Is your pantry small but deep? This kind of storage can be tricky to organize, with items easily getting lost in the back. But with the right strategy and a few handy tools, you can turn that deep pantry into an organized, efficient space. In this post, I’ll share my top 9 tips for organizing a small but deep pantry, based on my personal experience.
Table of Contents
1. Take Inventory and Measure Your Space
Before diving into any organization project, it’s crucial to take stock of what you already have. Pull everything out of your pantry and take inventory of what’s inside. This step helps you eliminate expired items and things you no longer use.
After inventory, it’s time to measure. Knowing the exact dimensions—width, height, and depth—of each shelf is essential for planning how to best use your space. With these measurements, you can visualize where things will go and what kind of organizers will work best.
Once you’ve measured, sketch out a plan. Decide where you want to place key items, like dry foods or snacks. Once you’re satisfied with your design, only then should you shop for containers or storage products. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than getting halfway through organizing and realizing you don’t have the right tools to finish the job.
2. Add Pull-Out Drawers to Your Pantry
Deep pantries often have items hidden in the back that are hard to reach. Installing pull-out drawers or roll-out shelves can make a huge difference. This way, you can easily slide out the drawer and access everything in the back without moving items in front.
Drawers also help maximize space by utilizing both horizontal and vertical storage. Just as you would install drawers in the lower cabinets of your kitchen for easy access, consider adding them to the bottom shelves of your pantry for a more practical solution.
Whether you DIY the drawers or hire a carpenter, this upgrade is a game-changer.
You can have drawers installed by a carpenter or you can DIY them.
Implement this tip:
DIY Cabinet Pull-Out Shelf
COUVER 15 inch DIY Non-Assembled Birch Wood, Cabinet Pull-Out Shelf, Slide Out Drawer Box, Pull-Out Tray, Slide-Out Organizer, Soft-Close Slide Rail
3. Prioritize Accessibility for Daily Items
When organizing a small but deep pantry, you’ll want to keep your most-used items within easy reach. Think about the foods you reach for daily—snacks, cereal, spices, or spreads. Store these on the most accessible shelf, typically around counter height, so you can quickly grab them when you’re hungry or preparing meals.
Keeping frequently used items within easy reach will streamline your kitchen routine and make your pantry more functional.
4. Use Clear Containers for Dry Food Storage
One of the biggest challenges with deep pantries is losing sight of what’s in the back. Clear food storage containers are a perfect solution. They allow you to see what you have at a glance, reducing the risk of food getting lost and forgotten.
Not only do clear containers improve visibility, but they also help keep dry foods like grains, pasta, and flour neatly contained. Plus, they protect your pantry from spills and prevent pests from getting into your food.
Make sure to choose containers that fit your shelves and stack well to maximize the use of vertical space.
Implement this tip:
OXO Container Set
OXO Good Grips 10-Piece POP Container Set, White
5. Organize Containers by Size
To make your pantry look organized and aesthetically pleasing, organize your storage containers by size. In deep pantries, having a mix of tall and short containers works well. Place taller ones at the back and shorter ones in front so you can easily see everything on the shelf without needing to shuffle items around.
This system also helps create a uniform look, making your pantry feel more organized and less cluttered.
Implement this tip:
OXO Container Set
OXO Good Grips 10-Piece POP Container Set, White
6. Install a Tiered Spice Rack
A tiered spice rack is an essential tool for organizing deep pantries. Spices are often small, and if not well-organized, they can get lost in the back of a deep shelf. With a tiered spice rack, you can store spices in layers, making it easier to see all of them at once. No more fumbling through piles of jars!
You can also use a tiered rack for other small items, like jars or cans, which can easily disappear into the back of a deep pantry.
Related post: How To Organize Spices in a Cabinet: My 5-Step Process
Implement this tip:
3 Tier Expandable Spice Rack
3 Tier Expandable Spice Rack, Non-Skid Adjustable Length 3 Tier Spice Rack Organizer for Kitchen Cabinets, Countertops, Pantries. (Black)
7. Think Outside the Box
If your pantry space is very limited, don’t hesitate to think outside the pantry. You can store items like breakfast ingredients, snacks, or even dry goods on open shelves in the kitchen. Just make sure the containers are attractive and fit your kitchen’s aesthetic.
In my own kitchen, I installed a few floating shelves where I store cereals, nuts, and grains in glass containers. This frees up space in my pantry and makes the kitchen look stylish and organized.
Implement this tip:
Floating Shelves for Wall Different Sizes
YGEOMER Floating Shelves for Wall Different Sizes Farmhouse Wall Shelf for Bedroom, Bathroom Shelves for Storage, Hanging Shelves for Living Room, Wood Floating Shelf for Kitchen Decor(Set of 4)
8. Label Everything
Labeling is the ultimate organization tip, especially for deep pantries. By labeling containers, bins, and even the shelves themselves, you’ll always know where everything goes. This not only saves time when cooking but also makes it easier for other family members to put things back in the right place.
Whether you prefer printed labels, chalkboard labels, or a simple label maker, adding labels will keep your pantry organized long-term.
Implement this tip:
Pantry Labels for Containers
Talented Kitchen 157 Pantry Labels for Containers – Preprinted White Script Kitchen Food Organization Labels for Storage Canisters and Jars – White Script Labels – Flour Sugar Labels for Containers
9. Dedicate a Section for Back Stock
If you like to buy in bulk or stock up when items are on sale, it’s essential to dedicate a specific area for back stock. You can store surplus items in bins on the top or bottom shelves of your pantry or even outside of your pantry in a garage or basement if space is tight.
For items like flour or rice, where you decant some into smaller containers, make sure to have a designated storage bin for any leftover amounts that didn’t fit. Keeping your back stock organized will prevent overcrowding in your pantry.
Implement this tip:
Pantry Organizer Bins
Set Of 6 Clear Pantry Organizer Bins Household Plastic Food Storage Basket with Cutout Handles for Kitchen, Countertops, Cabinets, Refrigerator, Freezer, Bedrooms, Bathrooms
Bonus Tip: Install a Chalkboard Sticker for Your Grocery List
One of my favorite pantry hacks is using a a chalkboard wall sticker on the back of the pantry door. This simple addition allows you to jot down items as you run out, so you always know what needs to be restocked. It’s a convenient way to stay on top of your grocery list without having to dig through the pantry before every shopping trip.
Implement this tip:
Chalkboard Peel and Stick Paper
Extra Large Chalkboard Peel and Stick Paper 9 Feet roll (108 inches) + (5) Color Chalk Included – by Simple Shapes
By following these nine tips, you’ll transform your small but deep pantry into an organized and efficient space that works for you. Let me know in the comments if you try any of these tips, or share your favorite pantry organization strategies!
Love, Lien x
Related post: Kitchen Zones Organization: How to Maximize Efficiency and Space in Your Kitchen