How to Organize Your Pantry by Category?

Organizing your pantry by category makes finding ingredients quick and easy, reducing food waste and saving you time. The key is to group similar items together into designated areas.

Step-by-Step Pantry Organization

Before you begin categorizing, it's a good idea to empty your pantry completely. Check expiration dates, discard expired or unwanted items, and give the shelves a quick wipe down. Once clean, you can start bringing items back in, grouping them by type.

Designating Areas for Food Categories

According to organizational best practices, a great way to categorize is to designate areas for different types of food. This involves assigning specific shelves, sections, or bins to distinct food groups.

Here are common categories you can create within your pantry:

• Baked Goods: Items like flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, chocolate chips, sprinkles, cake mixes, etc.
• Breakfast Items: Group cereals, oatmeal, granola, pancake mix, syrups, jams, jellies, and spreads.
• Grains: This includes rice, pasta, quinoa, couscous, lentils, and other dried grains.
• Beverages: Store bottled water, sodas, juice boxes, or any other non-refrigerated drinks.
• Tea and Coffee: Keep tea bags, coffee grounds, filters, and related items together.
• Snacks: Chips, crackers, cookies, granola bars, fruit snacks, and other ready-to-eat treats.
• Stocks & Broths: Boxed or canned stocks, broths, and perhaps dried soup mixes.
• Canned Goods: A section for canned vegetables, fruits, beans, soups (if not in the stock section), and meats.
• Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, relishes, pickles, olives, and other non-refrigerated condiments.
• Oils and Vinegars: Cooking oils, olive oils, vegetable oils, and various types of vinegars.
• Spices and Seasonings: While sometimes stored separately, a pantry is a common spot for jars of spices and seasoning blends.
• Baking Needs: (Often overlaps with Baked Goods, but can include things like food coloring, extracts).
• Pet Food/Supplies: If stored in the pantry, designate a separate, easily accessible area.

Practical Organization Tips

• Use Containers and Bins: Clear bins, baskets, or airtight containers help keep categories contained and prevent items from toppling over. They also help you see what you have.
• Label Everything: Clearly label shelves, bins, and containers so everyone knows where things belong.
• Zone Your Pantry: Place frequently used items at eye level and within easy reach. Heavier or less-used items can go on lower or higher shelves.
• Vertical Storage: Use shelf risers or stackable bins to maximize vertical space, especially for cans or shorter items.
• Maintain Regularly: Once organized, do a quick tidy-up weekly and a more thorough restock/reorganize monthly.

By following these steps and creating clear categories, your pantry will become a functional and stress-free space.