4 FREE Ways to Organize Your Pantry
How To Organize Your Pantry Without Buying More Bins (Yes, Really!)
Food is expensive right now, but you can actually save money by organizing your pantry. Don't believe me? Read on...
Let’s talk pantry organization—no costly bins required. If yours is part snack zone, part mystery zone, you’re not alone. It’s easy for this hardworking spot to fall into disarray, especially during busy weeks with hungry kids (or adults!) rummaging through.
Look, organization doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little time and a fresh approach, you can make your pantry more functional and less frustrating.
But how can this SAVE you money?
✔ The right organization prevents things from getting "lost in the back", never to be seen (or eaten) again - then expiring
✔ Clear zones make it easier to see what you have and avoid overbuying. When you have 10 boxes of pasta scattered on every shelf, it's hard to quickly judge if you need more, so you buy more just to be safe.
Here’s how you can refresh your pantry, make it functional and still afford groceries afterward:
Four $0 Tips for Organizing Your Pantry
1. Start With A Ruthless Edit
Expired taco kits? Crumbs from 2019? That homemade jam from your neighbor from who-knows-when? Let it all go. Wipe down shelves as you go. This clears visual clutter and makes room for the good stuff.
- Tip: Most shelf-stable foods have a "best by" date, not a true expiration. This means the quality and flavor have likely degraded and the manufacturer no longer recommends eating them. But they're generally not unsafe.
2. Shop Your House
Look around your home for unloved containers:
- Shoe boxes = Put all the pasta in one, rice & grains in another...
- Mason jars = Dry goods storage
- Baking pans = Great for grouping oils or sauces (they can be wiped down)
- Tupperware with no lid (everyone has some!) = Contain granola bars or other small snacks
3. Create Zones
Most importantly, think like a grocery store. Group by category:
- Breakfast
- Snacks
- Baking
- Pasta/Rice/Grains
- Cans & jars
- Dinners
4. Label it!
Adding labels will greatly increase the odds that things stay in their designated place. And you don't need a fancy label maker to do so. It can look like:
- Sharpie on those shoeboxes
- Small pieces of paper or post-its taped to the containers
- Avery labels printed from your home office printer
Lastly, make sure you put the most-used items front and center. Eye level = prime pantry real estate. Especially important for the kids' snacks!
What project can we help you tackle this spring? Garage organization? Finally start organizing and digitizing the family photo collection you inherited? Spring closet refresh?
You need it organized: we've got it covered!