Spice Storage Tricks That Save Serious Space

In the daily rhythm of cooking, there’s one frustrating constant: hunting for that elusive spice you know you bought. Whether it’s ground turmeric, dried oregano, or your favourite blend, unorganised spice storage can disrupt the flow of even the most seasoned home cook.

If your kitchen is compact or you’re simply tired of digging through crowded cupboards, you’re in the right place. This guide is packed with practical spice organiser ideas, small kitchen hacks, and cabinet storage tricks to help you take back control — and find joy in the simple act of seasoning.

Why Smart Spice Storage Matters

Save Time, Cook Happier

When you’re in the middle of cooking and the pan is sizzling, the last thing you want to do is rummage for paprika behind a row of baking soda boxes. A tidy spice system means less faff and more flavour.

Make the Most of Every Inch

Tiny kitchens are charming, but they demand creativity. With proper planning, awkward nooks and wasted vertical space can become prime real estate for your spice stash.

Keep Your Spices Fresh and Potent

Properly stored spices last longer and taste better. Exposure to light, heat and moisture dulls their flavour — so the better your system, the tastier your meals.

Genius Spice Organiser Ideas

Drawer Inserts: Tiered and Tidy

Standard kitchen drawers become elegant spice trays with the right insert. Go for angled tiers so each label is visible without lifting a single jar.

You can also use bamboo or plastic drawer trays that expand to fit your drawer’s exact size — no wasted space.

Magnetic Racks: Use the Fridge

Stick spice tins to the side of your refrigerator or a wall-mounted magnetic board. It’s ideal for keeping your go-to spices close to your prep station.

If your fridge isn’t magnetic, adhesive metal strips do the trick just as well.

Wall-Mounted Shelving: Storage Meets Style

Floating shelves add a designer look to your kitchen while solving your spice storage woes. Choose one near your cooking zone so your favourite spices are just an arm’s reach away.

Consider small wood, acrylic or wire options, depending on your kitchen aesthetic.

Inside Cabinet Doors: Hidden Brilliance

Mount lightweight racks to the back of cupboard doors to store smaller spice jars. Just check for clearance before installing — you’ll want to ensure your shelves still close comfortably.

This is also a great spot for storing backstock or less-frequently-used spices.

Under-Cabinet Magnets: Floating Solutions

Use magnetic strips or brackets under your cabinets to hold spice tins. This lifts them off countertops, keeps them dry, and looks ultra-modern.

Pair with uniform containers for a sleek, gallery-like finish.

Small Kitchen Hacks That Really Work

Stackable Spice Jars

Uniform, stackable jars not only look neat — they save precious space. Use rectangular or square jars rather than round to minimise gaps in storage.

Choose transparent options so you can easily see contents, and label the tops for drawer storage.

Lazy Susans: Small but Mighty

A spinning tray adds big value to pantry shelves or deep cabinets. It lets you see all your spices without reaching blindly or knocking things over.

Use two-tier versions to double the capacity in one spot.

Pull-Out Cabinets: Hidden Heroes

Got a tiny gap beside your cooker or fridge? That’s prime space for a custom pull-out spice rack. These slim drawers can store dozens of jars upright and neatly.

And if you’re upgrading cabinetry, you might want to look into hidden drawers — a sleek way to expand storage while keeping things clutter-free.

Over-the-Door Organisers

Not just for shoes! These can be a smart way to store bulk spices, backstock or larger seasoning blends. Hang one on your pantry door or inside a tall cabinet.

Choose clear pockets or small shelf racks to keep everything visible.

Label and Divide

Label every jar clearly — top and front. Use dividers or trays to group spices by use: baking, grilling, and global cuisines. This avoids overbuying and helps you grab what you need instantly.

Tricks for Cabinet Optimisation

Tiered Shelf Risers

Add elevation inside your cupboards. These mini steps give you visibility of what’s behind — no more forgotten, stale herbs.

Risers come in expandable models too, so you can customise by shelf size.

Under-Shelf Baskets

Clip-on baskets are lifesavers in cupboards with lots of vertical room. Great for storing spice packets or smaller containers like bouillon cubes and sachets.

No tools required — they simply slide over existing shelves.

Bins and Baskets with Labels

Group similar spices in labelled bins (think: Mexican, baking, BBQ). Pull them out as a unit rather than hunting item by item.

Clear bins make contents visible, while opaque ones help reduce visual clutter.

Built-In Spice Cubbies

If you’re doing a renovation or custom work, consider built-in racks between studs or inside shallow drawers. Even a 10cm-deep niche can become a tidy spice gallery.

Or convert the side of a cabinet into a vertical rack for slim jars.

Slim Pull-Out Pantry Units

Tuck a tall, narrow pull-out cabinet beside your fridge or oven. It’s a game changer for keeping jars upright and tidy — no toppling, no digging.

This is particularly ideal for awkward corners or end-of-run cabinet placements.

Bonus Idea: Fold-Out Pantry Corners

You might also explore the power of fold-out pantry systems — a godsend for odd, unreachable kitchen corners.

If that piques your interest, check out fold-out pantry for detailed design ideas that reclaim neglected zones.

Maintenance Tips That Actually Stick

• Audit every six months: Spices do expire. Check dates and replace anything faded or flavourless.
• Label like a librarian: Use consistent labels on lids, jars, bins and baskets.
• Wipe clean often: Dust and oil from cooking settle on open spice containers. A quick wipe every fortnight does wonders.
• Keep a master list: If you like being hyper-organised, jot down your spices in a note on your phone so you avoid duplicate purchases.

Conclusion

Reclaiming your spice storage isn’t just about saving space — it’s about making your kitchen flow better, reducing frustration, and even elevating your everyday meals.

Start with one drawer or one cupboard, and go from there. Choose a solution that suits your cooking habits and kitchen layout, and don’t be afraid to mix and match ideas for the perfect fit.

By implementing even a few of these clever spice organiser ideas, small kitchen hacks, and cabinet storage tricks, you’ll create a space that’s not just tidy, but also a joy to cook in.

Let me know if you’d like a printable checklist version or visual guide of this blog — I’d be happy to create that next!