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Simple ways to store and organise your pantry essentials

How best to store and keep track of all those food items that don’t go in the fridge or freezer? Perhaps you have a separate pantry – or simply need to make the most of your kitchen shelf, drawer and cabinet space. Either way, here are a few ideas to better organise those groceries that you only use up gradually, rather than straight away.

Transparent containers with grains and beans on the lower shelf of a KUNGSFORS suspension rail with shelf/wall grid.
Transparent containers with grains and beans on the lower shelf of a KUNGSFORS suspension rail with shelf/wall grid.

See-through food containers hold no surprises

If you transfer your pantry items from their packaging into transparent food containers, you can more easily keep track of what you have. You can always label them if you need to. Instead of a mishmash of packets, boxes and bags, you’ll have your food staples stored neatly and efficiently.

an IKEA kitchen drawer with storage boxes
a rolling cart in a kitchen with kitchen utensils

Pantry regulars that are always in reach

When the most-used items are always within easy reach, you can remove some of the strain from your kitchen routines. For example, a breakfast trolley that you can simply wheel into position or a wall grid with herbs, spices and preserves. The key is to think about creating an effortless flow around mealtimes.

a rolling cart in a kitchen with kitchen utensils
a kitchen unit with bananas, fruits, vegetables, and onions
a kitchen cabinet with food such as corn, rice, pasta, and other ingredients
a wall cabinet with plates, cups, and boxes
a kitchen unit with bananas, fruits, vegetables, and onions

Clever products to create more pantry space

Shelf inserts and clip-on baskets can come in very handy whenever the full height of a pantry shelf is going unused. They’re inexpensive and easy to add or remove as your needs change. So that you can quickly add extra storage capacity, with no need for drilling or major renovation.

a wall cabinet with plates, cups, and boxes
a kitchen bag with flour and other kitchen utensils
a room with some wooden boxes, a houseplant, and many food items that are partially still packaged

A pantry, just not in the kitchen

With little more than a simple yet sturdy shelving unit, you can turn an unused spot in the hallway, garage or even the living room into a practical pantry. Worth remembering if your kitchen is on the small side.

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