Spice storage ideas that make it easy to organize your kitchen. Discover simple ways to store spices using drawers, cabinets, and jars for a more functional space.
I love organizing, and one of my very favorite things to do is restore order to a jumbled mess. If you have the proper tools, it’s easy and very satisfying. These spice organization ideas are all simple to do, but they may take a little time. It’s definitely time well-spent, and worth every minute.
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure statement.
What is the Best Way to Store Spices?
- Keep your spices in airtight containers. This will prevent moisture, and keep the spices fresh.
- Store spice containers away from light. If it’s convenient to store your spices behind a cabinet door, a drawer, or on a pantry shelf, glass jars are perfect. If not, it’s best to store them in metal containers with airtight lids.
- Don’t store spices in the refrigerator. The cool temperature in the fridge provides a moist atmosphere, and moisture will ruin your spices.
How Long Do Spices Last?
The answer to this question varies. It can be anywhere from 1 year to 3 years. The very best way to know if your spices are fresh is to keep track of the expiration date on the original packaging. If you are transferring the spices to glass or metal containers, use a small label on the bottom of the container to note the expiration date. These removable round labels work perfectly.
Spice Drawer Organization
If your cabinet storage space is overflowing, and you have a kitchen drawer to spare, storing your spices there is the perfect solution. This method saves countertop and cabinet space. The jars make it very easy to find what you want, and they are super simple to access. And you have to admit, they look beautiful. When we moved to our current home, I wasn’t sure where I wanted my spices to be stored, so they ended up in a tall kitchen cabinet with pull-out drawers. I knew it wasn’t practical, but I lived with it for a long time.
I finally reorganized everything in the kitchen, and somehow ended up with an empty drawer right across from the stove. I immediately ordered a spice drawer insert, and the end result is amazing. Spice drawer organizers are reasonably priced, and there is no installation. I just placed it in the drawer, filled the glass jars, and in hardly any time at all, I had a lovely and orderly spice drawer.
get the labels
Spice Drawer Tips
- Make sure to measure the length and width of your drawer carefully. Spice drawer inserts come in different sizes, and some of them are even adjustable.
- To arrange your spice, the easiest to maintain optopn is alphabetical order. Another method is to arrange your spices in groups, according to how they are used.
If you’re working on organizing a small kitchen overall, I’ve gathered all my kitchen cabinet organization ideas into one guide. If your spices need attention, I hope these spice storage ideas have inspired you to tackle the job, and restore order. I promise, you will feel incredible.
JOIN THE OSP COMMUNITY
Sign up to get uncomplicated recipes, unlimited seasonal decor, and
understated ways to refresh your home sent straight to your email inbox!
amazon storefront
Discover simple and affordable
ways to refresh your home.
Follow my Amazon Storefront
for all my favorite finds!
I have more spices than can fit in my spice drawer! Pretty funny for someone who doesn’t even like to cook!
Great ideas! Thanks
I recently reorganized my spices and cupboards, inspired by one of your posts. It’s so satisfying and January is a great month for it. Thanks for inspiring me to get the new year off to a good start!
Having so much trouble commenting. Is this an old blog post? I was told I had already posted on it. I have not.
Hi Dee…no, this is a brand new post! You did comment already though…you shared a tip about buying spices in small amounts. I’m sorry for the inconvenience. I actually didn’t know that comments were limited to one. I will definitely look into that. Thank you, Ann
Buy spices in small amounts. And I believe ‘red’ spices are more likely to attract or already have insects and eggs in them. Another reason to buy smallest amounts.
I tried responding to support the idea to buy the spices in smaller amounts (but it didn’t organize the reply correctly). I know that many of my grocery stores have a bulk spice section that you can buy what you need. I love going to Whole Foods and filling a tiny little bag with just enough curry powder to last a month. That would satisfy my OCD about storing the overstock too!
Love the sticker on the bottom idea. Will be doing that this week.
I also started marking my canned goods with a permanent marker on top. This way the exp date is visible. My fav all time spice organizer…I just don’t like giving up more than a drawer
Thanks for the inspiring ideas.
HI Ann, Thank you for the great ideas! Perfect time of year to organize! I have a garage I need to tackle today! xo laura
Hi Ann,
What a good idea to add the expiration date to the bottom of jars you’ve transferred spices into! (I recently wrote about spice storage on my blog, but I didn’t mention that, even though I often buy bulk spices!)
BTW, amber jars are another good option (besides metal) for jars that are stored in the light.
Happy cooking!
You’re posts are right in line with my to do list! I’ve gotten some great ideas for my first area to organize- the kitchen!