10+ kitchen pantry space saving ideas 🍽️💡 Organize better and maximize every inch

If you’re like most people, your kitchen pantry is crammed full of stuff. And if you’re like me, you have no idea what half of it is (or when you bought it). That’s where kitchen pantry space-saving ideas can come in and help you make the most of the space you have.

In this blog post, we will discuss 10 ways to save space and organize your kitchen pantry!

1. Start with a cleanse

The easiest way to make space in your pantry right off the bat is to get rid of all expired items. Take each item out one by one and check the expiry date. It can be surprising what ends up in a kitchen pantry after a year or two.

Dispose of the expired food (I compost food waste in my Lomi electric composter), get rid of any empty cereal boxes or containers, and place everything else on a flat surface where you can see it all at once.

There are two schools of thought in terms of organizing bulk items in a pantry. Some people like to keep everything in its original package to make sure the ingredients and expiration date are easy to see.

Others like to decant plain ingredients into clear containers (especially if you buy a lot of products in bulk where they don’t have labels or printed expiration dates). Some people also use glass jars or custom containers to pull everything together. This gives everything a consistent look.

2. Group like-sized items

Now that everything is visible, group like items together in large categories. For instance, put all the baking ingredients together in one area. Group dry grains like oatmeal and rice in another spot. Take note of which items are in large containers and which are smaller and can possibly be grouped together to save a bit of space.

When you do this on the counter, rather than trying to do it inside the pantry, it’s way easier to visualize your pantry organization.

3. Corral items in labeled bins to save storage space

One of the best ways to save space in your kitchen pantry is to corral items in labeled bins or baskets. This will help you to keep track of what you have and where it is, so you can easily find what you need when you need it. It also helps to keep your pantry organized and tidy.

You can find labeled bins at most home stores, or you can make your own by labeling clear plastic storage bins with a permanent marker or using a label machine. Be sure to label the bins according to the type of food they will contain, such as cereals, snacks, baking supplies, etc. This will help you to quickly and easily grab the bin you need when you’re looking for something specific. Corralling items in labeled bins and baskets is a simple but effective way to save space in your kitchen pantry.

If you’ve got enough vertical space in your pantry, stacking containers can also help you save valuable shelf space.

4. Create a mudroom pantry

One of the best ways to save space in your kitchen pantry is to create a separate “mudroom” pantry area. This is a pantry that is specifically designed for storing all of your cleaning supplies, including mops, buckets, and cleaning supplies.

By consolidating all of your cleaning supplies into one space, you can free up a lot of space in your kitchen pantry. In addition, a mudroom pantry can also be used for storing other items such as shoes and coats. By creating a mudroom pantry, you can transform your kitchen pantry into a more organized and efficient space.

If you’re one of the people that likes to put pantry essentials into bins, you could also use this space to store large bulk bags of essentials like flours, pastas, etc. Having a dedicated pantry for backup and cleaning supplies clears up tons of space, and will be especially helpful if you’ve got a tiny pantry.

5. Design a beverage nook

Designating a specific area for beverage storage is a great way to make the most of your kitchen pantry space. By creating a dedicated nook for beverages, you can free up valuable real estate in other areas of the pantry for dry goods, small appliances, and other items. When planning your beverage nook, consider how much space you need to comfortably store all of your drinks. Then, choose a location that makes sense for your kitchen layout. For example, if you frequently entertain guests, you may want to position your beverage nook near the dining room or living room for easy access.

Once you have determined the perfect spot for your nook, it’s time to start stocking up on supplies. Shelves or racks are a necessity for storing cans, bottles, and glasses, while a small fridge or wine cooler can keep perishables close at hand. For an added touch of style, consider installing a built-in cabinet or decorative screen to create a focal point for the nook. With a little planning and some creative thinking, you can turn even the smallest kitchen pantry into a functional and stylish storage space.

6. Organize spirits by type

Organizing your kitchen pantry according to the type of spirit is a great space-saving idea. This method is also helpful if you entertain often, as it will make it easy for you to grab the right bottle quickly when guests arrive. First, group all of the liquors together. This includes vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and whiskey.

Then, arrange the liqueurs by type. For example, put all of the fruit liqueurs together, and group the cream liqueurs separately. Finally, Organize bitters and mixers according to how they are typically used. For instance, put all of the tonic water in one area and the soda water in another. By taking a few moments to organize your spirits by type, you’ll be able to save valuable space in your kitchen pantry.

7. Use sliding shelves for pots

Use sliding shelves for pots if your pots and pans are taking up too much space in your kitchen cabinets. These shelves can be installed easily and slide out so that you can access everything with ease. This is a great way to save space and keep your kitchen organized.

Use hooks for hanging items, too. If you have a lot of pots and pans, try using hooks to hang them up. This will free up some space in your cabinets and make it easier to grab what you need when you’re cooking.

You can also use command hooks for hanging baskets if you want to add some extra storage without taking up too much space. This is a great way to store things like fruits and vegetables or even kitchen towels. We also use one for hanging a bag filled with reusable shopping bags.

8. Transform your coat closet into a grand pantry

Kitchen pantries are a great way to save space in your kitchen. If you have a coat closet, you can also transform it into a grand pantry if the one you have in your kitchen is too small. This is a creative food storage idea for pantry organization, but it works!

First, remove all the coats and other items from the closet. Then, measure the dimensions of the closet and find shelves that will fit snugly inside. Next, install the shelves and make sure they are level. Finally, fill the shelves with pantry items such as canned goods, spices, and cereals. If it’s a good distance from the kitchen, I would keep pantry staples nearby your cooking space and use this for items you reach for less often.

9. Install a pullout pantry

One way to save space in your kitchen pantry is to install a pullout pantry. This type of pantry allows you to store your food and supplies more efficiently, by using less space. You can find pullout pantries at most home improvement stores, and they are relatively easy to install. The main benefit of a pullout pantry is that it saves you space.

By being able to store your food and supplies in a smaller area, you can free up space in your kitchen for other things. In addition, a pullout pantry can make it easier to access your food and supplies, because you don’t have to search through a cluttered cupboard. If you are looking for a way to save space in your kitchen, then installing a pullout pantry may be the perfect solution.

10. Add a pot rack

A pot rack is a great way to save space in your kitchen pantry. By hanging pots and pans from a pot rack, you can free up valuable cabinet and counter space. In addition, pot racks help to keep your kitchen organized and tidy. When pots and pans are kept on a pot rack, they are easy to find and grab when you need them.

However, before you purchase a pot rack, it is important to measure the space in your pantry to ensure that there is enough clearance for the pot rack. Additionally, make sure to choose a pot rack that is made of sturdy materials that can support the weight of your pots and pans. With these tips in mind, adding a pot rack to your kitchen pantry is a great way to save space and keep your kitchen organized.

11. Use a spice rack

Use a spice rack! This is one of the best kitchen pantry space-saving ideas. By using a spice rack, you can store all of your spices in one place and prevent them from taking up valuable counter or cabinet space. Plus, this way you can see all of your spices at a glance, making it easier to find the one you need.

There are many different styles of spice racks available, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. Spice racks can be mounted on the wall, hung from a cabinet door, or even placed on the countertop. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to save space in your kitchen pantry, use a spice rack!

12. Utilize tray dividers

Utilizing tray dividers is a great way to save space in your kitchen pantry. By installing these dividers, you can effectively utilize all of the available space in your pantry, which would otherwise go to waste. Not only will this help to keep your food organized, but it will also help you to save money by not having to purchase additional storage containers.

In addition, tray dividers are extremely durable and will last for many years with proper care. With all of these benefits, it is easy to see why utilizing tray dividers is one of the best kitchen pantry space-saving ideas around!

13. Use lazy susans

A few lazy susans can help group together small items that are accessed together. Just be careful to place the lazy susan on a narrow shelf or at least not to push it to the back of the pantry! Choose a small lazy susan and put it right near the front where things won’t get lost.

Kitchen pantry space-saving basics

So, those are some ideas to help you save space in your kitchen pantry. By investing in some shelves or racks, and using some creative storage solutions, you can make the most of even the smallest pantry. And, by decluttering regularly, you can ensure that your pantry stays neat and organized. With a little effort, you can transform your kitchen pantry into a space that is both functional and stylish.

Also, read Montessori Kitchen Tips For Parents & Educators.

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10+ kitchen pantry space saving ideas