Expert Tips to Declutter and Organize Your Kitchen Pantry

Is your pantry feeling a little chaotic? It might be time for a clean-out! Here’s a simple, no-stress step-by-step guide to decluttering and organizing your kitchen pantry. From tossing expired items to labeling bins like a pro, you’ll be surprised how good it feels to tidy up this everyday space.

Step 1: Empty Everything Out

Start by removing every single item from your pantry shelves. It might initially feel overwhelming, but it’s the only way to truly see what you have. Lay everything on a clean surface, such as your kitchen table or countertop.

Step 2: Check Expiration Dates and Toss What’s Gone Bad

As you sort through your items, check the expiration dates and discard anything that has expired, is stale, or is past its prime. Be honest with yourself about those obscure ingredients you bought for a recipe two years ago and haven’t touched since.

Step 3: Group Similar Items Together

Before placing things back, group similar items together. Common categories include:

• Grains & Pasta

• Canned Goods

• Baking Supplies

• Snacks

• Breakfast Items

• Condiments & Sauces

• Spices

  
  

This will make it much easier to see what you have at a glance and grab what you need when cooking.

Step 4: Clean the Shelves

With your pantry empty, take the opportunity to wipe down shelves and vacuum out any crumbs or debris. A simple solution of warm water and mild dish soap works well. Let everything dry before putting items back.

Step 5: Use Storage Solutions

Investing in a few pantry organization tools can make a big difference. Consider:

• Clear bins or baskets for snacks, baking supplies, or kids’ lunch items.

• Lazy Susans for oils, vinegars, or sauces.

• Airtight containers for dry goods, such as flour, sugar, rice, and cereal, to keep them fresh and prevent spills.

• Shelf risers for canned goods or spices to maximize vertical space.

You don’t need to spend a fortune — even dollar store bins or repurposed containers can do the job.

Step 6: Label Everything

Labels aren’t just for looks; they’re practical. Labeling bins and containers makes it clear where everything belongs and helps everyone in the household stick to the system. You can use a label maker, pre-made stickers, or simple masking tape and a marker.

Step 7: Put Items Back Strategically

When restocking your pantry, think about the frequency of use. Place everyday essentials, such as snacks, cereals, and cooking oils, at eye level. Heavier items should be placed on lower shelves, while seldom-used ingredients can be stored higher up. Keep like items together, following the categories you created earlier.

Bonus Tips to Maintain the Organization:

• Do a quick tidy-up once a week — check for near-empty boxes, expired items, or misplaced products.

• Create a shopping list station nearby to jot down staples as they run out.

• Avoid overbuying bulk items unless you have a clear plan for using them.

Final Thought

An organized pantry isn’t a one-time job — it’s an ongoing habit. However, once you establish a clear and functional system, maintaining it takes far less effort. Plus, you’ll save time hunting for ingredients and avoid buying duplicates of things you already own. So, roll up your sleeves, grab some bins, and give your pantry the refresh it deserves!

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