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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Ann, thanks for all the great ideas! I currently have my spices in acrylic bins above my counter because I don’t have any drawers that would work. A few years ago, I splurged and bought square spice bottles from Amazon. The square size means no wasted space. I put round labels on the top so when I take the bin down, I can see what is what. The problem is the labels seem to come off eventually. I had not heard of the Avery removable labels. I will definitely check them out.
The acrylic bin idea might work for me since I don’t have a suitable drawer.Thank you!
This is a great post! I am an alphabetical arranger. In our winter home space is limited indeed (actually part of why I love it). My spices are arranged but dry goods remain a challenge. There is a reason for that. I love vintage orange,green, yellow Tupperware canisters and haven’t yet found all I need! The search is fun though.
I keep my often-used spices on a turntable on a lower shelf, and less-used on the shelf above.
I have a drawer next to my oven to store spices, but often they get out of place, like kids on a playground! Adding large labels and expiration dates to each container is going to save me a few headaches. Also alphabetizing them will get meals on the table much quicker…thank you!
Awesome ideas!
I’m going into the kitchen to check the dates on my spices 😆 usually they don’t last a long time but I bet there are a few lurking that need to be gone!
So many wonderful ideas! Love the idea of putting the expiration date on the bottoms of the spice jars! I’ll have to start doing that the next time I buy a new spice.
Okay now I need to re-think my spice closet. 😊. So many good ideas !
Oh my! Now I’m super excited to redo my spices!
I love love love the cabinet with the bottles all the same size and uniformed labeled I’m doing it!!! No more digging past old outdated bottles and having them fall on me while I try to find the one I want. Thanks for this great and easy to do idea!!!