A well-organized pantry can make meal prep easier, reduce food waste, and help you keep track of what you already have. One of the biggest challenges when organizing a pantry is dealing with canned goods. Without a proper system, they can quickly become cluttered, hard to find, or even expire before you use them.
Whether you have a small pantry or a large one, learning how to organize cans in pantry spaces effectively can help you maximize storage and keep everything within easy reach. In this guide, we’ll explore the best can organization pantry solutions, including can holders for pantry storage, stacking techniques, and space-saving strategies.
If you’re planning a complete pantry overhaul, you might also want to consider upgrading your storage with new shelving. Check out these pantry shelving ideas for inspiration before getting started.
Step 1: Declutter & Take Inventory
Before you can organize your canned goods efficiently, start by decluttering your pantry and taking an inventory of what you have.
How to Declutter Your Can Storage Pantry:
- Check expiration dates – Toss out anything that is expired.
- Group similar items together – Organize by type, such as soups, beans, vegetables, and sauces.
- Donate extras – If you have too many of one type of canned item, consider donating them to a local food pantry.
Once your cans are sorted and you have a clear picture of what you need to store, you can decide on the best can storage pantry solutions to keep them neat and accessible.
Step 2: Choose the Right Can Holders for Pantry Organization
One of the best ways to keep your canned goods tidy is by using can holders for pantry storage. These organizers allow you to store cans efficiently while making it easy to see what you have.
Popular Types of Can Holders for Pantry Storage:
- Tiered Can Racks – These let you stack cans in a way that makes everything visible.
- Can Dispensers – Gravity-fed dispensers automatically roll cans forward when one is removed.
- Stackable Bins – Great for separating different types of canned goods.
- Lazy Susans – Perfect for deep pantry shelves, allowing easy access to all cans.
By incorporating the right can organization pantry tools, you’ll prevent cans from getting lost at the back of your shelves.
Step 3: Utilize Vertical Space for Better Can Storage Pantry Solutions
If your pantry shelves feel cramped, look for ways to use vertical storage to increase capacity.
Smart Vertical Storage Ideas for Cans:
- Stackable Wire Shelves – Add an extra layer of storage within existing shelves.
- Hanging Door Racks – Perfect for keeping frequently used cans accessible.
- Under-Shelf Baskets – These can hold smaller canned items like tuna or tomato paste.
If you’re considering adding more shelving to your pantry, check out how to build pantry shelves for DIY ideas that maximize space.
Step 4: Arrange Cans by Category and Frequency of Use
Grouping canned goods by category makes meal planning easier and prevents food waste.
How to Arrange Cans for an Efficient Pantry:
- By Type – Keep all soups together, beans together, etc.
- By Meal Category – Organize based on how you use them (e.g., canned vegetables near pasta sauce).
- By Expiration Date – Place older cans at the front so they get used first.
If you have a reach-in pantry, consider optimizing your layout for easy access. Check out these reach-in pantry ideas for space-saving inspiration.
Step 5: Label Everything for Easy Identification
A well-labeled pantry helps ensure that everything stays in its place.
Labeling Tips for Can Organization Pantry Systems:
- Use Chalkboard Labels – Great for easy updates as your inventory changes.
- Print Custom Labels – Clean, professional-looking labels make organization easier.
- Color-Code Labels – Assign different colors to various food categories.
If your pantry is part of a larger home organization project, take a look at our custom storage solutions to make the most of every space in your home.
Step 6: Rotate Your Stock to Avoid Food Waste
To prevent expired cans from sitting at the back of your pantry, practice First In, First Out (FIFO) rotation.
How to Rotate Canned Goods Efficiently:
- Always place new cans behind older ones to ensure the oldest gets used first.
- Use can dispensers that automatically push the oldest can forward.
- Check expiration dates regularly to keep track of what needs to be used soon.
By keeping up with rotation, you’ll reduce food waste and ensure your pantry stays stocked with fresh items.
Step 7: Maximize Deep Pantry Shelves
Deep shelves can be tricky for storing canned goods since cans can get lost in the back.
Ways to Organize Cans on Deep Shelves:
- Use Pull-Out Drawers – These allow you to easily access items in the back.
- Install Sliding Trays – Similar to pull-out drawers but for a more DIY approach.
- Use a Lazy Susan – Ideal for smaller collections of canned goods.
If deep shelves are causing you frustration, installing custom shelving might be a great solution. Take a look at how to build pantry shelves for a step-by-step guide.
Step 8: Create a Dedicated Emergency Food Section
Having a designated spot for emergency canned goods ensures you’re always prepared for unexpected situations.
Items to Include in an Emergency Can Storage Pantry:
- Non-perishable soups and stews
- Canned vegetables and fruits
- Proteins like canned tuna, chicken, and beans
- Shelf-stable milk and canned coconut milk
By keeping emergency food separate from everyday canned goods, you won’t accidentally use up your long-term supplies.
Step 9: Utilize Drawer Storage for Small Canned Goods
If you have extra drawer space in your pantry or kitchen, consider using it for smaller canned items.
Best Cans to Store in Drawers:
- Canned tomato paste and sauce
- Small cans of fruit and vegetables
- Baby food jars and small snack-sized cans
Drawer dividers can help keep everything organized and easy to find.
Step 10: Invest in Custom Pantry Solutions
If your pantry feels unmanageable despite your best efforts, a custom pantry organization system might be the best solution.
Benefits of Custom Pantry Storage:
- Maximizes every inch of available space.
- Keeps everything easily accessible.
- Helps maintain long-term organization.
Renuity Home offers custom pantry and storage solutions to help you create a functional and organized space. If you want a stress-free way to organize your cans and other pantry items, check out Renuity Home’s custom storage solutions for a tailored approach.
Final Thoughts
A well-organized can storage pantry helps streamline meal prep, reduces food waste, and makes your kitchen more efficient. By using the right can holders for pantry storage, leveraging vertical space, and rotating stock properly, you can create a system that works for your needs.
Quick Recap of Can Organization Pantry Tips:
- Declutter and take inventory before organizing.
- Use tiered racks, dispensers, and bins for storage.
- Maximize vertical space with extra shelves and hanging racks.
- Group cans by category and label everything.
- Rotate stock using the FIFO method.
- Utilize deep shelves, drawers, and emergency food storage zones.
- Invest in custom pantry solutions for a long-term organization system.
Looking for expert help? Renuity Home offers custom pantry solutions to help you create a more functional and beautiful storage space. Start organizing today and enjoy a cleaner, more efficient pantry!
As a content manager at Renuity, Francheska spent nearly two years helping homeowners discover the possibilities of transforming their spaces. Renuity is a leader in home remodeling, specializing in everything from windows and doors to bathrooms and home storage solutions, and she’s proud to be part of a team that prioritizes quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. She graduated from Florida International University with a double major in International Business and Marketing, ranked among the top programs in the nation. Her passion for home improvement runs deep—since childhood, she’s been inspired by watching HGTV and seeing the magic of remodels come to life. Now, she channels that passion into connecting readers with ideas, tips, and solutions to create homes they love.
