How to Organize Spices in a Drawer Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever been in the middle of cooking and realized you can’t find one of the spices you thought you had? After rushing to buy more, you later discover the original bottle hidden in the back of your cupboard. Learn how to organize your spices in a drawer to save time and money. Plus, it looks much prettier!
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My Spicey Story
That is a true story above; it was garlic powder, and having to stop in the middle of a recipe was frustrating; we ended up with multiple packages of the same spice, which did not make any sense and was a waste of money.
That is when I decided to find a solution to make my cooking and baking experiences more efficient and enjoyable. I researched various methods and discovered a way to create a neat and tidy spice drawer.
The process is simple and cost-effective. First, I took all the spices I had in my home and made some decisions. What did I need when it came to spices? I discarded any unused or expired spices. Then, I invested in some clear, airtight glass containers that were the same size. I transferred all my spices into these containers and added pretty labels. Finally, I arranged the containers in alphabetical order in my drawer.
This new system made locating and accessing spices easier and gave my kitchen a beautifully organized look. I highly recommend this method to anyone who wants to optimize their kitchen and cooking experiences.
By following a few easy and affordable steps, I promise you can create a neat and tidy spice drawer that will make preparing food a functional and enjoyable experience.
This post shares how to organize spices in a drawer.
Spice Organization Tips & Tricks
If you’re looking for motivation to organize something, why not take the next step and organize your spices in a drawer with my helpful tips? Trust me; it’ll make all the difference!
Feeling a bit overwhelmed? If you have too much stuff, you will want to start with the best tips to declutter and organize your home. These tips can help you achieve an organized home quickly without a professional organizer. Whether you’re tackling a drawer, closet, or entire room, these steps will help bring order to your space.
Does this spice organization system work?
When we first moved into our home, I struggled to find a way to keep our spices organized in our small kitchen without taking up too much space.
The assortment of containers, from glass bottles to plastic packages, made it difficult to determine what spices we had on hand, and it was just plain messy!
I knew a drawer was the best storage solution, but I wanted to find an organization system that was also visually appealing. Before starting the transformation, there are a few things to remember. It has been years since I organized my spices in a drawer, and it still looks as neat and tidy as the first time I created this new method.
Most-Used Spices
Every individual or household has their preferences regarding seasoning their food. However, some spices are commonly used in cooking and baking recipes.
If you are a beginner, the following spices are a great starting point. They can always be modified as you gain more experience.
- Basil
- Bay Leaves
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Cumin
- Dill
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Parsley
- Red pepper flakes
- Rosemary
- Thyme
Is there an expiration date for spices?
The answer is yes. Ground spices will last about six months, and whole spices can last up to five years. It is recommended to smell the spice to determine its freshness. If there is no smell, then it’s time for a replacement.
You can also add a small label to the bottom of the glass bottle with a written expiry date from the original package.
Simple Steps to Organize Spices in a Drawer
Storing spices in a drawer is convenient. It allows you to access the spices while cooking, which are hidden away when unused. Living Life Beautiful is sharing easy and affordable steps to help you throughout the transformation process so you can create a neat and tidy spice drawer.
1. Kitchen Organization: How to Choose a Kitchen Drawer for Spices
To make your spice collection more organized and accessible, you will want to consider designating a specific drawer in your kitchen to store them. This can be a great way to keep your spices within easy reach while freeing up counter or cupboard space.
When choosing a drawer for your spices, consider accessibility, storage capacity, and any necessary modifications to your current storage setup. For example, pick a drawer near your stove or cooking area for easy access.
2. Functional Systems: The Best Spice Organizers
When transforming any cluttered area of your home, you can quickly change it into a beautiful space with the help of storage solutions.
Drawer organizers come in various fixed and adjustable options, allowing you to customize the compartments to fit your needs.
Whether you have a small or large drawer, I have selected options to help you find the perfect storage unit for your designated space. I like the tiered spice rack option, as the different levels make picking out the spices in the drawer easier.
With the right organizer, you can keep your items sorted and easily accessible. You will save time since you will no longer search through a messy drawer or cupboard. Recreate this project using these resources to turn your drawer into a tidy and functional space.
3. A Simple Solution: Be consistent with your Containers
Consistency with your spice jars will help maintain a well-organized spice drawer. Easy maintenance is key. Finding what you need quickly and easily can be challenging when you have spice jars of varying sizes, shapes, and colors. By using matching spice jars, you can avoid this problem.
One way to achieve a more consistent look is to use spice jars made of the same material, such as clear glass jars. This will help create a cohesive look and make finding the spices you need easier.
When selecting matching spice jars, choosing ones that are the appropriate size for your spices is essential. Smaller jars are ideal for spices you use in smaller quantities, while larger jars are better suited for spices you use more frequently.
We have garlic powder in our spice drawer, but my husband keeps a larger container in the cupboard since we use this spice regularly. Use appropriately sized jars to store your spices, which will help you maximize your storage space and keep your spice drawer organized.
Tip: Wash the glass spice jars and dry them overnight before labeling and filling.
Overall, using matching spice jars of the same type is an effective way to maintain an organized spice drawer and ensure that you can find the spices you need quickly and easily. These are some beautiful options to consider.
4. Custom Labels: Alphabetize for Easy Access
There were so many options to chose from while looking for spice labels for our spice drawer organization project. Finally, I found a favorite, and I absolutely love them!
The white labels with black writing have a minimalistic look. They are visually appealing and very easy to stick on and take off if you make a mistake. The package contains various pre-made labels and some blank ones.
Organizing your spices in alphabetical order is helpful. This way, you can easily find what you need at a glance.
These are some label options depending on your style and preference.
5. Filling Spice Jars: The Easy Way
Some spice jar collections come with a small funnel to help move your spices from the original container to the new spice bottles, which helps with spillage. You can also purchase one at a local dollar store if you don’t have one. It really does help avoid waste and mess.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that having a tidy kitchen can actually help you get more creative when cooking? It’s true!
Is there an alternative spice storage solution?
Organizing spices in a drawer may not be the solution for everyone as you may have the space in other areas of your home, like your counter, pantry, or cabinet space. The most important thing is this…
By planning out your spice storage, you can ensure that you always have the right spices on hand for all your favorite recipes while also enjoying a more organized and functional kitchen.
Related Resources:
- The Ultimate Guide to Natural Cleaning Products
- 50 Best Home Organizing and Storage Products
- Try this All-Natural DIY Washing Machine Cleaner
Hey there, I’m Cheryl
I’m a proud mom, wife, business professional, and Maritimer who loves decorating and organization. From daily essentials to interior design, join me as I share my next project, plan, or tutorial. Using simple planning and organization strategies, I love to help folks like you bring more beauty and harmony into your lives and living spaces.
Are you feeling overwhelmed and needing more time? Decluttering and organizing your living space and home can create a more efficient and serene environment, ultimately saving time and energy. These easy-to-follow, detailed instructions will assist you in achieving a balanced and harmonious living space.