If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the pantry is its life source. It is, after all, where the snacks are. That’s why pantry organization ideas are not to be taken lightly. With extra time spent at home, whether your remote work at home is in full swing or you’re balancing life and work, pantry organizers are lifesavers—especially when it comes to whipping up multiple meals a day. The truth is, pantry organization ideas can make your cooking (and eating) routine a lot easier. “Your pantry is a space in your home that you use almost every day,” says Carly Cicero, principal at Cicero Design Group in Youngstown, Ohio. “If this space is organized and more importantly, functional, it’s one last thing to worry about.”

So why isn’t your pantry makeover underway yet? The thought of rearranging, let alone fully organizing, can be intimidating and overwhelming. The benefits, like easy access to curated yummies, will easily outweigh the time put in with a label maker, for instance.

Another bonus? Taking stock of spices, condiments, and extra jars of peanut butter can reduce waste and save you some cash. Stop these small items from piling up, hiding somewhere in the back. Time to get organized.

London–based home organization retailer Joseph Joseph conducted a study showing that people’s mental well-being was impacted positively after cleaning, organizing, and decluttering their homes—96 percent of participants reported feeling more positive and motivated. “By being clever, you’ll be able to free up space you didn’t even know you had,” says the brand’s co-founder Richard Joseph.

To help you get some pantry organization peace of mind, here are 17 pantry organization ideas that will make your kitchen routines that much easier.

How do I organize my pantry like a pro?

If you’re looking to reach expert-level pantry organization, start from square one—clear out all your items and really look at the potential of the space you have for storing essential pantry items.

Scrub, wipe, and line the shelves

Start anew. For a true pantry makeover, clear out old boxes and food items—throw out snacks with old expiration dates and donate unwanted canned goods. Then, wipe down shelves and place liners or contact paper. “Liners prevent damage to the wood and paint and make future clean-ups so much easier,” says Catherine Benson, cleaning and organization aficionado based in Lexington, Kentucky.

Label everything

When it comes to having a top-notch pantry, labels immediately come to mind. After you’ve organized your goods, use a label maker or tap into your inner calligraphist and write over the ceramic or glass containers. Now you won’t ever confuse the jar of salt with the jar of sugar.

Build a mini wall pantry

No pantry, no problem. Melinda Kelson O’Connor Architecture & Interiors shows that a custom-built pantry can be a showstopper.

Photo: Wendy Concannon