How to Work Out What Pantry Labels You Need
Organising your pantry can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you have a mix of packets, jars, containers, baking supplies and everyday pantry staples. Before ordering pantry labels, it helps to sort through your food items, declutter what you no longer use and work out exactly what containers you need.
Once your pantry is organised, it can save you time, reduce food waste and make cooking much easier. Here’s how to plan your pantry labels before you get started.
Step 1: Declutter Your Pantry
The first step is to take everything out of your pantry and check what you already have. Look at expiry dates, remove anything that is out of date and set aside items you rarely use.
Before decanting food into jars or containers, check the use-by dates on the original packaging. You may also want to create a “use first” basket for items that are close to expiring, so they don’t get pushed to the back of the pantry and forgotten.
Decluttering first makes it much easier to see what pantry labels you actually need.
Step 2: Group Your Food Into Categories
Once you have removed anything expired or unnecessary, start grouping your pantry items into categories. This will help you decide how many containers, baskets and labels you need.
Common pantry categories include:
Pasta and rice
Flour and baking ingredients
Cereals and breakfast items
Snacks and lunchbox items
Spices and seasonings
Cans and jars
Packet mixes and sachets
Nuts, seeds and dried fruit
Keeping similar items together makes your pantry easier to use and helps you find ingredients quickly when cooking or baking.
Step 3: Choose Clear Containers and Jars
Clear pantry containers are a great option because you can easily see what is inside and know when you are running low. They also help create a clean, matching look throughout your pantry.
Before buying containers, work out which food items you use most often and how much space they need. Everyday staples like flour, sugar, pasta, rice and oats usually need larger containers, while spices, baking powder and smaller items can be stored in jars or baskets.
For smaller pantry items, our Glass Spice Jars are perfect for creating a neat and organised spice collection.
Step 4: Make a Pantry Label List
Once your containers are chosen, write a list of every label you need. This helps avoid missing important items or ordering labels you won’t use.
Start with your main pantry staples, then add labels for spices, baking ingredients, snacks, cereals and any custom items your family uses regularly.
Our Personalised Pantry Labels can be customised to suit the exact items in your pantry, so you are not limited to standard label names.
Step 5: Choose a Font and Label Colour
Pantry labels are not just practical, they also help create a beautiful, organised look in your kitchen. Choosing the right font and label colour can make your pantry feel more styled and cohesive.
Black vinyl labels are a popular choice for clear pantry containers, while white labels can look beautiful on darker jars or coloured storage. A simple font creates a clean modern look, while a script font can feel softer and more decorative.
At Love and Labels, our custom pantry labels are made in Western Australia and can be personalised with your choice of wording, font and vinyl colour.
Step 6: Label Before Putting Everything Back
Once your jars and containers are clean, dry and filled, apply your labels before placing everything back into the pantry. This makes it much easier than trying to label containers once they are already on shelves.
As you return items to your pantry, place your most-used ingredients at eye level or within easy reach. Less-used items can go higher up or further back.
You can also use baskets, risers and lazy Susans to create more space and make smaller items easier to access.
Step 7: Use Baskets and Tags for Extra Storage
Not everything needs to go into a jar. Baskets and tubs are perfect for packets, snacks, baking supplies, lunchbox items and back stock.
Adding labels or tags to baskets helps everyone in the household know where things belong, making your pantry system easier to maintain.
For baskets, tubs and larger storage areas, explore our Home Organisation Tags and Custom Labels.
Final Thoughts
Working out what pantry labels you need is much easier once you declutter, group your food items and choose the right containers. A well-organised pantry can save time, reduce waste and make your kitchen feel calmer and more functional.
Whether you are starting from scratch or updating your existing pantry, personalised pantry labels are a simple way to create a beautiful and organised space that works for your home.
