Let’s be honest. Opening your spice cabinet shouldn't feel like a chaotic treasure hunt where you risk an avalanche of mismatched jars just to find the paprika.
I’ve been there. For years my kitchen was a reflection of the rest of my life: messy and out of control. When I was struggling with binge eating and unhealthy habits, the last thing I cared about was whether the cumin was next to the cinnamon. But when I decided to change my life, lose the weight, and build new routines, I realized something important. Order in your environment creates order in your mind. Taking control of my kitchen, starting with something as small as my spice rack, was one of the first small wins that helped me build momentum for bigger changes. It was a simple act that told me: I am in charge here.
If you’re tired of the spice chaos, I get it. Here are some simple, practical hacks that helped me turn my messy cabinet into a space of calm, organized creativity.
Start with a Clean Slate
Before you buy any cool organizers, you have to face the mess. Pull everything out of your cabinet or drawer. Everything. Wipe down the shelves and get a good look at your collection.
Check the expiration dates. Spices don't really spoil, but they lose their potency and flavor. If you can't remember when you bought that jar of marjoram, it’s probably time to let it go. Be ruthless. Tossing old, stale spices feels a lot like letting go of old habits that no longer serve you. It’s a fresh start.
Find the Right Home for Your Spices
Think about your kitchen layout and how you cook. There’s no single “best” way to store spices. The best way is the one that works for you.
Do you have a spare drawer? A drawer is fantastic because you can see everything at once. Limited on cabinet space? Maybe a wall-mounted rack is your answer. If you have a deep cabinet, a tiered shelf or a Lazy Susan could be perfect. Don't just copy what you see online. Take a moment to consider your own space and workflow. Making a system that fits your life is the key to actually sticking with it.
10 Hacks to Tame the Spice Chaos
Once you’ve decluttered and chosen your location, it’s time for the fun part. These are the tricks that made the biggest difference for me.
- Go Uniform with Jars. This was a game-changer. I bought a set of simple, matching glass jars. Decanting my spices into them instantly made everything look clean and cohesive. It also helped me see exactly how much of each spice I had left.
- Label Like a Pro. Clear labels are non-negotiable. If you’re using a drawer, label the tops of the lids. If they’re in a cabinet or on a rack, label the front of the jars. Use a simple, bold font that’s easy to read at a glance. No more squinting.
- Group by Category. Instead of pure alphabetical order, try grouping your spices by how you use them. I have a section for baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) and another for savory spices I use for dinners (oregano, basil, garlic powder). You could even have groups for specific cuisines, like Mexican or Italian blends.
- Alphabetize Within Categories. For the ultimate system, alphabetize the spices within the groups you just created. This makes finding anything incredibly fast. You know right where the baking section is, and you know cloves will be near the front of that group.
- Use a Tiered Riser. If your spices live in a cabinet, a tiered riser is your best friend. It’s basically a set of small stairs for your spice jars. This simple tool lets you see the jars in the back row instead of having them disappear into a dark corner.
- Go Vertical. Don't forget about your wall space, especially in a small kitchen. A simple wall-mounted rack or a few magnetic strips can get your spices off the counter and out of the cabinet, turning them into a functional piece of décor.
- Try a Drawer Insert. If you’ve decided on a spice drawer, get an insert. These angled trays hold the jars so the labels are facing up at you. It’s so satisfying to pull open a drawer and see every single spice perfectly lined up and ready to go.
- Create a "Favorites" Caddy. I keep a small basket on the counter right next to my stove. In it, I have salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. These are the spices I reach for almost every single day. It saves me from opening the cabinet constantly and makes daily cooking so much smoother.
- Embrace the Lazy Susan. For corner cabinets or deep shelves, a spinning Lazy Susan is a classic for a reason. A quick spin brings everything from the back to the front. No more forgotten jars of allspice.
- Keep a Simple Inventory. You don’t need a complicated spreadsheet. Just tape a small piece of paper to the inside of the cabinet door. When you’re running low on something, jot it down. Next time you go to the store, you’ll know exactly what you need to restock.
More Than Just Spices
Organizing my spices felt like such a small thing at first. But it wasn’t just about finding the thyme easier. It was proof that I could bring order to chaos. That I could take one small, messy part of my life and make it better.
That small win gave me the confidence to tackle bigger things. It was a tiny step on the path that led me to lose over 110 pounds and build a life I truly love. Every time I opened that neat little cabinet, it was a reminder that I was capable of change. It showed me that discipline and consistency, even in the smallest areas, add up to a huge transformation.
Your environment matters. Creating a calm, functional kitchen makes you want to cook healthy meals. It turns a chore into a joy.
So don’t look at your spice rack as just another mess to clean. See it as an opportunity. It’s a chance to practice creating order, to build a small routine, and to celebrate a win that will make your daily life just a little bit better.
What’s one small area of your kitchen you can tackle this week? Start there. You’ll be amazed at how far that one small step can take you.
