Are you tired of rummaging through a sea of spice jars every time you cook? Does the chaos in your spice cabinet leave you feeling overwhelmed? It’s time to bring order to the chaos and reclaim your kitchen. Try these clever hacks for spice organization to make everything more accessible.

Should you even bother organizing your spices?

Cooking is not just a task; it’s an art form. And like any artist, a chef needs their tools in perfect order to create culinary masterpieces. And when your spices are a mess, you’re taken away from your cooking to find what you’re looking for. That’s one more moment your garlic could burn, or a pot could boil over. That’s why spice organization is so important—it streamlines your cooking so you can do your thing without interruption.

First things first: Empty your collection.

Start by emptying out your entire spice collection onto the kitchen counter and bid farewell to any expired or seldom-used spices. By decluttering and purging the old, you make room for the new—and tidy—additions to your spice cabinet.

 

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Choose the right spice storage.

When you’ve tossed the expired and forgotten spices, it’s time to focus on storage solutions. The container you choose can make all the difference in your spice organization. For a general orderly approach, choose uniform spice jars or containers to create an aesthetically pleasing and space-saving display.

Pro tip: Transparent containers are your best friend, allowing you to easily spot the spice you need without playing hide-and-seek. Mismatched containers of all sizes are now a thing of the past. Plus, you’ll be able to see when you’re running low instead of a massive label blocking your visibility.

Identify your spices.

You’ve sorted and stored your spices, but there’s one major step left: labeling. Don’t skip this step, unless you want to accidentally confuse the cumin for cinnamon when you’re making french toast. Use a label maker or get creative with colorful labels to add a personal touch to your spice collection. Places like Etsy also have plenty to choose from.

Arrange them how you’d like.

How many times have you reached for a spice you thought was one thing, only to find out another was in its place? That could be because you don’t have an organizational system in place. Now you can arrange them for easy access. Channel your inner librarian and arrange your spices alphabetically. This simple yet effective method makes finding the right spice simple, saving you precious time during meal prep. Plus, it adds that touch of orderliness to your kitchen that would make Marie Kondo proud.

 

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Use drawer dividers.

If cabinet space is limited or you prefer a more streamlined look, consider utilizing drawer dividers to corral your spice jars. Drawer organization helps maximize space and also provides easy access to your spices without cluttering up your countertops or pantry or shelves. If you have deep drawers, line them up the with top facing upward. Instead of putting your label on the side, stick it on top and follow the alphabetical organization approach for easy access

Get creative with a spice rack.

If you’re feeling called to DIY, transform your spice storage into a stylish focal point with a custom-built spice rack. Whether it’s a sleek wall-mounted design or a rustic wooden shelf, a well-designed spice rack adds flair to your kitchen while keeping your spices within arm’s reach.