Reorganizing My Spice Drawer

The spice drawer is a hotspot for chaos in many kitchens including mine. A mishmash of jars and packets can turn cooking into a frustrating experience. Searching for the right spice can feel like a scavenger hunt. My recent mission to reorganize this often-forgotten space became a rewarding journey filled with tips and tricks that transformed my cooking experience.

Here is my cluttered and disgusting spice drawer.

Assess and Empty the Drawer

Start by emptying your spice drawer completely. This involves pulling out every jar and packet and laying them out on your countertop.

Although the drawer may seem small, removing everything reveals just how many spices you've collected over time. Here, you might discover duplicates or spices that have long since expired. For instance, it is common to find several jars of cinnamon, garlic, or paprika due to impulse buying.

Use this opportunity to decide what you frequently use and what can be tossed. Spices lose potency over time; consider that ground spices are typically best used within 6 months to a year. If it's been years since you last touched an item, it’s time to part ways.

Clean and Measure

Once the drawer is empty, give it a thorough cleaning. I used my Dyson to vacuum out all the crumbs that have accumulated in this space. I then wipe the drawer down with any stuck on spices.

https://www.amazon.com/Dyson-Digital-Slim-Cordless-Vacuum/dp/B0DBRLRP3F/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3S3R6G5LU4PHW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AHPGGrU0_ieZrfQ8MBCc2Y-fCIX1XKAGPaw3TgnjKQPQnO0QzSr_16CzqWF3LGjuo-zid48WwiY97cnz2guqAIMVCxiB3640Cz0DoUxIFJoqAP_v6b2f7LGCW-Sldpe1r8vuaHY-4RRLTUW5ajl7EWU8UanId70_P7RJlWQtb32IkBCKfLciAgEziW35FOmQH2XGP8D2aOPlLGaxliaxnu6AYTXB-Xtmxpl-5fVOKOU.1jUxDqFfzP6gSo7fINYxvWje7F3rqFt4G1i8uvIDE_c&dib_tag=se&keywords=dyson+vacuum&qid=1736300255&sprefix=dys%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-1

I already have spice risers and glass spice jars that I originally organized my drawer with but if you are starting from the begining measure your drawer’s dimensions. Knowing the length, width, and depth will help you choose suitable storage solutions. For instance, if your drawer is 20 inches wide, look for containers that will maximize that space effectively.

Used my Dyson to clean drawer.

Choosing the Right Storage Solutions

Now comes the enjoyable part: finding storage solutions to keep your spices organized.

• Spice Jars: Transfer your spices to uniform glass jars. These jars not only look appealing but also provide an airtight seal, helping to keep spices fresher longer. Aim for jars that utilize vertical space—tall and slender jars will optimize storage better than wide ones. I left some space in my drawer to keep some spices in there original containers. These are the spices that I won't use regularly, this way I can keep an eye on expiration dates.

• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VHBX3ZC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

  
  

• Labeling: Clearly label each jar. Use a label maker or write neatly on designated labels. Legibility is crucial; seeing the spice immediately will save you valuable time during meal prep.

  
  

• Racks or Risers: If your drawer has depth, consider using tiered risers. This setup allows you to see all your spices at a glance without digging. Alternatively, drawer inserts keep everything neatly separated and visible.

• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T2L4H4Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

  
  

Organized spice jars with clear labels in a drawer

Store the spices you use most often at the front. Items used less frequently can go toward the back. This arrangement streamlines your cooking process significantly.

Maintaining Your Organized Spice Drawer

You have successfully reorganized your spice drawer! My problem is keeping my spice drawer organized. Fortunately my family cooks, unfortunately they are not as organized as I am which can lead to an unorganized spice drawer. I plan on preventing this from hapening again by;

• Regular Checks: Set a schedule every few months to review your spices. Discard expired items and eliminate duplicates. If you discover you rarely use certain spices, try incorporating them into your meals to decrease clutter.

  
  

• Reassess after Grocery Shopping: After each grocery trip, take a moment to check your spice drawer. This practice prevents adding duplicates and keeps your inventory current.

  
  

• Get Family Involved: If you share your kitchen with others like I do, explain your new system. The more your family is involved in maintaining the organization, the longer it will stay in shape.

  
  

This is my final result

The Cooking Transformation

Reorganizing your spice drawer may seem like a simple task, but its impact on your cooking experience can be profound. By evaluating what you have, cleaning your space, choosing the right storage, and maintaining order, you'll not only save time in the kitchen but also enhance your culinary creativity.

When you step into your kitchen next, take a look at your spice drawer. If it hasn't been organized recently, don't hesitate to start fresh. The effort you invest will reap rewarding dividends in your cooking routine.

With thoughtful attention, your spice drawer can transform into a delightful space that enhances your culinary adventures. Happy organizing!