Getting “SPICE”Y with Organization
Are you ready for new organization for your SPICES?!? I have always loved the way spice organization looked on pinterest and on reels, however when I went on the endeavor myself, I ran into a few snags. If I had learned before I might’ve been able to save some money.
The Inspiration
Things I would consider if I did it again and wish I would’ve known before starting.
Is the goal to save space, improve esthetics, improve function, or all of the above
What my available space it for the solution
How many different spices I actually want to stock in my solution.
Size of containers I want to put them in
Quality of containers I want to put them in
Stackability, is it important or not
What will I label them with
Where would I keep backstock
Where would I keep odds and ends that I don’t normally purchase but need to use
When I got started I pretty much just blinding chose containers, labels, and the space — without considering much else. I ended up having to return a bunch of things and some of it was a total loss in my endeavor on the right solution.
First thing to consider is the goal you have — for me, I needed to improve esthetics, improve function, and also minimize additional space usage. I didn’t necessarily need to save space.
After that, remove your spices from the current place and review what you have. Everything doesn’t need its beautiful new home. Which spices will you include in your solution and which will you exclude? You’ll want to consider how often you use the spices. I cook daily so I ended up decanting about 36 different spices for my overhead cabinet and an additional 8 for another solution that was more readily handy as these are my top uses.
3. Next is the space — what are the dimensions, what might fit, how might they be arranged? This is important to consider before you start making purchases. I decided to restructure an overhead cabinet to allow for space on the bottom section to house nearly all of my spices. then adjusted the rest of the cabinets shelves to accommodate back stock and other larger commonly used items needing storing. Tiered shelf linked.
My jars —
Strong study glass, rose gold lids, high capacity, wide mouth, and beautiful to look at!
4. The containers! Finally, we get to buy some stuff ;). Once the first 3 things are establish you can start to consider what you’ll store it in and how you’ll store it.
How to store them: Originally, I wanted angled the drawer presentation, but I didn’t have a free draw to give and what was in there couldn’t be moved elsewhere. From there I determined a tiered cabinet look would work best. This would give me the ability to see what I had more easily and retrieve what I needed more easily. I also needed a metal, magnetic lid because I planned for some under the counter storage for my most used spices.
Sizing: Most spice jars come in 2.5, 4, and 4oz options. When actually decanting my spices from the store, I was often left with a remainder, so I opted for 6oz jars. The 8oz were too large and I was able to find a beautiful 6oz that allowed me to decant effectively without having backstock. I also opted for a WIDE mouth that would fit a whole teaspoon inside!
Quality: They need to be airtight, no exceptions. Many of the trending glass ones with bamboo lids are gorgeous, but simply not airtight. It’s unfortunate how many duds are out there. Even some high quality brands are not airtight. Spices should stay fresh as long as possible. They lose potency quickly if not airtight.
5. Last but not least — labels - there are a ton to choose and buy. Just make sure to double check the one you’re buying has all the spices you intend to store. There is nothing more frustrating than labeling all of your fabulous jars and then realizing there isn’t one for your favorite spice!
My labels —
Good durable label with 140 different ones included! They will also do custom orders if you order directly from their website. You can also make your own with a cutting machine!
Under cabinet mount
In addition to the cabinet storage! We did a simple DIY cabinet mount :D All you need is magnets, magnetic lids with jar, and small screws - maybe even a measuring tape or a ruler.
The results — AMAZING! My most used spices right at my finger tips, by the stove, and utilizing space that would not be used no less!
I LOVE IT!
