Pantry and Cabinet Organization

The kitchen cabinets and the pantry are the areas most likely to need a strict organizational scheme. Otherwise, boxes of pasta,  cans of soup,  half-full bags of flour,  and all the other supplies you use daily can become a hopeless jumble. Getting your space organized saves you time and money, as knowing where everything is and how much you have cuts down on your cooking time and prevents overbuying. Additionally, proper storage can keep bulk items fresher for longer, which means you won't have to buy as often.

Keep a Lid On It!

Anything that you store will need to be properly covered to guarantee that it will stay fresh for longer. Consider a few of the options below.

Ziploc Bags : These work great for packets of sugar  or bags that have been opened - this way they won't spill their contents all over the cabinet. Plastic Lids : Place these on jars and plastic containers to seal moisture in tight. Containers : Buy some in varying sizes so that you can accommodate everything, large or small. Storage Units : These can come in different sizes with a pattern to match your kitchen decor. Jars : Jars offer lots of room for storing things such as spices or nuts.

Shelf Units

Any of these pieces will help you to effectively organize your pantry or cabinet. Got a little one? Don't forget to use childproof locks  on cabinets and pantry doors. 

Cabinet Shelves  These can be as wide or as tall as you need them to be, and provide great storage space to keep food out of sight.	Door and Wall Organizers  Most of these come with hooks that can be hung up on the wall to allow you to utilize more space in your pantry. Just be sure that the hooks can support the weight of all your items.	Stackable Pantry Bins  These can be placed on top of each other to allow for more room in the pantry - think foods with tightly sealed packaging such as boxes of rice  or fruit cups.	Basket Organizers  No room left in your pantry? These baskets can be placed right on the floor and often pull out for easy access much like a drawer.

Food Organization

Got tons of spices  or too many cooking supplies  that are spilling over into your cabinets?  Many products are designed specifically to help you organize each item. Having bug problems? Try a pantry insect trap. 

Spice Racks  For all your spices from saffron  to pepper  - rack options vary for whatever your preference may be.	Plastic Bag Holders  This is an easy way to grab a bag in the morning and go.	Bulk Food Containers  Use these to store cereal,  coffee grinds,  tea bags,  or whatever loose items you have laying around.	Chip Clips  These will keep anything fresh from potato chips  to chocolate chips.	Flour Container  Once you open a bag of flour, it can get a little messy. Store it in a container with an easy pour spout.

Countertop Organization

Here are a few pieces that will help you to keep those counters organized, leaving you with more room for plants,  papers, and food  of course!

Cookie Jars  Not just for storing cookies!  Pick up one or two in a decorative pattern for your counter.	Undershelf Baskets  These work well since they can be suspended underneath your shelves and won't take up any countertop space.	Kitchen Turntables  These rotating wheels can store anything you need that is used in the kitchen daily.	Dry Food Dispensers  These dispensers consolidate dry food and make it easier to access.	Utensil Holders  It always much easier to have one place for all of your kitchen utensils, and you will always know where to find them.

Related Guides

Home and Garden	Kitchen and Dining	Food	Coffee	Kitchen Utensils

External Links

• MrsCleanUSA.com:  Some tips on how to organize and de-clutter your kitchen.