We buy our groceries in bulk. It’s not because we have a large family and run out of food and toilet paper quickly, it’s because shopping at Costco is the best deal. Our family also has two cartons of almond milk and a huge box of paper towels (and gas prices are outrageous), so even though we have only two adults, it’s hard to resist buying in bulk. There was just one problem: Buying in bulk might have been the best option for our budget, but we just didn’t have enough storage space. Every time we came home with several 22-ounce bags of chips and 12 pounds of rice, I had no idea where to put it all.
We always manage to fit everything into the pantry, but sometimes we have to dump some non-perishable items on the garage floor. This chaotic cycle continued for several years until I finally realized that my pantry was in dire need of a makeover and sought professional help. How can I continue to buy in bulk to save money while still finding a large storage solution?
Here are tips for storing bulk items in a small pantry, recommended by professional organizer Meaghan Kessman, founder of Meaghan Kessman Home. Prices start at $15.
“Nothing improves the look of a pantry like matching glass storage boxes,” says Kasman. “This five-piece set is perfect for storing dry items like sugar, rice, crackers, and spices while keeping everything sealed and fresh. The bamboo lids give them a natural, simple look that will keep your pantry looking casual.”
You can also use these containers to store other dry goods, including beans and pasta, or liquids, such as vinegar, honey, or even wine.
Extra pro tip from Kessman: “Label each jar so everyone in the family knows where to put what—it’ll make cleanup a lot easier!”
“A rotating dining table is one of my favorite solutions for deep shelves or hard-to-reach corners in the pantry,” explains Kesman. “This beautiful wooden rotating table will add warmth to your pantry while also keeping frequently used items within easy reach. Simply rotate it, and you’ll never have to struggle to find that hidden bottle of olive oil again.”
At Kasman’s suggestion, this has become my new way to store two-liter bottles of Kirkland olive oil. Both bottles of olive oil will fit in a 64-ounce (or half-gallon) Mason jar. I keep a Mason jar with a spout on the counter, another on the turntable in the pantry, and a 16.9-fl.-ounce bottle of balsamic vinegar and a can of cooking spray.
Pro tip from Kasman: “Use it to store oil, vinegar, or sauces to prevent sticky liquids from spilling onto the grates.”
“Open storage containers can completely transform a pantry, especially when it comes to grouping similar items,” says Kessman. “Not only do these wooden containers look great, they also have built-in handles for easy access. Use them to store snacks, baking supplies, or bulk items to keep everything neatly organized.” Kessman’s pro tip: “Use one container for each category—one for snacks, one for baking supplies—to create a system that’s easy to maintain.”
I used to use a similar box in my living room to store random things like remote controls and a Meta Quest. But that was before Kessman’s suggestion made me realize that this 3.5 x 3.5 x 7.09-inch box could hold a lot of fruit snacks. I bought another one to hold a large box of Chewy bars I bought at Costco.
“Sometimes a simple storage compartment can keep your pantry from feeling cluttered,” explains Kesman. “These bamboo storage bins are perfect for storing packaged items like potatoes, onions, or even coffee pods. Plus, this natural material will add a little warmth to your pantry.”
Pro tip from Kasman: “Place these boxes on lower shelves to make it easier to reach larger items in the pantry.”
Costco’s 12-pound bags of rice have always been a pain in the ass (especially in my pantry). However, the glass rice cooker recommended by Kessman is the perfect solution that will change my pantry for the better. However, you may also want to consider buying the larger 8-quart version, like I did.
“If you buy in bulk, this dispenser is a lifesaver because it keeps your pantry organized and accessible,” says Kessman. “Bulky items like rice, flour, and grains can easily spill, break, and take up space if stored in their original packaging. The glass dispenser solves that problem by sealing everything in one easy-to-use system.”
“The built-in measuring cup eliminates the need to scoop contents, and the wooden stand makes it feel like a thoughtful design element rather than just a storage container,” Kasman added.
Pro tip from Kessman: “If you stock up on bulk dry goods like oats, lentils, or pasta, consider using multiple dispensers to keep your pantry shelves looking cleaner and more organized. Not only will this keep all your ingredients fresh and easily accessible, but it will also make it easy to know when you need to restock.”
As always, no matter what room or area you are organizing, labeling is critical. No matter how many people you have, proper labeling is the most effective way to keep your organizational system organized.
“One of the biggest challenges when organizing a pantry, especially when buying in bulk, is keeping track of expiration dates,” explains Kesman. “These waterproof, writable labels make it easy to label containers with a best-by or use-by date so you don’t forget any food. Whether you’re storing flour, snacks, or meal prep ingredients, quick labeling will help prevent food waste and ensure you’re always prioritizing the freshest ingredients.”
Pro tip from Kessman: “Pair these labels with airtight storage containers and dispensers to create a fully optimized system. Write the expiration date on the label as soon as you put food in the container, and place new food behind old food, following the first-in, first-out principle.”