Courtesy of Emily Minton Redfield

    23. If you enjoy a detailed organization, color code your pantry items

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    24. Use hooks for items like aprons, bags, or utensils

    Courtesy of Jay Wilde

    25. Keep cans and bottles organized and accessible with stackable dispensers

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    26. Use shelf dividers to separate different items

    Courtesy of Mindy Gayer Design Co.

    27. Create a designated area for baking supplies with measuring cups, mixing bowls, and ingredients

    Courtesy of The Simply Organized Home

    28. Divide bulk purchases into smaller, more manageable containers

    Courtesy of Sara Barney and Katie Jameson

    29. Utilize corner shelves or lazy Susan to make the most of corner areas

    Courtesy of Martha Stewart

    30. Make deep pantry shelves more accessible with sliding shelves

    Courtesy of Kritsada Panichgul

    31. Use a rolling cart for flexible storage and easy access

    Courtesy of Greg Scheidemann

    32. Keep bread fresh and organized in designated bread bins

    Courtesy of Layla Khoury-Hanold

    33. Adapt to using stackable bins and baskets to maximize vertical space

    Courtesy of Jay Wilde

    34. Use a board to manage your pantry content such as what is to be bought or thrown out

    Courtesy of Jay Wilde

    35. Add a countertop for your pantry if possible, where you can load and dispense your items during the organization

    Courtesy of 1909 Kitchens