I transformed my chaotic spice cabinet into a tidy, easy-to-use collection. What started as a jumble of mismatched bottles became a uniform, accessible system that keeps my kitchen organized and saves time while cooking.
When I first learned to cook, my spice selection was embarrassingly small: table salt, pepper, taco seasoning and Johnny’s Seasoning Salt. Spices felt overwhelming—so many varieties and uses that I didn’t understand. Over the years I collected more and more, until the cabinets were bursting and I could never find what I needed while cooking.
The core problems were limited storage space and inconsistent containers. Spices hid behind large bottles, I frequently ran out without noticing, and the whole mess made meal prep stressful. I needed a system that made spices visible, organized, and easy to return to their place.
Before:
I had two cabinets overflowing with spices, oils, vinegars and random baking supplies. I tried moving smaller spices into a drawer so labels could be seen, which helped, but boxes and large containers still took up too much room. My solution was to decant spices into clear, uniform jars.
Uniform Containers
After researching options, I chose a set of clear glass spice jars with matching lids and labels. The uniform size and appearance made everything look neat and made identification simple. The kit I used included pre-printed circular labels for lids and smaller labels for the jar fronts—perfect for drawer storage.
These jars work well for homemade blends like taco or Greek seasoning, garden herbs, and frequently used spices. Having everything in the same containers means spices are easy to find, and family members can locate what they need without asking.
Alphabetical arrangement made the biggest difference. With labeled jars arranged A–Z, even someone unfamiliar with the kitchen can find spices quickly. That consistency also makes it easy to spot when something is running low.
After:
Now one cabinet stores my sourdough starter and larger containers I use regularly without smaller items getting lost behind them. Another cabinet that used to hold baking essentials now has space for mixing bowls and cookbooks because I freed up room by moving spices into uniform jars.
Everyday items like table salts I keep in crocks on the counter for convenience. Larger bulk containers live in the garage to preserve valuable kitchen space. This approach lets me buy staples in bulk, which saves money and reduces how often I need to replace commonly used spices.
I also repurposed a few small plastic containers for rubs, baking powder and baking soda—items I want sealed but don’t use as frequently. The result is a cleaner workspace and a system where every spice has a home.
Here’s the process I followed so you can replicate it:
How to Organize a Spice Cabinet or Drawer
1. Inventory All Your Spices
Remove every spice from the cabinets and drawers. Discard expired or unused items and make a list of the rest. This tells you how many containers you’ll need—don’t assume a smaller pack will be enough until you’ve counted everything.
2. Purchase Containers That Fit Your Needs
Measure the space where you plan to store jars—drawer, cabinet shelf, or pantry—and choose containers that fit well. I used 4 oz square glass jars that line up neatly in my drawer. If you store jars in a cabinet, consider risers so every row is visible. Mason jars are attractive but can take up more room, so pick what balances function and style for your layout.
3. Wash Jars and Lids
Wash all new jars and lids with hot, soapy water and dry thoroughly before filling. Cleaning everything at once streamlines the process and avoids interruptions.
4. Determine Placement of Labels
Decide whether to label lids, fronts, or both based on how you store the jars. For upright jars in a drawer, labels on lids are ideal; for jars on risers, place labels where they’re easily visible. Consistent label placement speeds up finding and returning spices and is especially helpful for family members learning the kitchen.
5. Fill and Organize
Fill each jar, affix labels, and arrange spices in a system that works for you—alphabetical, by cuisine, by frequency of use, or by type (dried herbs vs. ground spices). I prefer alphabetical order because it’s intuitive for everyone in the household and makes it easy to notice when a spice is missing.
Conclusion
Organizing my spices into uniform jars was a genuine game changer. I can quickly find and restock what I need, the countertop and cabinet clutter is reduced, and buying in bulk became practical. Some bulky or rarely used items still live elsewhere, but the everyday system works reliably.
Find a container style and labeling method that suits your space and habits, and you’ll save time and frustration in the kitchen. A little effort upfront makes cooking more enjoyable and organized every day.
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Aozita 36 Pcs Glass Spice Jars with 612 Spice Labels – 4oz Empty Square Spice Bottles
Aozita 24 Pcs Glass Spice Jars/Bottles – 4oz Empty Square Spice Containers with 612 Spice Labels
Other Kitchen Organization:
- Spice Drawer Organizer for Easy Access to all Your Spices
- How to Organize a Pantry