Pantry clutter doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of systems that don’t actually work for the way people live. In a recent article, Better Homes & Gardens identified six of the most common pantry organization mistakes that many households make without even realizing it. These missteps don’t just waste space—they waste time, money, and energy.
In response, The Closet Company offers expert commentary on each of these pitfalls, drawing from years of experience designing storage that functions as beautifully as it looks. With a focus on how smart, tailored design can eliminate friction in daily routines, these insights highlight why custom pantries are more than a luxury—they’re a long-term solution to an everyday problem. (Source: Better Homes and Gardens, 6 Pantry Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making—and How to Fix Them, by Patricia Shannon, April 24, 2025, https://www.bhg.com/pantry-organization-mistakes-11706157 ).
1. Not Organizing According to How You Eat
Pantries that aren’t aligned with your eating habits tend to create frustration and inefficiency. Frequently used items end up pushed to the back, while less-used items take up prime space.
The Closet Company comments, “Pantries shouldn’t follow a one-size-fits-all logic. What works for a baker won’t work for a busy parent grabbing snacks for the kids every morning. A well-designed pantry is shaped around your rhythms—breakfast routines, dietary needs, and cooking styles. When design begins with usage patterns, every shelf earns its keep. A custom approach allows for intentional placement: lower shelves for grab-and-go items and upper tiers for backup inventory. It’s not just about access; it’s about removing friction from everyday tasks.”
2. Not Utilizing Organizing Products
Many homeowners choose organizing tools based on looks, not function—resulting in mismatched bins, wasted space, and storage systems that don’t hold up to real-life use.
The Closet Company shares, “Organizing tools are only as good as their fit. Clear containers, tiered shelving, and divided bins should work with your space—not against it. In a custom pantry, those elements aren’t just afterthoughts. They’re built into the design: drawers that pull out with smooth glides, lazy Susans that solve corner dead zones, and bins that slide precisely into cubbies. This integration ensures every product has a purpose and no inch is idle. When the structure supports the system, maintenance becomes second nature.”
3. Not Putting Like with Like
Failing to group similar items—like canned goods, snacks, or baking ingredients—leads to clutter, redundancy, and confusion during meal prep.
The Closet Company comments,”Clustering similar items isn’t just about order—it’s about reducing mental load. A custom pantry can reinforce these zones spatially. We see the difference it makes when baking supplies have their own drawer with vertical dividers or when breakfast items are corralled together in a mid-level basket. These categories become muscle memory. Over time, it’s not just neat—it’s efficient. You restock faster, prep quicker, and waste less. Good design doesn’t fight your brain; it works with it.”
4. Not Using Labels
Without labels, bins and containers create confusion—especially in shared households. People forget what’s inside, where things belong, or whether something is still fresh.
The Closet Company comments, “Labels are the unsung heroes of pantry order. They communicate silently but constantly. In a custom setup, labeling is supported by intentional design: containers that are easy to lift and return, bins with smooth surfaces for adhesive or chalk labels, and open shelving sized to hold labeled jars at eye level. Labels aren’t just for aesthetics—they reinforce behavior. They give every item a home and reduce guesswork, even in busy or shared households. It’s a small detail with a big return.”
5. Not Removing Unused Items
Letting expired, unwanted, or forgotten food accumulate leads to waste and overbuying. A pantry needs regular editing to remain functional and relevant.
The Closet Company shares, “Clutter creeps in silently—half-used pasta boxes, expired canned beans, obscure ingredients from a recipe you made once. A pantry designed with visibility in mind makes those items harder to ignore. Pull-out trays, tiered can organizers, and shallow drawers create accountability. When everything’s visible, nothing lingers in the shadows. A custom setup can even promote rotation: first-in, first-out systems where older items are easier to access than new ones. It’s not just about tossing what’s bad—it’s about seeing what you have and using it wisely.”
6. Not Taking Advantage of Vertical Space
Most pantries underutilize height and wall space. The area above shelves and behind doors often remains empty when it could be fully functional.
The Closet Company mentions, “Vertical space is prime real estate. Yet, in most pantries, it’s wasted on dead air above short shelves. A custom pantry reclaims that height with floor-to-ceiling shelving, hanging baskets, and adjustable configurations that evolve with your needs. Think of narrow vertical pull-outs for oils and vinegars or stacked cubbies for backstock. Even behind the door—normally a dead zone—can hold spice racks or towel bars for wraps and foil. Going vertical doesn’t just add storage—it multiplies options.”
By addressing these six common pantry mistakes through the lens of intentional, customized design, The Closet Company illustrates how pantry organization can be transformed from a frustrating chore into a seamless part of daily life. Thoughtful design isn’t just about looking organized—it’s about living easier.