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Pantry a mess? Here are 5 simple pantry organization ideas.

If your pantry is a chaotic mess of crumbs, half-empty boxes and expired canned goods, you’re not alone! Organizing your pantry may not always hit the top of your to-do list once it becomes a grocery dumping ground, but tidying up can maximize the pantry's storage, efficiency and accessibility. And it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a few simple tips and tricks, expert organization ideas, a little labeling and some creative storage solutions, you can cut down on food waste and save money when you shop. Let’s get that pantry back on track!

Follow along with the video for simple pantry organization ideas and storage solutions.

Simple pantry organization ideas

  1. Organize using levels. Use stackable shelves and tiered organizers so you can see all of your inventory at a glance.

    • Use handy pantry risers for cans and spices.

    • Utilize freestanding, stackable shelves to maximize vertical storage and product accessibility.

    • Organize packets and bars in clear stackable storage bins to maximize vertical organization and do away with bulky boxes.

  2. Always opt for clear or wire bins to organize products and help you quickly visualize all current grocery stock in your pantry. Baskets look pretty, but they can make it hard to see what you have in stock, which can lead to product redundancies and wasted cash.

  3. Decant dry goods into clear, airtight storage containers that stack. Label storage containers with product name and expiration date, stack them vertically to save space and easily see what you have in stock, and simply re-label when swapping contents in and out.

  4. Before heading to the grocery store snap a photo of your pantry for a visual inventory that you can reference while shopping. This will help avoid product redundancies and overspending.

  5. Utilize pantry efficiency apps like Supercook to stay organized. This app allows you to input all of the pantry items you have on hand so you can keep track of what’s in stock in your pantry and reduce food waste. It has the added bonus of showing you all of the recipes you can make with the ingredients currently in your pantry. Hot Tip: The app allows you to dictate ingredients so you don’t have to type them in, or you can simply click each ingredient on their pre-filled product list and add to your pantry.

Reviewed-approved home organization recommendations

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Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of home experts test everything from closet organizers to makeup organizers and label makers so you can shop for the best of the best.

  1. The best label maker: DYMO Portable Label Maker

  2. Top-rated makeup organizer: Readaeer Makeup Organizer

  3. Best under the bed storage: Sterilite Ultra Storage Box

  4. Helpful lazy susan: Lipper International Acacia Wood 18-Inch Lazy Susan Kitchen Turntable

  5. Our favorite food storage containers: Rubbermaid 42-Piece Food Storage Containers with Lids

  6. Top-rated dish rack: Premium Racks Professional Dish Rack

  7. Motion sensor lights: Searik Battery Powered LED Night Light

More pantry storage solutions to save space

One of the most underutilized methods to maximize pantry storage space is to add over-the-door storage. Instead of losing valuable storage in the space your pantry door occupies, add an affordable, over-the-door storage rack with as many baskets as the space allows. These can be purchased online at a variety of home good retailers, are easy to assemble, durable and maximize vertical storage space while keeping items like canned goods, pouches and so much more organized and visible.

More problems, solved

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 pantry organization ideas to maximize your space