Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Ideas for Organizing Spices: Six Layouts and How to Choose One

Most spice collections grow faster than the space set aside for them, so the first step in any ideas for organizing spices is a sort. Find out how many jars you own, how often you use each one, and how much room the kitchen gives you. Then pick one of six layouts that fits that answer. This guide covers the sorting method, the layouts, a checklist and the mistakes that bury the spices you use most.

Quick answer

• Sort spices into everyday, occasional and rare before you choose a layout.
• Keep everyday spices in the most visible spot, usually a drawer or shelf near the stove.
• Choose a layout by space: drawer for a wide shallow area, door or wall for a narrow one, cabinet shelf for a standard base unit.
• Label every jar on the top and the side so you can read it at a glance.
• Discard spices older than their best-by date, and write the purchase month on the lid.

How we chose

The six layouts below were chosen to cover the common kitchen spaces: a drawer, a cabinet shelf, a door, a wall, a tiered tray and a rolling unit. We wrote them from common organizing patterns and the usual complaints about spice storage, such as jars hidden at the back and duplicates bought by mistake. We did not rank products, and no product is named as a recommendation. Measurements are planning ranges to adjust for your own jars.

Step 1: Sort before you buy anything

Take every jar out of the cabinet and put it on the counter. Read each label and set aside any spice that has faded, lost its smell or passed its date. Group what remains by how often you cook with it. Everyday spices include salt, pepper, garlic and the blends you use weekly. Occasional spices are used for certain dishes. Rare spices are used a few times a year or less.

Count the jars in each group. This count tells you how many slots the layout needs. A collection of thirty jars needs a very different layout from one of twelve.

Step 2: Measure the space

Measure the width, depth and height of the space where the spices will go. Note the height of each jar, including the lid, and the diameter of the widest one. Jars with a wider base need more depth in a drawer. Jars with a tall shape need more height above them on a shelf. Write the numbers down before you choose a layout.

Layout 1: Drawer with a grid insert

A shallow drawer near the stove works well for everyday spices. Fit a grid insert so each jar has its own square and can be seen from above. Place the most used jars toward the front. This layout gives the fastest access, but it only works if the drawer is deep enough to hold the jars without stacking them.

Layout 2: Cabinet shelf with risers

Add tiered risers to a standard base cabinet shelf. Each riser lifts the back row so every label can be read. Keep the tallest jars at the back and the shortest at the front. This layout suits a larger collection in a standard cabinet and is often the easiest to build from existing space.

Layout 3: Inside a cabinet door

A narrow rack attached to the inside of a cabinet door holds a row of small jars without taking shelf space. Check that the rack does not stop the door from closing, and keep the jars light enough that the door does not swing open under load. This works well for a small collection of everyday spices.

Layout 4: Wall rail with small shelves

A wall rail with lip shelves keeps spices visible and within reach of the cooking area. Fix the rail into a stud, and add a front lip to each shelf so jars do not slide. This layout is attractive when you want to see the full collection, but it collects dust and needs a regular wipe.

Layout 5: Tiered tray for a deep cabinet

A tray that rises toward the back makes use of depth in a deep cabinet. The front tier holds everyday spices, and the back tier holds the occasional and rare jars. Pull the tray forward to reach the back tier without moving the front. This is a good choice when the cabinet is deep but short.

Layout 6: Rolling unit beside the stove

A narrow rolling unit with several shelves can sit beside the stove and move to the cooking area when needed. Choose one with a lip on each shelf and a locking wheel. Keep the heaviest jars on the lowest shelf so the unit stays stable when moved.

Labels and rotation

Write the spice name on the lid and on the side of the jar, so you can read it whether the jar is on a shelf or in a drawer. Add the purchase month to the label. When you refill a jar, put the newest one at the back and move the older one to the front. This rotation keeps the collection fresh without a separate inventory list.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Buying a new set of jars before sorting. Many people end up with duplicates.
• Storing spices next to the heat of the stove. Heat shortens the life of most ground spices.
• Keeping rare spices in the best spot. Give the front row to everyday spices.
• Skipping the labels. Unlabeled jars are hard to find, and they get replaced by mistake.
• Letting old spices accumulate. Clear out expired jars on a fixed schedule.

Checklist

• Sort the collection into everyday, occasional and rare.
• Measure the space and the jar heights.
• Choose one layout that fits the space and the count.
• Label every jar on the lid and the side.
• Write purchase months and remove expired spices.
• Recheck the layout after a month of cooking.

What we could not verify

We did not measure any spice collection or test any rack, so the layouts above are planning ideas, not tested results. We did not verify the shelf life of any spice, and the note about heat is a general storage principle rather than a measured figure. We did not check manufacturer load or fit data for any rack, riser or tray. Check the manufacturer’s installation instructions before you mount anything.

FAQ

What is the best way to organize spices in a small kitchen?

A drawer with a grid insert or a door-mounted rack usually fits a small kitchen best. Sort first, then choose the layout that matches the space.

How many spices should I keep?

Keep the spices you cook with regularly and remove the rest. A smaller, current collection is easier to read and easier to use.

Should spices be stored in the cabinet next to the stove?

It is common to store them near the cooking area, but avoid placing them directly above the stove where heat can build up.

Do I need matching jars?

No. Matching jars look tidy, but labeled jars of any shape work well if the layout fits them.

Related guides on this site

For more on storage in a cabinet or on a shelf, read best floating corner shelves for a living room and storage ideas for the top shelf of a closet.

Sources

• General spice storage method written for this guide. No external figures are used.
• Reference list: https://www.cpsc.gov (opened 2026-10-30).