9 Reasons Your Pantry Is a Constant Mess, According to NEAT Method's Organizing Experts

A disorganized pantry can be a real hassle—and it can significantly slow down your kitchen routine, especially when you're racing against the clock to prepare a quick meal. Spending 10 minutes digging through a cabinet to locate a single can of corn buried beneath a chaotic pile of cans, cereal boxes, and pasta? Not ideal.

Luckily, it doesn't have to stay that way, according to the organizing pros at NEAT Method, who helped us optimize the kitchen storage in this year’s Mytour Home. Here, they reveal their top organizing tips, including the common pitfalls they see clients make with pantry organization—and how to fix them.

Mixing Up Food Categories

It’s tempting to just toss items into your pantry without any organization, but this is often the root cause of clutter. “When different types of food are scattered randomly across the pantry, finding what you need and keeping track of your supplies can become a nightmare,” explain the experts at NEAT Method. “Group similar items together and use labeled baskets to maintain order. This will help you quickly assess what you have, simplifying meal prep and shopping.”

Purchasing in Bulk

Costco is a beloved destination for many, and for good reason. The deals are unbeatable, making it a dream for bargain hunters. (Who doesn’t love a $5 rotisserie chicken?) But the issue arises when people overbuy, thinking they’re getting a great deal, which leads to chaos in your cabinets.

“This may be a bit controversial, but buying in bulk can often result in overflowing bins, jars, and general disorganization in the pantry,” says NEAT Method. “Instead, buy only what fits within the available space. If your snack bin is packed to the brim, it’s a clear sign you should eat through what you already have before purchasing more.”

Of course, it's smart to buy items in bulk that you're sure to use up, but consider taking a more thoughtful approach when shopping at places like Costco.

You Don’t Declutter Enough

Another reason your pantry may be a mess is simply that you’re not decluttering regularly enough. Just like your fridge, you should do an inventory and cleanout often. NEAT Method suggests doing it after every grocery trip.

You Don’t Get Rid of Expired Foods

Let’s say you’re staying on top of things with regular checks, but your shelves are still overflowing with cans. Chances are, you’re holding onto expired items—and you’re not the only one! “We find expired food in nearly every pantry project,” NEAT Method confirms. “Make it a habit to check expiration dates and dispose of anything that’s past its prime to free up space and reduce clutter.”

It might be time to adopt a more cutthroat approach to purging. Along with automatically discarding items past their “best by” date, think about getting rid of products that are approaching that date if you know deep down you won’t be using them soon.

Your Can Stacking is Inefficient

One of the main errors that the experts at NEAT Method observe with canned goods is clients grouping them in ways that make them hard to see. 'Whether arranged in a line or stacked, cans that are out of sight are easily knocked over, pushed to the back, and forgotten until they're long past their expiration date,' they explain. 'This also increases the chance of buying more of something you already have but can't locate.' The experts recommend using a tiered riser to organize cans in a way that improves visibility.

You're Not Decanting Enough

The team at NEAT Method highly recommends decanting for several reasons. As they put it, clear canisters help you monitor your stock, and containers with airtight seals keep foods fresh longer. Plus, it just looks neat and appealing! 'We suggest marking the expiration date on the back or bottom of every canister with a removable label or marker,' they advise.

That being said, not everything needs—or should—be decanted, according to organizing professionals. What should be decanted are pantry essentials that aren’t fully used once opened, especially when the packaging doesn't reseal well. 'This usually includes items like flours, sugars, pastas, cereals, pancake mix, nuts, and other snacks,' they explain. There’s no need to worry about items that are finished once opened, like a small box of spaghetti.

However, they advise against decanting unless you’re committed to maintaining it. 'Do what fits your lifestyle—decanting does take a bit more time and isn’t suited for everyone,' says NEAT Method.

You're Not Labeling Things Properly

When it comes to marking expiration dates, it's essential to label everything, not just canisters. NEAT Method suggests labeling bins and baskets as well, ensuring everyone is on the same page and helping to keep everything organized. 'This makes it clear to everyone in the household exactly where everything goes, so there’s no confusion.'

You're Not Using Turntables

Turntables (also known as lazy Susans) are the unsung heroes of kitchen cabinets, and they are a product the NEAT Method experts swear by. Yet, many people fail to use them! 'They're one of our go-to solutions for those tricky pantry corners and work wonders for organizing bottled items like oils, spreads, sauces, and other condiments,' NEAT Method shares. 'Plus, they let you easily reach items on higher cabinet shelves with just a simple turn.'

You're Using Too Many Round Containers

While organizing professionals love a good turntable, using too many round containers in your pantry isn't ideal if you're trying to maximize your space. A rectangular or square canister makes the most of every inch. NEAT Method also notes that smaller pantries benefit from fewer canisters and more bins to make the most of available space.