7 Ideas for Organizing a Small Kitchen Pantry

Queue Up with Dispensers

Wire or plastic dispensers can hold a variety of canned goods including soups, veggies, and beverages.  They come in an array of shapes and presentations (vertical and horizontal) to fit different pantry dimensions and depths. While stacking cans of similar sizes would seem to be an obvious storage method, using dispensers makes the most safety sense as a toppling tower of metal cans requires quick reflexes.  The Kitchn offers some brilliant canned good storage ideas in this article.

Stack and Nest

In smaller pantries, space is at a premium so the ability to stack and nest storage bins while mostly utilitarian can also offer visual appeal.  Coordinating yet durable & transparent stackable bins can help you conserve space and allow you to see the necessary necessities.  Group like items with like items for intentional ease of use. If you have children, designate a bin for a snack station for easy grab-n-go options (raisin packets, applesauce pouches, ziploc baggies of granola, bagged pretzels, and the like). 

Don’t Forget Over-The-Door 

If you have a door (either a full-sized or cupboard/cabinet) attached to your kitchen pantry, you gain stellar space to utilize for storage.  Over-the-door utility rack systems exist in many configurations for either hanging or mounting. Many come with adjustable units that allow you to customize and accommodate your pantry’s needs.

Stash frequently-used items for baking/cooking or paper goods such as napkins, foil, plastic wrap in this storage solution for ease of access.  Be sure to keep whatever system you decide on from swaying by securing it in place.  Double-sided tape, velcro, or command hooks work well.

Divide + Elevate = Double The Space

Maximize space with cupboard dividers and tiered shelf racks and risers. Use sturdy, expandable shelf dividers to separate your shelves' vertical square footage and instantly double your storage capacity! Utilize two dividers at right angles and, voila, you instantly gain a corner shelf! By elevating your pantry items with tiered racks/risers  (like arena/stadium seating), you instantly glean additional levels of bonus space.

Lazy Susan Space Saver

Hidden corners and shallow shelves are challenging design flaws but that's what Lazy Susan's are for!  This spinning superhero can hold an abundance of items like salts, spices, oils, vinegar, nut butters, and sauces.  You can find them made from all types of materials, multi-tiered and many come with dividers which further increases their appeal in smaller-sized spaces, such as a pantry. In this Food52 piece, read more about the history of the Lazy Susan and how “she” has become a pantry solution staple.

Go Vertical

There is a treasure trove in your kitchen pantry’s untapped vertical space.  By thinking “up,” you can significantly increase your pantry’s overall storage footprint.  Add floating shelves, mounted spice cabinets, magnetic racks, hooks, a pegboard, a cookbook rail, and under-the-shelf bins/baskets to multiply and stretch your pantry’s square footage. 

Canister Corral

See-through canisters of varying sizes allow you to decant and corral items and are best used for things such as flour, sugar, pasta, rice, cereals, and other dry goods.  Removing products from their original packaging (decanting) frees up room in your pantry and creates a more orderly display. Various sized canisters can be stacked to take advantage of “hidden” vertical space. Another benefit of canisters is that you can see what inventory you have on hand simply by taking a peek at how much is left in each.  Canisters come with air-tight lids which are also key in preventing pests.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let your small kitchen pantry become a pain point.  A streamlined layout can be a game-changer for any homeowner.  Marrying both form and function can take some trial and error until you find the right fit, but taking the time to do so is well worth the end result! Can you really put a price tag on accessibility?

Sources

• https://food52.com/blog/24407-how-to-organize-your-pantry
• https://www.thekitchn.com/canned-food-storage-260784