Organizing my spice cabinet was a project I didn’t know I needed until I realized how much time I wasted searching for the right spices while cooking. A cluttered spice cabinet leads to frustration and wasted time. So, I decided to tackle my disorganized spice collection and create a system that made my kitchen more efficient.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple 5-step process that helped me organize my spices in a way that’s functional and easy to maintain.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Eliminate Spices You Don’t Need
The first thing I did was pull out every single spice jar I owned and spread them on my counter. It was shocking to see how many expired spices I had! I also found duplicates and jars of spices I bought for one recipe and never used again.
I threw away expired spices and donated any extras I knew I wouldn’t use. For instance, I found a jar of cloves I hadn’t touched in over a year—so out it went! Decluttering was such a satisfying first step, and it created space for the spices I actually needed.
Pro Tip: Go through your spice collection at least once a year to ensure you’re not keeping old or unnecessary items.
Step 2: Consolidate the Spices You Need
Once I finished decluttering, I took a look at the spices I wanted to keep and figured out which ones I actually needed in my cooking routine. For me, this meant keeping my go-to spices like paprika, cumin, and cinnamon, and adding back a few I’d run out of but missed having on hand—like curry powder.
My Tip: Keep a variety of spices for different cuisines, but avoid overstocking. Aim for balance between what you use daily and spices for occasional dishes.
Step 3: Choose the Right Spot for Your Spice Rack
When selecting a location for your spices, consider several key factors:
- Proximity to your cooking area: Store spices near the stove for quick, easy access while cooking.
- Cool, dark location: Spices last longer when kept away from heat, light, and moisture.
- Sufficient space: Ensure the spot can accommodate your entire spice collection, keeping everything organized and clutter-free.
I chose an eye-level shelf in my pantry cabinet, close to the stove. This spot is spacious, cool, and dark—perfect for preserving my spices.
My chosen spot:
Related post: Kitchen Zones Organization: How to Maximize Efficiency and Space in Your Kitchen
Step 4: Purchase Organizing Products
Once I had cleared out the clutter and figured out the best storage location, it was time to invest in products to maximize my cabinet space. I found a tiered spice rack to be a lifesaver. This allowed me to store all my spices in a way that made every jar visible, even the ones in the back.
Pro Tip: Look for an an expandable tiered spice rack if you need flexibility to fit your cabinet’s width. And don’t forget non-slip racks to prevent your jars from sliding around.
My favorite expandable non-skid tiered spice rack:
After some trial and error, I also switched to larger jars that fit my bulk spices perfectly. I ended up choosing 250 ml (8 oz) spice jars with bamboo lids—they look great, and the airtight seal helps preserve freshness.
My favorite spice jars:
For labeling, I invested in a label maker and labeled each jar with both the spice name and purchase date. It might seem like a small step, but it’s incredibly useful when you’re dealing with dozens of jars.
My favorite label maker for spice labels:
Step 5: Organize and Categorize
The final step—my favorite—was putting everything back into the cabinet. After wiping down the shelves and adding my tiered rack, I arranged my spices. I decided to categorize them in alphabetical order because it’s the quickest way for me to find what I need.
However, you can organize your spices in a way that makes sense for your cooking style. Some people group them by type (herbs, baking spices, etc.), while others place frequently used spices in the front. Choose a method that will make your life easier.
The end result:
Pro Tip: Keep extra labels handy for any new spices you add to your collection.
Final Thoughts
Organizing my spice cabinet was a game changer for how I work in the kitchen. The clutter is gone, and I can find what I need in seconds. Whether you have a small collection of spices or a pantry full of them, the key is to keep everything visible and accessible.
By following these five steps, you’ll have a spice cabinet that’s functional and tidy. Plus, you’ll enjoy cooking even more when everything is in its place.
Let me know in the comments if this process works for you, or if you have any other tips for spice organization!
Love, Lien x
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