How to organize a deep pantry
Best Tips for Deep Pantry Organization
Cleaning and Organization | Homemaking
Our kitchen is the hub of our home, which means the pantry needs to be clean and efficient. I’m sharing the best tips for deep pantry organization, but these tips will also work for any pantry organization.
Do you have an area, or cabinet, of you home that tends to get messier faster than any other area?
The pantry and our laundry room are those target areas for my home.
The laundry room is, mostly, used by me. I try to keep that under wraps by tending to it during my normal laundry routine.
A pantry is a different animal because I am not the only one accessing the space.
Everyone in the home has their hand in the pantry throughout the day, so it can get quite messy very quickly.
Let’s tackle your pantry together, shall we? But first, you can take a look at mine and feel better about your own pantry.
Messy Pantry Frustrations
There are many frustrations that come with unorganized spaces.
Having a simple house cleaning schedule can help with that, but what about unseen spaces, such as a pantry?
You can keep your kitchen spotless and then open the pantry and feel like all is lost… literally, things can get lost in there.
It is especially important to keep things organized if you have a prepared pantry in your kitchen or home.
Sometimes, it is helpful to list the reasons you want to clean something in order to help motivate you to get a job done.
Here are a few frustrations that you might experience from having a messy pantry, I know these ring true for me.
- Lots of crumbs on the shelves
- Opened boxes of cereal and crackers
- Food goes to waste because you don’t see it in the back and buy new before using the old food
- You have a hard time finding things you know are in the deep pantry because it is a mess
- It makes it hard to find a place for new groceries when the pantry is disheveled
How to Begin to Organize your Kitchen Pantry
Beginning a process can be the hardest step because you know that the mess will get worse before it gets better.
The best place to begin to organize your pantry is with removing everything all of the items from your pantry.
Then, you can clean the pantry and add things back in an orderly fashion.
Steps for Organizing a Pantry with Deep Shelves
- Remove everything from your pantry– Take everything out and place it on your counter or kitchen table.
- Clean the shelves– Vacuum out the crumbs and wipe the dust with a rag.
- Categorize what is in your pantry- Create categories for your items so you can put them back in an organized fashion.
- Wipe down your pantry items– Before putting them back in the pantry, wipe down your goods so your pantry feels spotless when you’re done.
- Create zones in your pantry for similar items– canned goods, snacks, breakfast items, spices, etc. Zones can be easily established by using organizational tools to keep things in place.
- Keep regularly used items where they can be accessed easily– Things that are used on a daily basis need to be in the front of the shelf and at eye level so they are easy to get.
Other, less used, items can be positioned in the back of the shelf or where they aren’t as easy to get to since they aren’t used as often.
Tops Tips for Organizing your Pantry
- Label things to help other family members to keep things tidy
- Put items closer to expiration in the front
- Get organizational baskets and containers to help you
- If you’re space is limited, optimize it by using hanging shelves on the door
- Put heavy items on lower shelves and lighter items on the top shelf
- Place tall things in the back and keep shorter items in the front
- Make sure your pantry helps you stay efficient in the kitchen
Tools for Organization Deep Pantry Shelves
- Bins and Baskets for deep shelves– These are great for keeping seasoning packets, small packages of snacks, and stocked spices in.
- Best Lazy Susan’s for Pantry Organization– The turntable is a great way to keep things easily accessible.
- Door Storage for Pantry Door– Don’t forget that valuable space between the door and shelf of your pantry. You can house small items and even canned goods here.
- Containers that work well for Deep Pantries– Having clear containers makes deep pantry organization much easier.
- Simple Shelves for Pantry Storage– Shelves are important for deep pantries that have shelves because you can stack items and see what is in the back of your pantry.
- Label Maker for your Pantry items– Labels help you and your family keep things tidy.
- Pull out drawers– If you have a super deep pantry, installing pull out drawers can be a huge help so you can easily get to those items in the back.
DIY Tips for Deep Pantry Organization
- Repurpose Mason Jars for food storage- beans, rice, cereal, popcorn
- Old Wooden Crates– These work great to add levels to your shelving.
Turn old wooden boxes or crates on their side and stack small items, such as canned goods or spices, on top to add another level in your pantry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you maximize deep shelves?
To maximize deep pantry shelves, put tall items in the back and shorter items in the front. Always add newer items to the back of the pantry so your older items get used before they expire. Consider adding shelves to give height to those items in the back, making them more visible.
What is an easy solution for managing deep pantry shelves?
A quick solution for deep shelving is to add deep pantry pull out shelves. These drawers make it easy to access the items in the back of the pantry. You may also get simple storage solutions to help with pantry organization.
How do you organize a deep corner pantry?
The best way to keep a deep corner pantry organized is by adding a lazy susan to the cabinet.
This simple organizational tool allows you to easily access anything in your corner pantry.
Free Decluttering Guide
If you are needing inspiration and help decluttering your home, be sure to check out this decluttering guide.
There are checklists, tips for preventing overwhelm, and encouragement to help you get started and feel successful.
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14 Easy Tips for Deep Pantry Organization
These tips make the most of deep shelves in the pantry
By
Grace Gallagher
Grace Gallagher
Grace Gallagher is a lifestyle expert and writer with five years of experience covering home furnishings, storage, and organization.
She has also written for Greatist, Veracity Selfcare, Brit + Co, and others. Grace also taught creative writing workshops in Portland, Oregon.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Published on 09/29/22
@lets.sort
When it comes to pantry storage, it's easy to think the bigger the better, especially if you love to collect ingredients or have a lot of mouths to feed. While it's definitely helpful to have a large pantry when it comes to kitchen organization, a pantry with deep shelves can be tricky sometimes, as it's easy to lose track of what's toward the back. These deep pantry storage ideas will help you make the most of your space without letting that additional shelf space go to waste.
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01 of 14
Use a Turntable and Wire Baskets
@tidyclosetsd
When organizing a deep pantry, it's all about labels and bins so you can easily see them.
That way, if things get pushed to the back, they're still visible. A turntable works well on a higher shelf, too. -
02 of 14
Try Bins With a Handles
@tidyclosetsd
To make the most of your pantry space, you may need to put one bin in front of the other (otherwise the depth of the shelves kind of goes to waste). Using a clear bin with a cut-out handle helps when it comes time to pull out something specific whether it's because you need that item or whatever is behind it.
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03 of 14
Stack Clear Bins
@simplicity_cleaning_services
Deep pantries are often big all over, which means a lot of space between shelves. If you're wary of stacking bins horizontally one behind the other, then use vertical space. Sure, it may mean things need to shift every now and then, but if you put lesser used items on the bottom row, it shouldn't be a major inconvenience.
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04 of 14
Place Cans on Risers
@simplyorganizedco
There are a few things that are great about these twin pantries—long bins span the depth of the shelves and they can be easily pulled out, risers help you see canned goods, and plastic turntables make it easy to grab whatever sauce you need.
Chantell Dennis of Simply Organized Company says when it comes to deep pantry storage, layer when you can (i.e. use a can riser in the back with two lazy Susans in the front).
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05 of 14
Install Sliding Drawers
@thefeinhome
Not only is this pantry aesthetically pleasing, but it's also functional for the whole family. Kid's snacks are easily reachable on the bottom shelves and decanting foods into clear storage containers makes it easy to declutter and see what you have. Consider installing these adjustable drawers which can be added to any shelves, providing much more function.
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06 of 14
Stagger Products
@organizedwithrachelly
Using two or three-tiered risers helps to see what you have and know when you're running low on something (so you don't go to make a sauce only to find that you're out of tomatoes). Organizing dry goods and snacks by type is also an easy tweak that makes the pantry so much more usable.
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07 of 14
Organize the Same Type of Food in Rows
@theprojectneat
If you're lucky enough to design your own pantry, consider adding a drawer that makes the most of its depth. Putting snacks into acrylic or clear plastic bins not only looks nice, but it keeps you aware of what you have because who hasn't pulled out a box of snacks and realized someone in the house put it away empty?
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08 of 14
Unwrap Paper Products
@ocdbyfoomz
This oversized pantry is stunning, of course, but also totally functional. Unwrapping paper goods and stacking them makes the most of space— when you're arranging a deep pantry it always makes sense to store a backlog of extra products behind the ones you plan to use first. It always makes sense to use bins you can clearly see into.
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09 of 14
Label Everything
@getminimized
When in doubt, label everything either by hand or with a label maker.
Use the top shelf of a pantry for things you don't use all the time, like baking supplies and specialty appliances. Long, thin organizers work well in deeper pantries because you can fit many sides by side. -
10 of 14
Add Deep Pull-Out Shelves
@sortandsensibility
This may not be a walk-in pantry, but its deep shelves hold a ton. Here, bigger bins on the shelves are used for paper products and backstock spices. Additionally, the turntables hold jars so you don't risk breaking anything looking for what you need, and the wooden shelves are custom-made to withstand a lot of weight from canned goods.
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11 of 14
Organize Tupperware in Descending Size Order
@the_happy_organiser
Before you even begin organizing your pantry, it's helpful to have a plan. These pop-top bins, for example, seem to have been purchased with ascending order in mind and the pull-out drawers are neatly labeled. If you have the space, storing cans flat in a drawer is a great way to use some depth.
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12 of 14
Bring in a Stool
@lets.sort
A stool is a must in a deep pantry so you can reach all the way to the back of higher shelves. We love the sleek turntables that keep sauces organized and easy to find while deep woven bins are a smart use of lower space.
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13 of 14
Try Different Kinds of Bins
@lets.sort
For some people, using exclusively clear bins may feel a little chaotic or visually busy. You can definitely use deep woven bins in a deep pantry, just make sure that your labels are large and clearly written. It always makes sense to decant things like sugar or flour which don't have specific cooking instructions on the packaging.
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14 of 14
Use Top Shelves for Cookbooks
@afreshspace
This deep pantry has it all: labels, risers, and plenty of bins. It's clever to use the top shelf for organizing cookbooks, which you probably won't need daily but it's nice to know exactly where to find the recipe you're craving.
Large wire bins on top are ideal for storing lightweight back-stock items like paper goods.
Rational Storage in the Pantry: 15 Stylish Solutions
You can create a custom furniture project, but for now, ReRooms shares life hacks that will help you organize storage in the pantry wisely.
1. Swivel stand
The corner in any closet is usually like a black hole, in which everything that falls into it disappears. To find the right jar-bottle, sometimes you have to turn over the entire contents of the shelf. It seems that sometimes it's easier to go to the store and buy the right product than to find it in the corner of the pantry. To rationally use an uncomfortable corner, equip it with a rotating rack - on it all the necessary things will always be in sight and at hand. nine0003
Photo: housebeautiful.com
2. Plank with hooks
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- organize a thin bar with hooks for storing them, which will not take up much space.
You can find such a device for storing small things in any hardware store.
Photo: baneproject.com
3. Pegboard
A perforated board is a great idea for storing kitchen utensils in the pantry. Place it in the wall between the shelves - and get a great place to hang frying pans and baking dishes, which are sometimes difficult to find a place in the kitchen.
Photo: housebeautiful.com
4. Shoe organizer
Shoe storage bags can be used for more than their intended purpose. They can become a convenient storage for small items on the pantry door. Comfortable, simple and all the little things in their places. nine0003
Photo: trendehouse.com
5. Hanging baskets
Another option to use the closet door for storage is to use wire hanging baskets. It is convenient to store detergents, sponges and napkins for cleaning, as well as bags and jars with seasonings and semi-finished products that are lost on deep shelves. Thus, you will not only get rid of the eternal mess, but also free up space for storing large items, such as rarely used household appliances.
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Photo: countryliving.com
6. Corner Shelving
Corner shelving helps organize storage in tiny closets. It doesn’t matter if they are wooden, metal or glass structures, the main thing is to place the shelves on them at different levels. So it will be possible to compactly place jars with pickles of different sizes, containers and boxes of different sizes, without forcing the floor.
Photo: countryliving.com
7. Transparent containers
Insects often appear in the pantry where food is stored. Hermetic plastic containers will be the salvation from bugs - bulk products and cereals will be safe in them. And in order not to confuse semolina with flour, make inscriptions. nine0003
Photo: ikea.com
8. Sticker bins
Use sticker bins to keep your closet organized. In them, you can sort out the entire food supply into groups so as not to waste time looking for the right product.
Photo: hgtv.com
9. Additional Levels
Your pantry has large gaps in the shelves and have you started putting cans in the second row to fill in the gaps? Do not, it is inconvenient and traumatic.
Better arrange additional levels on the shelves with hanging baskets - they will allow you to use all the space with maximum benefit. nine0003
Photo: realhomes.com
10. Concealed storage
The pantry in the kitchen is an indispensable helper in the house. But it is difficult to build it in a small kitchen space. In this case, we offer to organize the storage of products in a pull-out rack, which can be hidden between the refrigerator and the wall or in a closet. On its shelves you can store everything that we usually make kitchen surfaces with. Such smart storage will ensure order in your kitchen!
Photo: hgtv.com
Photo: countryliving.com
11. Laundry
A pantry can be an excellent storage for more than just kitchen utensils and food supplies. This secret niche can be used even more practically. For example, arrange a laundry there. Just imagine how much space will be freed up in the bathroom if the washing machine, dryer and all household laundry chemicals move into the pantry.
Photo: ncperid.org
12. Laundry storage
The closet is also great for storing clean laundry. This is especially true for owners of small apartments with a limited number of storage systems. There is a place here for towels, bedding and even household chemicals. A great alternative to a bulky closet, isn't it! nine0003
Photo: ayokonseling.com
13. Cozy office
Yes, you heard right! A tiny utility room in the apartment can be used as a home office. The main thing is to think about good lighting there.
Photo: heartorganizing.com
14. Toys in order
Families with small children cannot do without additional storage systems. And here the pantry space will come to the rescue, where instead of food and kitchen utensils, you can store toys on the shelves, which, as the child grows up, break through the border of the nursery and break into the common living space. nine0003
Photo: decomg.com
15. Two in one
And finally, we offer you the idea of a multifunctional arrangement of a pantry, where storage is combined with a mini-office.
This idea will appeal to hostesses who love culinary experiments - they will be able to choose a recipe in one place, select products for it and make a shopping list if any necessary ingredient was not in the house.
Photo: countryliving.com
11 Pantry Organizing Ideas • inTrends
Whether your kitchen is modern, rustic or somewhere in between. Efficient storage organization goes with everything. And there is no place more prone to clutter and disorganization than a pantry.
Moving away from bulky food packaging in favor of reusable containers is now considered a big trend. But it's not the only way or the best way to improve your pantry organization.
From hidden drawers to hanging baskets, there are more ways to organize your kitchen utensils than you think. Check out these pantry optimization ideas below and start rethinking your entire kitchen storage system. nine0003
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Shelf ideas for pantry organization
Open shelves are less hidden than cabinets or cabinets.
Get a stylish mess by mixing decorative items with dry foods and spice jars.
Arranging food in the right containers will help keep your shelves organized. Individual trays will help you organize your supplies and make it easier to find what you need.
Floating shelves allow essential items to be stored at any height. If you are installing stationary options in the pantry, distribute them at different heights to accommodate a range of items of various sizes. nine0003
Floor-to-ceiling shelving is essential for maximizing storage space, especially in a small space. Keep your least used items on the top shelf and invest in a stool that matches your kitchen décor.
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Ideas for organizing a wooden pantry
If you have a carpentry talent or know someone who can build anything, you can easily build your own wood pantry with easy storage. Even if you have to hire an experienced specialist to do the job, we promise that the result will be worth the money spent.
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Provide special boxes for the most necessary things in the pantry. If you're going to be storing small kitchen appliances inside, such as a coffee maker, mixer, or blender, consider adding cable management holes to the wooden shelves.
Solid wood shelving requires more care than laminate, metal or plastic. Make sure your pantry shelves are well protected from damage. Protective pads on the shelves will help stop the catastrophic mess in the bud. nine0003
When it comes to looks, there's no shortage of ways to design your wood pantry to match your kitchen décor. Let natural wood shine from within, and paint your pantry door for a contemporary aesthetic.
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Storage cabinet ideas
Cabinets keep food organized and tidy, whether it's in the pantry or built-in storage in the kitchen.
Unfortunately, storage behind cupboard doors is also a great way to forget food even exists. Invest in glass or mesh doors that allow you to see everything inside without having to open cabinets.
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A large kitchen cabinet is a great way to keep essentials close at hand. Match the exterior finishes to the existing cabinetry in your kitchen. As always, be sure to make the most of your available storage space with shelves or baskets built into the inside of your cabinet doors.
Wardrobes are great, but don't underestimate how useful one or two drawers in your pantry can be. Drawers are the perfect place to store cooking utensils, snack bags, and other hard-to-stow items. nine0003
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Pantry storage ideas
Our number one organizing tip is to mix and match storage options as often as possible. If you rely only on cabinets, shelves or drawers, then the space is more likely to work against you than for you.
Most people understand the importance and convenience of spice racks. You can use a similar concept to store your canned food collection. By placing smaller items on miniature tiered shelves, it's easier to see everything in your pantry.
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While some ideas for pantry organization are thought-provoking, common pantry fixtures can do double duty. Of course, don't fight the urge to store non-food items in it, but solutions like a shoe rack or a plastic grocery bag holder will make your pantry look great.
Try to get things off the pantry floor, even if it means just putting them in a storage basket. This will keep things like cans and paper towels free of dust and moisture. Plus, the items will be easier to move when it's time to sweep or mop the closet. nine0003
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Organizing ideas for a pull-out pantry
When it comes to pantry organization ideas, it's easy to overlook comfort. But you can combine the best of both worlds with pull-out pantries.
Drawer pantries come in a variety of shapes, styles and sizes. The most popular variation of this trend is sliding shelves.
You can add pull-out shelves to almost any pantry, kitchen or otherwise. Pull-out shelves are especially useful in deep spaces and for low-to-the-ground storage.
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If you're looking for ultra-compact storage that can fit in even the most awkward of spaces, you might be interested in the entire pull-out system. It can be built into the wall or into kitchen cabinets.
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Storage cabinet replacement ideas
If your kitchen does not have a pantry, the nearest closet is the best option. The larger the closet, the more space you have at your disposal. But a tiny unused kitchen cabinet has more potential than you might think. nine0003
You can get by with a set of wire shelves - you probably already have them in your kitchen cabinet. However, wooden shelves are also worth the investment. Solid pantry shelves are easier to clean, won't snag on small items, and keep spills under control.
When everything inside the pantry is in order, pay attention to the door. Replacing an existing door is a great way to spice up your kitchen decor without creating a visual clutter.
No cabinet? No problem.
A cupboard is also a great alternative. In free-standing cabinets, you can organize all the features of a full-size pantry cabinet. Look for a cabinet that matches your kitchen decor and has lots of shelves and drawers. nine0003
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Small pantry storage ideas
Organization is important at any scale. Just because your pantry is in a small space or closet doesn't mean you don't deserve a well-organized space.
Hanging shelves are a great way to get more use. For efficiency, double the number of shelves you have so you can expand a small pantry space.
Hanging objects free up space on the shelves. Add hooks to the bottom of shelves or cabinets to store items like measuring cups or mugs. nine0003
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Corner pantry storage ideas
If your kitchen lacks storage space and has an empty corner, the solution is obvious. Install a built-in corner cabinet or invest in a freestanding one that doubles as an organizer instead of a pantry.
Avoid deep shelves in corner storage. You may feel like you're sacrificing extra storage space. However, in most cases it will be better if you have easy access to all the main products. nine0003
Consider adding rotating shelves to your corner pantry. This little detail will make jars, spice jars and other small items much easier to find than regular ones.
Don't let your corner pantry sit idle. Attach additional storage to the door and install shelves on each surface inside. Even small shelves can come in handy for storing things like baking soda or peanut butter jars.
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Storage containers
Even if you don't want to transfer all the staples in your pantry to new containers, it's good to have them on hand. Storage containers are often better at preserving food than the original packaging. Plus, investing in floating containers can save valuable shelf space.
Glass storage containers are more durable but also more expensive.
Luckily, an old glass jar can easily be turned into a high-quality storage container. Dissimilar old cans are an affordable solution. Replace the original jar lids with new plastic or wooden ones. nine0003
A transparent container will also almost always be more comfortable than an opaque one. The only exception is when direct sunlight enters your pantry during the day.
This is another area where the form and function of your pantry can come into conflict. If you intend to use only one type of storage container in your pantry, look for a set that includes containers of different shapes and sizes.
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Butler pantry ideas
Many homeowners dream of having a "butler's" pantry. But this multifunctional room has its own collection of storage challenges.
Everything has its place in the butler's pantry, including kitchen appliances on the countertop. A decorative tray or dish rack is a great way to organize space in a butler's pantry.
Don't skimp on cabinets. You may decide that you don't need closed cabinets in a separate pantry. However, relying on open shelves can make things look chaotic and cluttered. nine0003
Take the time to treat your mobile pantry as an extension of your kitchen. By adding some decor to a room, you will not only improve its appearance. Creating a custom design for your pantry will give you the extra motivation you need to keep organized.
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Pantry ideas with baskets
Organize your baskets and your pantry will be tidy in no time. They will also help you see exactly what should be on your grocery list this week. nine0003
Plastic containers are easier to clean than wicker baskets. Mesh baskets are great for storing bulky items, but small items like granola bars will slip through.
Don't aim for perfect uniformity. Identical baskets can be aesthetically pleasing, but they are often impractical. Choose from different sizes of baskets to best fit your pantry staples.
