10 Small Pantry Storage Solutions That Will Streamline Your Shelves Once and for All

These items are ideal for holding snacks, beverages, baking essentials, and more accessible without overcrowding your limited pantry—or cabinet, if that's all the space you're working with.

By
Madeline Buiano
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Madeline Buiano
Madeline Buiano is an associate editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home and pets. She has five years of writing and editing experience in the digital publishing industry.
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Published on November 15, 2022

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Airscape Glass Stackable Food Storage Containers
Photo: Courtesy of FOOD52

Spices, snacks, baking essentials, and more can quickly overwhelm your pantry, especially if you're working with a small set-up. If you can't take a trip to the grocery store without feeling like your cabinets are bursting at the seams afterwards, it's time for a better system.

Start by taking everything out of your cabinets and downsizing. What's expired? What do you never cook with? "This isn't a time to gingerly remove items," says Melissa Maker, founder of Clean My Space. "Lay it all out, assess each item, then clean the pantry, replace, toss, or donate the items."

Once you've done this, purchase a few small space organizing systems that work for you. Opt for solutions that make your products more accessible and easier to see. After a thorough clean-out and implementing a few effective storage systems, you'll be well on your way to a manageable, streamlined pantry.

Our Top Picks

iDesign Plastic Organizer Bin

iDesign Plastic Fridge and Freezer Organizer Bin with Integrated Handles – 10” x 5” x 6”, Clear
Courtesy of Amazon

Sometimes, the best storage solutions are the simplest, and this organizer bin is a testament to that. "A good habit to get into is to take the bin out and put it on the counter to get what you need and put the bin back," says Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing. "Additionally, different sizes of these simple bins work well for fruit snacks, chips, and granola bars if you have little ones at home in need of lunch items."

Rubbermaid Brilliance Airtight Food Storage Container

Rubbermaid Brilliance 16 cup Pantry Airtight Food Storage Container
Courtesy of Target

Rather than keeping multiple bags of half empty pantry items, like flour or cereal, condense them into one airtight container. It's also a great storage solution for pantry items that spoil or go stale quickly, as well as groceries you've bought in bulk.

Madesmart Basic Turntable

madesmart Basic Turntable, Single Level, White
Courtesy of Amazon

Lazy Susans are a go-to organizing system for spices, which are often hard to reach or see the labels of when stored deep in a pantry. "We want items to go in easy and come out easy and the turntable makes sure that nothing is hidden in the back and forgotten," says Sorell.

Spectrum Diversified Kitchen Lid Organizer

Spectrum Diversified Euro Kitchen Lid Organizer for Plates Cutting Boards, Bakeware, Cooling Racks, Pots & Pans, Serving Trays, and Reusable Containers, Chrome
Courtesy of Amazon

As you know, it's not just food that we keep in our pantries. Often plates, bakeware, cups, and more kitchenware items make their way into these small spaces. This is an easy solution for keeping those items condensed and organized in a tight or awkwardly sized cabinet where stacking isn't an option.

Eisenman Kitchen Pantry Under Shelf Basket

Eisenman Kitchen Pantry Under Shelf Basket
Courtesy of Wayfair

Get the most out of unused storage space with this hanging basket. The item lays right over your pantry shelves, creating an extra nook for storing soups, canned drinks, peanut butter, and more.

Prep & Savour Heavy Duty Kitchenware Divider

Prep & Savour Heavy Duty Kitchenware Divider
Courtesy of Wayfair

This organizing system can be stored horizontally or vertically, so it'll work in your kitchen no matter the shape of your pantry shelves. Use it to store extra pans or bakeware neatly—it's especially useful for items that scratch easily and can't be stacked.

LYNK Professional Pull Out Spice Rack Organizer for Cabinet

LYNK PROFESSIONAL® Pull Out Spice Rack Organizer for Cabinet - Slide Out Vertical Spice Rack - 4-1/4 inch Wide Sliding Spice Organizer Shelf - Double, Chrome
Courtesy of Amazon

Spices are an item you'll find in just about any pantry—but when they're bought in excess, smart storage solutions are a must. This one is available in various sizes, so you can find the right fit for you. It screws into the back of your cabinet and pulls outward, making it easy to see (and grab) your spices.

SimpleHouseware Stackable Front Loading Beverage Can Dispenser Rack

SimpleHouseware Stackable Front Loading Beverage Can Dispenser Rack
Courtesy of Amazon

If you buy canned beverages in bulk, you'll need an organizing system for the cans that don't fit in the fridge. "This can storage solution is a staple in my home," says Maker. It holds up to 12 standard size cans and has a slender and stackable design that conveniently fits in small spaces.

The Home Edit 5 Piece Plastic Modular Storage System

The Home Edit The Home Edit 5 Piece Pantry Edit, Plastic Modular Storage System
Courtesy of Walmart

Once of the best ways to organize your pantry is to group like with like, and this five piece set is just what you need to get started. It comes with two versatile storage bins and a three-tier shelf that's great for seeing what soups and spices you have in your arsenal.

Airscape Glass Stackable Food Storage Containers

Airscape Glass Stackable Food Storage Containers
Courtesy of FOOD52

While you want your organizing system be convenient, it also needs to preserve your food. These airtight containers are key to preserving flours, herbs, and coffee. Made of durable borosilicate glass, that come with an inner lid that forces air out of the canister and away from your food, these sleek jars ensure ultimate freshness. Plus, they're stackable, so they're also effective space savers.

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