Easy Small Kitchen Pantry Organization

Struggling to keep your kitchen pantry organized? My easy small kitchen pantry organization tips will help you get organized in no time!

Say goodbye to the days of mess and clutter in your kitchen pantry – with a few simple steps, I’ll help you create an organized and efficient space that looks just like one of those picture-perfect pantries on Pinterest!

Getting your small kitchen pantry into shape doesn’t have to be a daunting task and it doesn’t mean completely overhauling your entire storage system. I know because I just organized several spaces in our home and I couldn’t be more excited about it.

messy pantry shelves with wicker baskets
"“As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission. You may read my disclosure policy here".

In this blog post, I’ll share some easy (and fun!) tips to help you with an easy small kitchen pantry organization without breaking the bank. So get ready for some helpful tips, cute containers, and inspiring ideas that will transform how you store food in no time!

It’s going to feel so amazing when you are done. You can thank me later!

How do I organize a kitchen with a small pantry?

When we first built our home one requirement for me was to have a designated space or food pantry.

I had never had a pantry before so this was pretty exciting.

Back in the day, seriously, I had a home with only two closets. One in each bedroom. One! There wasn’t even a closet for coats. Talk about learning how to organize things!

I digress! Which brings me to this house.

We ended up moving a closet on the back bedroom wall to create a double-door pantry on the kitchen space side. I thought I was in heaven.

The next step is to share with you how to get even more space within the pantry

If you’re working with a relatively small kitchen pantry, like me, storage and organization can be a challenge. The key is to maximize the small space that you have to make sure everything has a home.

My motto is, like things with like things.

Always.

That goes for everything in your home, not just the pantry.

How do you do this? By adding useful racks, bins, storage containers, layered shelving, or lazy susan-type organizers.

Supplies needed for your easy small kitchen pantry organization

The essentials

1. Thoroughly Clean Shelves

I started by thoroughly cleaning each shelf. Since we have wired racks, I use a plastic liner on top to prevent anything from falling thru.

Not big on the cleaning part? You would be surprised at how much you can accomplish in just 20 minutes.

Start by taking an inventory

2. Take an inventory of items

Start by taking inventory of all of your items and then properly categorizing them into groups, such as canned foods, snacks, condiments, spices, and baking supplies.

Now is a good time to discard any items that have expired or are no longer used or needed.

3. Decide what types of containers you will use

I used wicker baskets since I like more of a country look, but using clear containers with airtight lids to store small items like nuts or pasta is always an option.

How do I get more pantry space in a small kitchen?

One of my favorite additions to my pantry is my spice rack.

I use it every day and find it easy to find what I need rather than digging through a cabinet or having them piled in a drawer.

  • Using a spice rack: A spice rack is a great way to organize spices in a small kitchen pantry. This will help you to keep all of your spices organized and will make it easy to find the one you need when you are cooking. You can find spice racks at most stores that sell kitchen supplies.
lazy susan spice rack with jars
  • One of the best ways to organize a small kitchen pantry is to use clear storage containers. This will allow you to see what is in each container and will help you to find things more easily.
  • A dish rack is another great way to organize a small kitchen pantry. This will help you to keep all of your dishes organized and will make it easy for you to find the ones you need when you are cooking.
  • Another great way to organize a small kitchen pantry is to use labels.
  • These are helpful as well.
  • I love how these jars come with white labels for every type of spice.
  • This will help you to know where everything is and will make it easier to find things when you need them. You can either buy pre-made labels or you can make your own.

3. Fill containers

It’s a good idea to cut the label from the ingredient packaging as well (it has the expiration date on them) or you can write the expiration date of the item on the bottom of your container.

wicker garden basket on shelf in pantry

Tip: Building a new home? Ask your builder if he can do this!

We asked our builder to add an outlet in the pantry for the microwave. This can help save on cabinet or counter space and hide your microwave which is another perfect idea for your small kitchen pantry organization.

Our microwave typically isn’t used often so this worked out great for us.

My cookbooks used to be on the top shelf which isn’t handy being five feet tall.

Moving them to the middle shelf was genius. haha Why didn’t I do this before I’ll never know!

Pin it to remember it:

4. Place like items together in bins

Remember how I mentioned the concept of putting like things with like things? Now it’s time to fill your baskets or bins.

In this basket, I have honey for tea, Ovaltine, and additional beverage items.

What if you have a pantry with pull-out drawers? Missy (from Sonata Home Design) has great ideas to organize your pantry drawers.

5. Place bins on the shelves

Go ahead and step back and admire your work!

I’ll admit it. I opened and closed the doors at least 10 times the first day and just gazed!

Small kitchen pantry organization can be easily accomplished with a few simple tips. By considering what you need to store in your pantry and investing in the right storage solutions, you can create an efficient and functional space.

With a little bit of planning, organizing your small kitchen pantry is easy! Do you have a small kitchen pantry that needs some organization?

Susan Signature with feather pen
what herbs go with rosemary
Appetizers | Main Dishes | Side Dishes | Soups

What Herbs Go with Rosemary: A Fresh Flavor Guide

Today I’m sharing What Herbs Go with Rosemary the Best? A fresh flavor guide to help you decipher how to mix your companion plants. Growing up, I was fortunate to spend countless hours in my Italian grandfather’s garden. It was a sprawling paradise filled with an abundance of fresh herbs, vegetables, and grapevines. One of my fondest memories is of my grandfather carrying a salt shaker in his pocket. He would wander through the rows of tomatoes, pluck one straight off the vine, sprinkle it with salt, and enjoy it right there in the garden. I still believe this is the best way to enjoy a fresh tomato. His pride in his garden was evident in his meticulous care of every plant, and his joy in sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends was contagious.

italian herbs for cooking
Main Dishes

Essential Herbs for Italian Cooking: Best Spices and Tips

Growing up in an Italian household, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by the enticing aroma of homemade tomato sauce on the stove. My grandmother, Antonia, was the heart of our kitchen, creating the most mouth-watering dishes that brought our family together. One of the secrets to her incredible Italian food was her use of fresh, homegrown herbs….

greens and beans on table
Main Dishes

Best Italian Greens and Beans Recipe: Sausage and Parmesan

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that screams comfort food and Italian flair, look no further! Our Best Italian Greens and Beans Recipe with Sausage and Parmesan checks all the boxes. This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it uses only one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.

overhead view of giuseppi's pizza and menu
Main Dishes

Best Pizza on Hilton Head Island: Giuseppi’s 15-Year Favorite

Every year for the past fifteen years, our family has packed our bags, and headed to our favorite vacation spot: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. This beautiful island, known for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and world-class golf courses, has always been our go-to destination for relaxation and family bonding. Over the years, we’ve explored many Hilton Head restaurants, indulging in mouthwatering seafood, savoring fresh oysters, and dining at Michael Anthony’s on our last night. But no trip to Hilton Head would be complete without a visit to our favorite pizza place, and the Best Pizza on Hilton Head Island: Giuseppi’s 15-year favorite.

6 Comments

  1. So many great tips Susan! I liked hearing about your previous home as it is nice to hear how people started. My pantry has turned into decor storage which is a real annoyance to my family so I need to figure things out.

  2. What a great organizing post-Susan, I need to work on my pantry. I did it last year, but it could use a refresh.

  3. Your post is a good reminder to me to refresh my pantry organization! I love using lazy Susans!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *