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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I tried your spice drawer and love it. Now I know what spices I have and can find them so much easier. Have a blessed Easter.
I love my spice drawer. I have it near the stovetop for cooking. I have my spices in alphabetical order. Anything oversized I keep in the pantry.
Your bathroom redesign is how I found your site, Ann! Thank you for providing all of the information. I hope I can replicate it for my own home.
Mary from Ohio
I use an over the door rack inside my pantry door. I’ve contemplated uniform bottles and determined it’s not for me. The overstock dilemma really stressed me out! When I can, I buy organic uniform bottles from my grocery store, but for spices and herbs I use a lot, a bigger container is called for! I’ve organized and labelled each tray on that unit…one tray for green herbs, one for red spices, one for blends, etc. I use a turntable on one of the pantry shelves for the “sweet” spices for baking. My husband’s sister lives with us, and we were missing things after she’d cook and nothing was organized, I was buying lots of duplicates. I labelled the trays in French and English and keep her out of the kitchen as much as possible!
Thank you for posting so many different and helpful ways to store spices. You mention you transferred your spices to jars which keeps them handy, but they only hold so much. Where are you storing the original packages with the remaining spices?
Hi Joan…I purchased the 3 oz. bottles so I had hardly anything left over. It worked out well!
At least you only lived with yours in the upper cabinet for about a year. I lived with mine this way for over 20 years! I got so tired of looking for the one I needed. Finally I was cleaning out drawers to get rid of items I NEVER used and magically, the drawer next to the cooktop was available. I ordered the drawer shelf spacers and off I went. It is so nice to have everything right where I need it, all alphabetically ordered. What a huge difference! I smile every time I open this drawer. Thanks for this article, very helpful!
All great ideas!
I enjoyed seeing how you and others have organized their spices!! I already have the bottles you used and they are labeled and lying flat in my drawer. I only placed them ‘6 bottles wide’ because they are flat and I have to have some space to wiggle in between to lift them. I measured and I can used the same rack that you used so I ordered it and I will be delighted to have them on an angle, plus it will allow me to get 4 additional bottles in the drawer. Thank you for this great post and all the lovely printable you have available! Love your blog! Debra
I copied your spice drawer idea, and love it. Unfortunately, my drawer is much smaller than yours, but it’s working. Love your home and enjoy the many decorating and organizing ideas I have gained from your blog. Thank you.