That moment when you’re mid-recipe and can’t find the cumin? I know it all too well.
For years my spice cabinet was a chaotic mess. Mismatched jars different sizes and half-empty containers were shoved into a dark corner. Every time I cooked it felt like a treasure hunt I was destined to lose. Finding the paprika felt like a major victory. It was frustrating and it made cooking feel like a chore.
When I decided to lose over 110 pounds I knew my relationship with food had to change. That change started right in my kitchen. I realized I couldn’t build a healthy lifestyle in a chaotic environment. Organizing my spices was one of the first small wins. It was a simple act of taking back control. It turned cooking from a frustrating task into a simple enjoyable part of my new routine.
If your spice collection is a source of stress I want to help. Here are 10 simple hacks that transformed my kitchen and can do the same for yours.
1. Start with a Clean Slate
Before you organize anything you have to declutter. Take every single spice container out of the cabinet or drawer. Yes all of them. Put them on your counter. This might feel overwhelming at first but it’s a necessary step. You need to see exactly what you have. You’ll probably find three containers of oregano and a jar of allspice that expired four years ago. Be ruthless. If it’s old toss it. If you have duplicates combine them. This first step creates the space for a new system.
2. Choose Your Zone
Every kitchen is different. You need a system that works for your space. Do you have a deep drawer near your stove? That’s prime real estate. A dedicated cabinet? Perfect. Maybe you have a small kitchen with no extra cabinet or drawer space. Then a wall-mounted or magnetic rack could be your best friend. Don’t fight your kitchen’s layout. Work with it. The best system is one you will actually use.
3. Get Matching Jars
This might sound purely cosmetic but it’s a game-changer. Buying a set of uniform spice jars makes everything look and feel orderly. When every jar is the same size and shape they fit together perfectly. No more round jars trying to squeeze next to square ones. You can find inexpensive sets online or at most home goods stores. It’s a small investment that pays off every time you open your cabinet.
4. Label Like You Mean It
Once your spices are in their new matching homes you need to label them. And label them clearly. If your spices are in a drawer labels on the lids are essential. If they’re on a shelf labels on the front work best. You can use a simple label maker or buy pre-printed waterproof labels. The goal is to identify any spice in under three seconds. No more squinting or opening jars to smell what’s inside.
5. Go Alphabetical
This is the most straightforward system and it’s nearly foolproof. Arranging your spices from A to Z means you always know where to look. Basil is in the B’s. Thyme is in the T’s. It’s simple it’s logical and it takes the guesswork out of finding what you need. My brain loves order so this system brought a sense of calm to my cooking process.
6. Or Group by Use
If alphabetical order doesn’t feel right for how you cook try grouping spices by category. You could have a section for baking spices like cinnamon nutmeg and cloves. Another section could be for grilling rubs like smoked paprika and chili powder. You could even create groups for cuisines you cook often like Italian (oregano basil rosemary) or Mexican (cumin coriander chili). This system is for cooks who think by flavor profile.
7. Use Tiers for Cabinets
If you store your spices in a cabinet you know the pain of not seeing the back row. Tiered shelves are the solution. These simple expandable organizers act like stadium seating for your spices. You can see every single jar at a glance. No more knocking over the entire front row to find the ginger hiding in the back.
8. Master the Drawer
A spice drawer is my personal favorite. It keeps spices hidden away but perfectly accessible. To make it work you need a drawer insert. These angled organizers hold the jars so the labels face up. When you pull the drawer open you see your entire collection at once. It feels like a professional setup but it’s an easy and affordable upgrade.
9. Go Vertical with Magnets
For those of us with limited space going vertical is a brilliant hack. Magnetic spice tins can stick to the side of your fridge saving precious cabinet space. You can also install a magnetic strip on a wall or your backsplash. It keeps your spices within arm’s reach and doubles as a cool piece of kitchen decor.
10. Create a Small "Favorites" Basket
Even with a perfect system you’ll have a few spices you use every single day. For me it’s salt pepper garlic powder and paprika. Instead of putting them back in alphabetical order every time I keep them in a small basket right by the stove. This makes daily cooking even faster. The rest of the collection stays perfectly organized for when I need it. It’s the best of both worlds.
Organizing your spices won’t solve all your problems. I know that. But it’s a powerful first step toward creating a home that feels peaceful and functional. It’s a small win that proves you can bring order to chaos. That feeling can spill over into other parts of your life. It did for me.
So here’s my challenge to you. Don’t try to do it all at once. Just pick one drawer or one shelf. What’s one small part of your kitchen you can bring order to this week?
