An organized spice and baking cabinet can be a game-changer for any home cook or baking enthusiast. Say goodbye to rummaging through cluttered shelves and hello to a well-arranged, efficient space that sparks joy and creativity in the kitchen. Here are some practical tips and tricks to transform your chaotic spice and baking cabinet into a functional, easily accessible space that will elevate your culinary adventures to a whole new level.
Step 1: Declutter and Assess
The first step to achieving an organized cabinet is to declutter and assess what you’ve got. Take out all the spices, herbs, and baking ingredients from your cabinet. Check expiration dates, and discard any items that are past their prime or no longer fresh. This process will help you get a clear idea of what you have and what you need to restock. It’s also a great time to wipe out your spice and baking cabinet.
I don’t consider myself chef but I can make edible meals for my family. I’ve heard many tv chefs say we need to add fresh spices to our cabinet more often than we do. So don’t be afraid to throw away all your spices and start fresh. I buy my spices from Winco. They have a bulk spice section, you can buy what you need plus it is a lot cheaper than buying off the shelf.
Step 2: Categorize and Group
To make baking easier consider categorizing and grouping your spices. Now that you have a curated selection of spices and baking essentials, it’s time to categorize them. Group similar items together, such as all the baking powders, baking soda, vanilla extract, and other baking ingredients. For spices, consider organizing them by cuisine types, usage, or alphabetical order. Grouping items will make it easier to find what you need when you’re in the middle of cooking or baking. This is unique to each person so be creative and figure out what works best for you. This may take sometime to get just right, be patient with the process until you get it to function best for you.
Step 3: Invest in Quality Storage Solutions
Invest in some quality storage solutions to keep your spices and baking ingredients in order. Transparent, airtight containers or jars are perfect for storing dry goods like spices, herbs, and baking soda. Clear containers allow you to quickly identify the contents, while airtight seals preserve freshness. They also look really pretty. My favorite combination function and pretty.
I found these adorable jars in two different sizes. They come with labels that make the finished cabinet look amazing. I used the larger ones that are 5oz for spices that I use more of, so have more on hand. The smaller ones were perfect for smaller quantity of spices. You can get the 5oz jars here and the 2.5oz jars here.
Step 4: Utilize Drawer Inserts and Racks
Drawer inserts and racks can be incredibly useful in maximizing the space inside your cabinet. Spice drawer inserts, for instance, can keep small spice jars neatly arranged, making it easy to see and reach each one. Pull-out racks can also be installed inside the cabinet doors to store spice jars and baking essentials conveniently. For my space I have an adjustable tiered rack. Making easier finding and searching. Because it’s adjusts I can get the size that fits my cabinet and my spice jars.
Step 5: Alphabetical or Frequency Order
Consider organizing your spices alphabetically to streamline the search process. Alternatively, you can arrange them based on frequency of use, placing the ones you use most often at the front. Whichever method you choose, maintaining consistency in the arrangement will make finding what you need a breeze.
This may take some times to get right. The smaller jars in the front are in alphabetical order while the larger ones in the back are organized by use. The ones I use most ofter are closer to the front.
Step 6: Creating a Baking Zone
If your cabinet space allows, consider dedicating a specific section as a “baking zone.” Store all your baking essentials like flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, extracts, and baking tools together in this designated area. This will make baking projects more enjoyable, as everything you need will be easily accessible.
I keep a larger quantity of flour and sugar in our pantry that wouldn’t fit in the spice cabinet. This cabinet holds additional baking supplies like, powder and brown sugar, baking powder and soda and salt.
I also found cute jars and containers with labels for these items. Adding function and prettiness to the space. These glass food storage jars match the spice jars I purchased. They didn’t come with the cute labels but the spice jars had all the labels I needed for the baking items I used in these jars.
The final piece was these airtight mason jars. They are larger so they work for items like salt, powdered sugar and brown sugar. They don’t come with labels but the spice jars had labels for everything I needed.
Step 7: Plastic Containers to Contain Items
The items on the upper shelves are things that aren’t used as often. I love having them in these storage bins. Combining like items. Because I am short(ish) I can’t reach items on the back of the upper shelves. When they are in the storage bins I can get everything I need without getting a stool.
Step 8: Maintain Regular Check-Ups
As you continue to cook and bake, make it a habit to conduct regular check-ups on your spice and baking cabinet. Keep an eye on expiration dates and replenish items as needed. Regularly decluttering and reorganizing will ensure that your cabinet remains functional and tidy.
Organizing your spice and baking cabinet may seem like a small task, but the impact it can have on your culinary adventures is significant. A well-arranged cabinet saves you time and stress, allowing you to focus on the joy of cooking and baking. Follow these tips to declutter, categorize, and invest in quality storage solutions to create a harmonious and efficient space that enhances your kitchen experience. Happy organizing and happy cooking!
