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Fitting out your pantry: clever planning for more organisation and storage space

    02/11/2026

    7 min.

    iStock.com/onurdongel | Image Professionals/Are Media/Profimedia | iStock.com/Valeriy_G13264131

A pantry keeps your kitchen tidy and provides valuable storage space.

 

Clever shelving systems, labelled containers and well thought-out planning will keep your supplies organised and fresh for longer. Find out how to make the most of even small spaces and organise your pantry perfectly. 

The essentials at a glance

    A pantry creates additional storage space in the kitchen and keeps food fresh for longer.

    Flexible shelving systems, glasses and clear labelling ensure order and an overview.

    Light, ventilation and humidity influence the shelf life of the food

That's why a well-organised pantry makes sense

A well-planned pantry makes everyday life in the kitchen more relaxed - especially if the larder is sensibly organised. Everything that is not in constant use - from storage jars to crates of drinks - disappears from view, but is still within easy reach. This keeps the kitchen tidy and clearly structured. In open-plan kitchens in particular, a well-equipped pantry creates visual calm and ensures that cooking, storage and stocking are seamlessly interlinked.

  

Tip: If you are planning a new kitchen, think about the pantry right from the start - if the layout allows it. You can also read our tips for kitchen planning.  

Well thought-out planning: How to optimise your pantry design

A pantry is only as good as its organisation system. If the arrangement of food, kitchen appliances & Co. is right, even the smallest storage room becomes a space miracle. 

 

Important planning criteria: 

  • Room size: From around three square metres, there is space for shelves, pull-outs and storage areas. 

 

  • Air circulation: Good ventilation prevents mould and keeps the humidity constant. 

 

  • Lighting: Bright, glare-free light provides a good overview - ideal in combination with a motion sensor. 

 

  • Accessibility: Place frequently used utensils and food at eye level, store rarely used items higher up or lower down. 

 

Tip: Even small or narrow pantries can be optimally equipped: Utilise the full height of the room to create storage space. Light and clear colours provide visual space - this also applies to mini kitchens

    Set up organisation systems in the pantry

    A well thought-out organisation system is the heart of every pantry. Open shelves, closed containers and a clear structure with well thought-out labelling ensure a good overview. Plan shelves at different heights so that even large storage jars and kitchen utensils can be accommodated comfortably. Find out in our overview what is best stowed and how. 

     

    CategoryStorageNotes
    Dry products (flour, pasta, rice) Label storage jars or tinsand check shelf life regularly
    Canned food & jars Sort open shelvesby shelf life and category
    Drinks & bottles stable holdersstore heavy bottles at the bottom
    fruit & vegetables breathable basketsdon't use plastic bags
    kitchen appliances closed boxesfor dust protection and more order

    tip: Use stackable, transparent containers. This keeps the contents visible. Glass shelves ensure a good all-round view. 

      Which foods belong in the pantry?

      Not all provisions are suitable for storage outside the fridge. Ideally, durable products should be stored in a cool (between refrigerator and room temperature), dark and dry place. 

      Typical stocks are for example 

       

      • Flour, sugar, salt, rice, pasta

       

      • Pulses, cereal products, tinned and pickled products

       

      • Oil, vinegar, spices, tea, coffee, cocoa

       

      • Onions, potatoes, apples (keep apples separate from other fruit and vegetables)

       

      Good to know: The right food storage helps to keep products fresh for longer and avoid waste.  

        Fitting out your pantry: the best tips

        The biggest pantry is useless if the store room is in chaos - and that often happens quicker than we would like.  Find out how to organise your pantry so that it stays tidy for a long time.  

         

        So you can keep an overview: 

         

        • Organise supplies by category and shelf life

         

        • put new products at the back

         

        • use standardised container sizes

         

        • clean shelves regularly

         

        • keep a list, what is still available and what needs to be bought

         

        Regularly reviewing stock and clearing out help to use expiring food in good time and to plan purchases in a more targeted way.  

        Cleaning and maintaining the pantry

        During cleaning, check whether there are any signs of pest infestation in the stored food. Proceed as follows:

         

        • Empty shelves and wipe out with a damp cloth

        • Check storage containers individually and clean if necessary

        • Vacuum or mop the floor

        • Dispose of expired products

        Once a year, it is also worth reorganising to adapt the organisation system to new cooking and shopping habits. 

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          FAQ Setting up a pantry

          Make full use of the room height – ideally with ceiling-high shelves and pull-outs. In small rooms, narrow shelves or hanging baskets on the inside of the door are helpful. Frequently used supplies should be stored at eye level.

          This is mainly used to store dry, non-perishable foods such as flour, rice, pasta, tinned food and spices. Fresh fruit and vegetables are also suitable if the room is cool, dry and well ventilated. Products that need to be refrigerated should be kept in the fridge.

          A structured organisation system helps: sort supplies according to shelf life, label them and check them regularly. Place new products at the back and older ones at the front. This helps you keep track of everything.

          Thorough cleaning every three months is recommended. Clear out shelves, wipe them down with a damp cloth and check supplies. This will keep the room hygienic and free of mould and dust.

          Bright, even lighting ensures good visibility. LEDs with motion sensors are energy-efficient and practical. Daylight is only suitable to a limited extent, as direct sunlight causes fats and oils to age more quickly.

          A pantry provides storage space, keeps food fresh for longer and keeps things tidy. It frees up space in the refrigerator and on the worktop and makes cooking easier. 

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