How to Organize a Pantry That Truly Works for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to pantry organization—and that’s actually a good thing! The best system is the one that works for you. That means taking into account:
◈ Who uses the pantry
◈ How often it’s contents are accessed
◈ What kind of space and shelving you’re working with
◈ And of course, what you actually store in it
The goal? A pantry that feels functional, looks (tidy, beautiful, &/or however YOU want it to look) and is easy to maintain.
Step 1: Clear It Out
If you’ve got the time and space, start by removing everything from the pantry. Yup—every single item. This gives you a blank slate and helps you see the space with fresh eyes. While it's empty, go ahead and wipe down shelves and surfaces. A clean foundation makes a big difference.
Step 2: Take Inventory
Now’s the time to review your pantry contents. Ask yourself:
◈ Is this still being used?
◈ Is it expired?
◈ Could it be donated?
◈ Does it belong somewhere else in the home?
The goal here is to declutter and keep only what’s useful, relevant, and makes sense for your current household needs.
Step 3: Plan for Daily Use
Now that you have selected what you will keep, consider the available space and how the pantry is used day-to-day. In addition to daily meal ingredients, is it needed as a grab-and-go snack station? Do you need to store backstock in it, or is there another space where that can be stored? Do you need a baking supplies section?
Group and zone items by use. For example:
◈ Daily essentials (like cereal, pasta, snacks) should be front and center, organized into meal groupings
◈ Occasional items (holiday treats, baking supplies, backstock) can go up high or toward the back
◈ Small appliances (like your blender or air fryer) are great in the pantry to free up counter space
This type of accessibility planning makes your pantry feel intuitive and easy to maintain.
Step 4: Set Intentional Priorities
Want to promote healthy eating habits? Place nutritious options at eye level. Want to slow down the sweets? Store them higher up, in an opaque bin or in less convenient spots.
You’re not just organizing—you’re designing a space that supports your goals.
Step 5: Use What You’ve Got
Whether you’ve got a walk-in pantry or a single cabinet, the same organizing principles apply:
◈ Make it functional
◈ Keep it clutter-free
◈ Let it reflect your lifestyle and priorities
And remember: this process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Even organizing one shelf at a time is progress!
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com
Photo: Zac Gudakov @zacgudakov
