The BEST Way to Organize Spices

I admit it. I’m a sucker for labels. It’s a room organization tool that just works from linen closet labels to seasonal storage.

Naturally, our pantry organization overhaul included labels for pantry staples and spice jars. I’ve tried various methods to keep my spices in order over the years, but I’ve finally developed a fool proof technique! Ready to learn the secrets to sorting your spices like a pro?

Psst…want more genius ways to store spices and other items inside kitchen cabinets? Check out my collection of favorite Ideas for Kitchen Cabinet Organization.

Where to Store Spices and Dried Herbs?

Honestly, if you want to store on the back of your pantry door, in a dark cabinet, or just a rack beside yours stove, it’s fine! While light can add slight degradation of color over time, it won’t make your spices expire faster. However, red spices in particular keep their color and flavor longer in the refrigerator.

There are three keys to success to organizing spices successfully: containers, labels, and adjustable storage. That being said, there are some factors that will help make using them and cooking easier:

1. Try to store spices at eye level.
2. The containers should be easy to clean with easy to read labels.
3. Uniform bottles make it much faster to scan labels.
4. The ability to make my own mixes and add labels easily.
5. Set in a way that I don’t have to move things around to read the labels.

The Best Spice Storage Rack Organizers

The best organizer for you is probably going to depend on which space you want to store spices in. Even if you have an idea of which space to use, check out some of these ideas that may give you some different options:

• A shallow drawer insert spice rack – Easily spot what you need.
• A large door rack to store spices, seasonings, sauces, and baking goods. This is the one pictured that we use.
• A mesh basket door rack – We installed this in our linen closet and LOVE it.
• Smaller racks that are adjustable and can be used on a wall.
• Spice Gripper clips are ideal for small wall spaces or the back of cabinets.

I generally don’t recommend magnetic spice racks (too small), countertop organizers (clutter), or tiered cabinet racks (too much wasted space).

How to Organize Spices

Organizing with a door rack takes minimal steps. First, shop. Second, label & fill. Third, place!

Supplies Needed

• Clear Glass Spice Jars – These are perfectly sized for the printable labels, but small glass containers such as empty baby food jars or jam jars will also work.
• Plastic Funnels – The glass jars linked above include one.
• Inkjet Printer
• Waterproof label sheets
• Scissors
• Washable paint pen

How To Make Spice Labels

Uniform spice jars aren’t simply for aesthetics, it improves efficiency in the kitchen. Items will fit better in the space so you can find what you need faster. The labels I have listed at the bottom of this post are sized 1.2in x 1.8in, which fit perfectly on the jars I linked in the list above.

*Top Tip: Use a washable paint pen to write the expiration date on the bottom of your spice bottle.

How to Fill Containers without a Mess

Filling up your own spice jars is simple. Purchase the recommended spice jars (these will fit almost all standard jars of spices you find at the grocery store or co-ops), and follow these steps:

1. Add labels of choice to the containers – I have some free ones below or you can purchase on Etsy and laminate them.
2. Gather your spices and create a station. Combine multiple bottles/jars if necessary.
3. A mini funnel is helpful in transferring the spices from jar to jar. Place the funnel over the jar and pour in the spices. Done!
4. No funnel? No problem. Use a piece of paper. Roll the paper into a funnel shape and stick it into the jar. Pour in your spices, and voila!

Top Tip: It may seem over the top, but organizing spices alphabetically helps you find them faster (my mixes have their own shelf). If that fills you with dread, place the ones you use most often at eye level so that they’re easy to grab. Or group them by their use (baking, Indian, etc) if that is your thing.