How to organize your pantry like a pro with 5 easy tips

Why is it so hard to find anything in the pantry? Somehow, food container lids always seem to go missing, the canned goods live in multiple places and that packet of taco seasoning for tonight's dinner is nowhere to be found — but there are three jars of peanut butter. Keeping those shelves tidy can feel like a never-ending task, so we consulted with the pros on how to organize your pantry in a few easy steps.

Most organizers agree that the first step to decluttering the pantry is taking everything out of the pantry — and we do mean everything. Then, review expiration dates and toss stuff you haven't used in a while. If you haven't eaten pickled asparagus in a year, odds are you're never going to. As for non-food items like food storage containers, water bottles and appliances, take stock of what you use daily versus what you rarely use. Relegate holiday serving pieces and other items you only pull out a few times a year to top shelves or other storage areas outside of the kitchen.

Whether you need a few tweaks or a complete pantry overhaul, we've got expert tips and products to help. (For more kitchen organization, check out our expert-sourced list of the best kitchen cabinet organizers and our guide to the best kitchen organizers of 2025).

1. Group similar items in zones

The pantry can be a big pain point, says Robyn Reynolds, owner of Organize2Harmonize. "With no organization, you don't know what you have and you end up buying more and more of the same." To better keep track, she advises creating zones: baking, breakfast, sauces, grains, snacks, canned goods, drinks and so on. Use baskets or bins to keep zoned items together.

2. Label everything

Once you've identified your pantry zones, use labels on containers where you can't see the contents — but also on shelves and in drawers so everyone in the house knows what goes where, no questions asked. "Even if creating a label for where you keep the cooking spoons seems silly, do it anyway," says Katrina Teeple, owner of Operation Organization. "Labels keep us honest with ourselves. They also support family members in putting things back where they belong! You can’t argue with a label. It says what it says!"

3. Ditch the packaging to create space

"Take small containers and packets out of bulky boxes. You'll save space and keep food fresh," says Elia Wolberger, a chef and meal prep expert in New York City. This also helps you locate smaller items easily. Once items are out of all their packaging, you can corral them in clear drawers. If you have deep shelves, look for long, clear bins to make the most of the space. And don't forget to group like with like!

4. Put bottles and jars on turntables (aka lazy Susans)

"I love a turntable," says Marlena Masitto, owner of Philly Neat Freaks. "It helps with visibility for sauces, especially. Plastic ones are easier to clean, and I like a bit of a lip so things don’t fly off. Open formats are often better than ones with compartments, which can be too limiting in terms of the size of items."

5. Customize your shelves

"It's easy to create more storage inside cabinets with risers because they take advantage of unused vertical space," explains professional organizer Zeenat Siman. She recommends measuring your tallest items, then adjusting the shelves accordingly. If you can't adjust the shelves (or don't have enough), pick up some stackable or adjustable risers.