Ideas & Tips To Declutter & Organize Kitchen Spices

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Don't forget about the kitchen spices when you are decluttering the hub of your home! Spices are the heart and soul of any kitchen, adding flavor and aroma to our meals. I don't want to have to go on a hunt to find the spice I need. This is why I wrote Ideas & Tips To Declutter & Organize Kitchen Spices as an aspect of kitchen decluttering.

When it comes to decluttering, spices are often overlooked. A well-organized spice collection not only makes cooking easier but also helps to maintain the freshness and quality of your herbs. In this article, I speak to why it’s important to declutter your spice collection, how to store them effectively, and even consider growing your own herbs. Let’s ensure your spices get the attention they deserve during your next kitchen cleanup!

Why You Should Declutter Your Kitchen Spice Collection

Expired Spices

Over time, spices lose their potency, and using old spices can dull the flavors of your dishes. A good rule of thumb is to check the expiration dates on your spices every six months to a year. If a spice no longer has a strong aroma, it’s time to replace it.

Spice Organization by Usage

​Take stock of which spices you use frequently and which are just taking up space. If you’re holding onto a jar of something you haven’t touched in years, it’s probably safe to let it go. Focus on keeping the spices that enhance your cooking regularly.

Do you store spices in the open, in a drawer using drawer organizers, or in a cabinet? Some people like using under-shelf baskets to store spices.

Photo byMarj Bates

Check out Declutter Kitchen |33 Steps to Get You Started for more decluttering tips!

My Beloved Spice Organizer

I love the pull-out spice cabinet that was just begging to go into this otherwise useless vertical space in my kitchen! My oven doesn't throw off heat so this works for me. I am not fussy about the looks of spices. In my own way my spices are perfectly organized for me. I know exactly where each spice is.

Photo byMarj Bates

A vertical spice rack may take up less space in your kitchen. Uniform spice jars are not important to me. Many cooks insist on a uniform look. You need to decide what works best for you.

Streamlining Your Spice Collection

​A cluttered spice cabinet can be overwhelming and make it difficult to find what you need. By decluttering and organizing your spices, you’ll create a more efficient kitchen, making meal prep a breeze.

How to Effectively Store Your Kitchen Spices

Best Storage Practices

​To maintain the freshness of your spices, store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources like the stove or oven. Airtight transparent containers are essential to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can cause spices to lose their flavor.

Creative Storage Solutions

There are many innovative ways to store spices that can save space and keep your kitchen looking tidy.

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Consider using:

• wall-mounted spice rack,
• drawer dividers
• stackable containers on open shelves
• magnetic spice racks that can be attached to the side of your fridge with a magnetic strip.
• Lazy Susan - I used a Lazy Susan in a corner space with clear containers that worked well.
• kitchen cabinets
• freezer - I usually have frozen spices in my freezer I harvested after the growing season

These solutions not only free up counter space but also make it easy to see and access your spices. Overall a well-organized kitchen makes meal prep a much easier time, especially if your cooking space is within a small kitchen.

Labeling

Spice labels: Properly labeling your spices is crucial, especially if you transfer them to new containers. Transparent containers are nice too. Consider including the purchase date on the label so you can keep track of how long you’ve had each spice.

Help yourself to a free gift! - 3 pages of colorful Kitchen Spice Labels to get you started! Just download and print out! If you do love a uniform look try these labels - for free!

Photo byMarj Bates

Where to Store Spices in Your Kitchen

Optimal Locations: The location of your spice storage is just as important as the containers you use. Spices should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from the heat of your stove and the moisture of your sink. A dedicated spice drawer, a pantry shelf, or a cabinet near your cooking area can be ideal spots; if like my range it doesn't throw off heat to your spice collection.

Convenience and Accessibility

For the spices you use most often, keep them within easy reach of your cooking area. This not only saves time but also makes the cooking process more enjoyable. Consider storing frequently used spices in a small rack on your countertop or inside a cabinet door for quick access.

Growing Herbs For Kitchen Spices

One of my favorite things is gardening so I grow a lot of my herbs. I find to this be a very easy thing to do. There is so much good information available you may wish to give this a try! Different types of basil is my most common used herb.

Benefits of Fresh Herbs

Growing herbs is a rewarding way to enhance your cooking with fresh, vibrant flavors. Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley can elevate your dishes in a way that dried spices sometimes cannot. Plus, having a mini herb garden can add a touch of greenery to your kitchen.

Indoor Herb Garden Ideas

If you’re short on outdoor space, you can easily grow herbs indoors. A windowsill with plenty of sunlight is a perfect spot for small pots of herbs. Hanging planters, tiered stands, or even a vertical wall garden are great options for maximizing space while keeping your herbs within arm’s reach.

Kitchen spices can get expensive considering all spices are not created equal. Some are better than others and some folks have their favorite spice suppliers. I am not too fussy and am happy with growing most of my own.

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Caring for Your Herbs

Herbs are relatively easy to care for as long as they get enough sunlight and are watered regularly. Make sure to trim your herbs frequently to encourage growth and prevent them from becoming too woody. With a little care, your herbs will thrive, providing you with fresh flavors all year round.

Spices Are an Essential Part of Kitchen Organization

Maintaining Your Spice Collection

Once you’ve decluttered and organized your spices, it’s important to maintain the system. Regularly check your spices, discard those that have lost their potency, and replenish your stock as needed. Keeping your spice collection organized will save you time and make your cooking experience more efficient and enjoyable.

Enhancing Cooking Experience

A well-organized spice collection can inspire creativity in the kitchen. When your spices are easy to access and you know exactly what you have, you’re more likely to experiment with new recipes and flavors. I love to experiment!

Don’t overlook your spices during your next kitchen declutter. Have fun with it! Who knows! After you organize a more efficient, enjoyable, and flavorful spice collection you may enjoy spending more time in the kitchen!

Marj Bates is a life long ridiculously organized declutter-er and artist. Less is more are words Marj lives by in everything she does except collecting dogs. “Dogs are like potato chips! Can’t have just one.” says Marj. Marj wonders if growing up with a fanatically clean Jewish mom means her decluttering and organizational skills are in her blood.

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