SPICE JAR ORGANIZATION
One of the biggest challenges my clients often face when organizing the kitchen is spice jars and keeping them organized. Often, I find them jumbled, with extra backstock that no one knew about, and lots of expired spices. Typically, there is no system in place to keep them organized.
Why? You might ask.
Well, what tends to happen over time is people collect a variety of spice brands in all shapes and sizes with different colored labels. This makes it difficult to store all of them in one place and makes it hard to see what you have.
One solution, trending now is decanting.
I decided to try this project because I was inspired by several of my favorite YouTube influencers. I fell in love with the streamlined look and wanted to see if it would help my spice cabinet situation.
I can’t tell you how many times my husband or kids asks me where is the “__________ “? Our cabinets had gotten so unruly and jumbled. One clearly couldn't see what spice was what, nor figure out where someone last put the very spice they were looking for. There was no visible system to our spices arrangement.
I knew it was time to resolve this problem.
STEP 1 – PURCHASE A JAR KIT
Buy a new set of jars of one size with labels that give your spice cabinet or drawer one cohesive look. And for those of you wanting to take that same look and style, one step further – you can get the same matching label and jars for your pantry.
I purchased my jar kit from Amazon. Amazon had so many choices in size, shape, lid, and label options. No matter what décor style you want, they most likely have a kit for you.
I chose silver metal lidded jars that matched back to my kitchen décor. I liked a simple label with a clear font. My kit came with 25 jars, caps, lids, a small funnel, and a chalk pen, and had 3 different label styles to choose from.
STEP 2 – WASH & DRY
Always wash new containers. You just don’t know where they came from and how long they have been sitting in a box. Create a quick wash, rinse, and dry station at your sink. It makes the process a snap!
Tip: Make sure jars, caps & lids are fully dry to ensure spices won’t stick or clump when you pour them in.
STEP 3 – TRANSFER SPICES
One of the easiest ways to transfer your spices into new jars is to put all your jars in alphabetical order. Get rid of anything expired especially if it's old. Write a list of replacements.
Take one jar at a time. Label first. Then pour in the spice. Then cap and put the top back on. Move to the next spice.
Tip: Adhere the label, about ¼ inch from the top ridge. That way, they all appear even in your cabinet. I also wanted to leave room at the bottom for sticky fingers so you easily can wash them off.
STEP 4 – ORGANIZE!
I have tight pull-out cabinet shelves. I counted out how many would fit in a row and grouped the jars in 5s. Then I decided where to start with the letter A and organized the spices from there. You’ll notice I left some original jars in the mix.
Some of my spices have grinders so those were left as is. Some were my husband’s specialty spices & rubs for grilling. Those were also left in original jars. I knew it would be easier for him to find them.
I couldn’t believe what a space saver this was! It made such a big difference in organizing these narrow cabinets.
TIP: My labels were printed alphabetically and in number order which makes it easy to put them back in the cupboard in the same spot.
STYLE & AESTHETIC
What’s not to love about matching spice jars! I love the new look and am excited about the new system in place to keep it orderly.
It’s fact, that if your space looks and feels amazing – you’re going to be more motivated to keep it that way. Motivate yourself and your routine by adding stylish products that reflect your personal style.