Taming Pantry Chaos: Simple Storage Tips for a More Organised Kitchen

In our recent @ HOME event, we chatted with organisation expert Sally Flower and community member Carrie about simple ways to maximise kitchen storage and cut waste. 

I know we’ve all been there, you open your pantry to find three half-used bags of rice, a mystery tin with no label, or snacks hidden so well you forgot you had them.
But the good news is that organising things to prevent that goes a long way and doesn’t take up as much of your time as you’d think.

Today, we're focusing on the pantry because when your pantry is in order, the whole kitchen feels easier to manage! Think of your pantry like a well-planned city, every item should have a place that makes sense.

Here’s how to structure it:

1. Everyday Essentials Up Front

Your go-to staples (rice, pasta, oats, spices) deserve the best location, eye level and easy to grab. If you use it all the time, it should be within arm’s reach.

2. Rarely Used Items in the back

Specialty ingredients you only use once in a while can go higher up or towards the back. That fancy flour for a recipe you tried once? It doesn't need prime real estate!

3. Group Similar Items Together

Create zones for grains, canned goods, baking supplies, snacks, and pet food. Using tubs or baskets to keep things together prevents chaos when you reach for one thing and everything comes tumbling down.

4. Embrace Glass Jars

Does anyone else have a collection of glass jars from those pasta sauces or PB jars? Those they perfect for keeping food fresh, letting you see what you have, and eliminating messy plastic packaging. 

5. Schedule a Pantry Reset

Once a year, do a deep clean, check expiry dates, donate what you won’t use, and wipe down the shelves. A fresh start makes staying organised much easier.

Quick Tips for the Rest of Your Kitchen

While the pantry is the heart of storage, here are a few extra tricks to keep the rest of your kitchen in check:

Fridge Finesse

• Keep leftovers in clear containers at eye level so they don’t get forgotten.
• Use reusable freshness bags (like The Swag Bag) or damp tea towels to keep veggies fresh.

Meal Planning

• Before shopping, check what’s already in your pantry.
• Plan just a few meals a week and keep it flexible!



Ready to Take Action?

Pick one small pantry tip and try it this week, whether it’s switching to glass jars, grouping items into zones, or doing a quick tidy-up. Tiny changes add up!

Want to take action in your own home? Residents can match their postcode to see if we have programs running in your area and start making simple, sustainable changes today. If you work in local government, find out how our @ HOME Program can support your community. And if you found this blog helpful, share it with friends or your council.!