I’ve always said, and will continue to say, that organising is therapeutic for me. It gives me a sense of control and clarity—helping me see what I have, what should be discarded, and what needs to be bought.

In this blog focused on organisation, we will explore how to effectively organise your food pantry or cabinet.

How to Reorganise Your Pantry by Grouping Similar Pots and Avoiding Mismatches

The pantry or kitchen storage cupboard is one of the busiest spaces in any home, and over time, it can become a cluttered mess of mismatched containers, half-empty boxes, and forgotten items. A disorganised pantry can lead to frustration when cooking, wasted food, and even unnecessary trips to the store. But with a little time and effort, the pantry can be easily transformed into a well-organised, efficient space.

One of the most effective strategies for keeping your pantry cupboard tidy is grouping similar pots and containers together by size and function. This method not only saves time but also ensures that everything is easy to find when you need it.

Why Organising Pots by Similar Size Matters

When you place similar-sized pots together in your pantry, you create a sense of order that minimises the cluttered feeling many people experience when opening the cupboard door. By eliminating mismatched containers and arranging them based on size, you achieve the following benefits:

Maximised Space: Grouping similar-sized items together ensures you use your cupboard space efficiently, as containers can be stacked or arranged in a way that saves room. This allows for better organisation of other pantry staples.
Easier to Find Items: When all your similar-sized containers are placed together, it’s much easier to locate the exact item you're looking for, whether it’s a spice jar, flour bin, or canned goods. You won’t waste time sifting through mismatched containers or digging to find a specific pot.
Cleaner and Neater Appearance: When your pantry is filled with neatly organised, uniform containers, it creates a clean, polished look. This simple change can make your kitchen feel more inviting and efficient.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reorganising Your Pantry Cupboard

Here’s a simple step-by-step process to help you reorganise your pantry cupboard by grouping similar pots and avoiding mismatches:

1. Empty the Pantry

The first step in any organisation project is to start with a clean slate. Remove everything from your pantry cupboard so you can assess the space. This also gives you a chance to check expiration dates and dispose of any items you no longer need. This also allows me to remove contents from original packaging and add to preferred jars.

2. Sort Items by Category and Size

Once everything is removed and added to jars, begin by sorting your pots, jars, and containers into groups based on their size.

You may have large containers, medium-sized jars, or small spice jars. Place the similar-sized items together. For example, group your larger pots or jars at the back, with medium-sized containers in the middle, and small containers at the front for easy access.

3. Utilize Stackable Containers

For similar-sized containers, stackable storage bins or jars are a great option. These containers allow you to maximize vertical space and keep things from toppling over. Consider using clear, labeled containers so you can easily see what’s inside. When stacking, make sure the containers are of similar height to keep the stack stable.

4. Avoid Mismatched Containers

Personally, I like to use Le Parfait Super Screw jars 1, 2 and 3 litres - for spices and dry herbs, I use the 350ml Wiss jars. Their colour lids bring some kind of joy and happiness when I open the pantry.

To prevent mismatched pots and containers from causing chaos, replace any lids or containers that don’t fit or match. If you’re holding onto items with missing lids or mismatched sizes, consider donating or recycling them. When everything has a matching set, it’s easier to maintain a clean and organised pantry.

5. Label Everything

Once you’ve grouped similar items together, consider labeling your containers. Labels help you quickly identify what’s inside and can prevent confusion when the pantry is restocked. I have used post it notes (not very elegant indeed and I will need rethink this), cut out cooking instructions of original packages and added either to the front or bottom of the jars. To be more elegant, you could also use chalkboard labels for a stylish look or adhesive labels that clearly mark the contents.

6. Create Sections Based on Usage

For larger spaces, you might want to create designated sections within the pantry for specific uses. For example, keep all baking supplies like flour, sugar, and spices together in one section, while grouping canned goods and pasta separately in another. This will make it easy to find everything you need for specific meals or tasks. I have used one large shelf for all dry items, such as pasta, rice, semolina, etc and used another shelf for baking goods and breakfast related items (ie teas, dry fruits, seeds…).

7. Use Baskets or Bins for Small Items

For smaller items like spices, packets, or seasonings, consider using baskets or smaller bins to keep them organised. You can arrange these bins in rows according to size and easily pull out what you need without digging through a pile of random jars.

8. Rearrange Regularly

To keep your pantry organised, take a few minutes each month to reassess the space and reorganise if needed. Re-evaluate your container sizes and make sure items that are used most often are placed at the front for easy access.

Final Thoughts: A Pantry to Be Proud Of

By organising your pantry cupboard and placing similar-sized pots together, you'll transform an often chaotic space into an efficient and organised storage area. Not only will you save time when cooking, but you’ll also find that your kitchen feels cleaner and more inviting. With a little attention to detail, your pantry can become a well-oiled machine that makes meal prep a breeze. So, roll up your sleeves and start organising—your kitchen (and your sanity) will thank you!

Pantry Makeover: Organising Your Cupboard for Maximum Efficiency