How to organize a pantry

Empty and group

Pull everything out, toss expired items, and group by category: baking, breakfast, snacks, cans, pasta/grains.

Zone the shelves

Assign each category a zone at the right height — daily items at eye level, bulk down low, rare items up high.

Contain and label

Bins for packets, canisters for staples, a turntable for bottles, and labels so the system survives other people.

Frequently asked questions

Should I decant everything into containers?

No — only decant high-use staples like flour, sugar, cereal, and pasta. Leave rarely-used items in their packaging, grouped in bins.