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.
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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.
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My husband built a rack on our pantry door for spices. It has been great since we don’t have a lot of space.
I recently went through my spices and never realized that I had some really old ones, needless to say I threw them out and will replace them if they are needed in the future….
With a cabinet full of spices these are helpful ways to organize them.
My daughter had a spice rack that I loved so I bought one. Working out great for me. It sits in your cabinet in a “U” shape, 2 levels high and it is so easy to see everything. I love it!
Love the mason jar spice collection
Thanks for the storage ideas! I use a “lazy Susan” for my spices, which works really well.
Ann,
This was helpful. I recently reorganized my spice drawer and I’ve used many of the ideas you gave us. It’s fun to see how people organize their kitchens. It’s one of my favorite rooms in the house.
Karen B.
A few years back I transferred all my spices to small jars with white lids for my kitchen drawer…best thing I ever did! I do like the door racks or the wooden drawer racks too. I found that placing a year date on the bottom helps to keep things fresh as I don’t bake as much as I used to.
Great post Ann!
This is why I love to read your blog, you give us great information and tips about so many different subjects. Thank you!
Great ideas but I do have a question. Is it okay to store spices next to your stove? I had read that it’s a bad idea, however, it is most convenient.
Hi Sandi…I too have read that it’s a bad idea. Supposedly the heat from the stove decreases the spice shelf life. However, if you use your spices quickly, I don’t think it would be an issue. Good luck!