Expert Tips for Organising Your Pantry This Autumn
As autumn sets in and life gets busier, a well-organised pantry can make all the difference. From preventing food waste to making meal prep quicker, small changes to how you store and arrange items can have a surprisingly big impact.
UK households waste 6 million tonnes of food each year, much of it due to poor storage and disorganisation in kitchens and pantries, and the average household wastes around £470 on food that ends up in the bin each year.
Professional organiser, Nigel Bearman at cleaning company, Daily Poppins, explains, “A chaotic pantry can cost you time, money, food, as well as being frustrating and messy. Even small changes, like grouping items together or using clear containers, make a huge difference to both efficiency and how your kitchen feels.”
Nigel shares his top tips for creating a pantry that’s both practical and visually satisfying.
- Group like with like – Keep similar items together in designated areas to avoid losing things or buying duplicates.
- Decant bagged items – Transfer pasta, rice, flour, and sugar into clear jars or containers. Label them to make everything easy to find and top up.
- Use baskets for loose items – Keep snacks, breakfast bits, or baking supplies contained and tidy. Pick baskets that match your kitchen for a curated look.
- Tame utensil chaos – Use drawer dividers to separate wooden spoons, tongs, whisks, etc., so drawers stay organised and mess-free.
- Solve the spice dilemma – Use a spice rack, drawer, or slim hanging organiser on the pantry door to save shelf space. The same space can also hold foil, cling film, or small tools.
With just a few simple tweaks, your pantry can transform from chaotic to calm, making cooking more enjoyable and reducing stress in the kitchen.
Extra tips for an organised pantry:
- Rotate items so older products are used first.
- Keep frequently used items at eye level for easy access.
- Maintain a regular check to dispose of expired or stale food.
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