Pinterest Interest: Spice Organization

When I made my grocery list last week, one of the items I wanted to make was homemade taco seasoning.  But, I didn't have all of the spices on hand, so I knew it would be much cheaper to just buy the pouch of pre-made mix.  I was definitely bummed about not being able to make my own.  Right then and there I promised myself that I would try to build up my stash {read: buy maybe one or two spices at a time} until I formed a decent collection.  After all, spices are definitely a must when you're trying to cook at home more often.

While thinking about my plan to stock up on spices, though, I also got to thinking about how I might store them all.  My storage requirements are: I need to be able to easily see 1} what I have on hand and 2} when I'm running low.  Right now, they're categorized into two different groups: grilling rubs/spices {because my hubby is quite the grilling connoisseur} and regular spices {like garlic powder, basil, etc}.  Each category of spices was given their own plastic container and then placed on the bottom shelf of one of my upper cabinets.  However, this system does not meet either of my requirements for spice storage: I cannot see exactly what I have or when I'm running low on things.  That is, without having to pull out the entire container and sort through it all.  Definitely NOT the best use of space or time.

So, in an effort to brainstorm ideas, I thought I'd share what I've found {via Pinterest} in hopes that I will find a solution.  Plus, if any of you have some spice storage issues of your own, the hard work {spending the time to research ideas} has already been done for you.  Sound good?  Awesome!  Let's get started...

STEP #1 - FINDING THE CONTAINERS

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Brooke, from Cheeky Kitchen, used some see-through containers that stack like a dream {found HERE}.  Using this method, you could definitely see what spices are running low, but because she labeled them on top instead of on the side, I imagine it would be a bit difficult to see which spice is which {especially when you're a kitchen novice like me}.  But, a really good idea, nonetheless.

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Next up, we have Julie, from Table for Two, who used some equally stack-like-a-dream metal containers {found HERE}.  She also used these labels from Martha Stewart and spray painted them with chalkboard paint.  So, how do these measure up to my requirements?  Well, "look amazing" wasn't a requirement, but it does help; and these definitely looks pretty awesome.  Otherwise, the label on the side makes it easy to identify spices when the containers are stacked, which is good.  Plus, the clear lids give you an idea of how much of each spice you have left.

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Another great method {and a great way to reduce, reuse, and recycle} is to utilize glass jars you already have.  The ones above can actually be purchased from The Container Store, but old baby food jars or mason jars would work just as well.  Plus with a little chalkboard paint, you can label them easily {on either the top or the sides}.

Now that we have an idea of the different types of containers available to us, let's move on to...

STEP #2 - STORING THE CONTAINERS

    

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For those of you who enjoy displaying your collection for all to see, open shelving is a perfect solution.  Plus, note how the hooks underneath provide the perfect spot for hanging some stylish aprons.  {Btw, this entire kitchen tour from Home Made Happy is awesome!}  And of course, if open storage isn't you're thing, a shelf inside a convenient cabinet will always do the job.  Or...

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You could always utilize the inside of the cabinet door, which would give you more room on the shelves for other things.

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A kitchen drawer would also conceal those spices quite nicely.

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And for those spices you use all the time {which would be garlic powder in our house}, keeping them out on a tray next to the stove top would keep it accessible whenever you feel the urge to whip up something delicious!

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Well, friends, I hope this post was able to inspire you to tackle that spice cabinet of yours.  I know I'm ready to whip mine into shape.  Lord knows it needs it!

For those of you who already have a system that works for you:

How do you store your spices?

Blessings,

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