13 Spice Storage Ideas to Organize Your Kitchen Efficiently

Keeping spices organized can be a real headache, especially when you're cooking and can't find what you need.

One day it's all neat, and the next it's a jumble of half-used jars and mystery powders. If you've got spices stuffed in drawers, crammed into cabinets, or falling off shelves, you're definitely not alone.

This list of 13 spice storage ideas is here to help – nothing complicated, just solid, easy ways to keep things tidy.

And once your spices are sorted, it’s easier to tackle other kitchen clutter, like figuring out the best fruit storage ideas so produce stays fresh and easy to grab.

1. Uniform Glass Spice Jars with Labels

If you're starting fresh or just tired of mismatched containers, switching to uniform spice jars is one of the easiest ways to tidy up.

Glass jars with bamboo lids are a popular pick because they look clean and fit nicely in most drawers or shelves.

What makes these jars useful isn’t just the look – it's the consistency. When all your spices are in the same type of container, they line up neatly, stack better, and are easier to organize.

Most sets come with pre-printed sticker labels, which makes it quick to find what you need while you're cooking.

They also make it easier to spot when something’s running low. And if you're storing them in a drawer, clear jars with top-facing labels help a lot.

This setup works whether you're organizing inside a drawer, on a rack, or out in the open for display.

2. Drawer Inserts and Tiered Drawer Organizers

Drawers can be a great spot for spices – if they’re set up right. That’s where drawer inserts and tiered organizers come in.

These let you line up your jars so nothing gets lost in the back, and you can see all the labels at a glance.

For shallow drawers, angled or tiered organizers allow you to lay jars down with the labels facing up.

For deeper drawers, upright organizers with dividers can keep bottles from falling over or sliding around. Some versions are expandable to fit whatever size drawer you’re working with.

Materials like bamboo or clear plastic blend in well, and you can add a non-slip liner underneath to keep everything from shifting when you open or close the drawer.

It’s a simple fix that makes daily cooking way less frustrating.

3. Drawer Dividers for Upright Storage

If you have deeper drawers, using drawer dividers is another way to keep your spices organized.

These let you store jars standing upright, which works especially well if you're using labeled lids or uniform containers.

You can find dividers made from clear plastic, bamboo, or spring-loaded options that adjust to your drawer’s width.

They keep the jars from tipping over or bunching up in one corner. The main benefit is it creates a clean layout where everything has its place.

This setup is good if you don’t want to mess with inserts or angled trays. You just create a section of the drawer for spices, and they’ll stay put – simple and effective.

4. Two-Tiered Lazy Susans (Turntables)

A two-tiered Lazy Susan is one of those things that seems small but makes a big difference, especially in cramped kitchens.

It works well in cabinets or on countertops where space is tight and jars tend to get lost in the back.

The turntable spins, so nothing gets buried or forgotten. You can see everything just by giving it a quick spin.

The two levels help you store more without stacking jars on top of each other. Look for non-skid versions so jars don’t slide around when you rotate it.

It’s also great for more than just spices – you can add small bottles of oil or vinegar too. If your cabinets are narrow or deep, this is a solid way to make every inch usable.

5. Sliding Spice Racks

Sliding spice racks are a smart option if you want something that feels custom without having to tear apart your kitchen.

These racks are narrow, tall, and built to fit inside cabinets. You just pull them out like a drawer, and all your spices come with it – no digging in the back.

They work especially well in skinny cabinets that aren’t good for much else.

Some models have two levels to help stack jars vertically without taking up more space. And they glide smoothly, so nothing tips over when you open them.

If you’ve got that one awkward cabinet that never gets used, this might be the solution that turns it into something useful.

6. Magnetic Racks and Magnetic Jars

Magnetic spice storage is a good way to use space that would otherwise go to waste – like the side of the fridge or a metal panel on the wall.

You can stick a magnetic rack or individual spice jars right onto the surface, which frees up your drawers and cabinets.

Magnetic jars often come in a hexagon shape so they sit snugly next to each other.

They're strong enough to hold firm but still easy to grab when you're cooking. Most sets also come with sticker labels, so you’re not guessing what’s inside.

This setup works best for spices you reach for all the time, since they’re right in front of you. Just make sure the surface you're using is metal and can handle the weight.

7. Expandable Cabinet Shelves

If your spice cabinet looks like a jumble of bottles with no order, expandable shelves can clean that up fast.

These shelves sit inside the cabinet and create different levels so you can see everything – not just the front row.

The best part is that they adjust to fit the width of your cabinet, whether it’s narrow or wide.

Some are made of bamboo for a cleaner, more natural look, while others are plastic or metal if you prefer something more basic.

By lifting the back rows higher, you don’t have to move jars around just to find the cumin. It’s a small fix that makes a cluttered space way more manageable.

8. Stove Shelves for Quick Access

A stove shelf is a thin magnetic ledge that sticks right to the top of your stove. It’s not meant to hold your whole spice collection, but it’s a great spot for the few you use every single day.

There’s no drilling or hardware – you just place it on the stove, and it stays put. It’s handy for salt, pepper, and a couple of go-to seasonings, especially if you’re short on counter or drawer space.

It’s not a huge storage solution, but it does save you from running back and forth mid-cooking. Sometimes, having just a few things within arm’s reach is all you really need.

9. Mounted and Floating Shelves

When cabinet and drawer space runs out, walls can do the heavy lifting.

Mounted and floating shelves let you use vertical space you might be overlooking – like the wall next to the stove or the inside of a cabinet door.

You can find sets that mount one above the other or slim floating shelves that sit neatly on a small kitchen wall. Some even come with rods or dowels to keep jars from falling off.

These shelves are good for both display and function. You can keep things tidy, grab spices quickly, and make use of blank wall space – much like how vertical gardening makes the most of unused areas in a small garden.

10. Spice Rack Stands and Revolving Towers

Spice rack stands and rotating towers are made for countertop use, and they’re great if you want something that looks nice and keeps everything in one spot.

These usually come with a full set of matching jars, plus labels, so you don’t have to piece it all together.

The revolving ones are especially handy – just spin the tower and grab what you need.

Some even let you measure out small amounts by turning a dial or pressing a button. That’s useful if you cook a lot and want to be precise.

These racks don’t take up much room, and they make things look a lot more organized than having jars scattered around. They’re a solid option if you want something ready-to-use right out of the box.

11. Over-the-Door Organizers

If you’ve got a pantry or cabinet door that’s sitting empty, an over-the-door organizer can turn it into a good chunk of extra storage.

These racks hang right over the top of the door or mount directly on it, and they often come with multiple tiers.

They’re strong enough to hold spice jars, condiments, and even some small kitchen staples like seasoning packets. Many also have clips or rails that keep jars from tipping over or sliding when the door moves.

It’s a quick fix that adds storage without taking up drawer, shelf, or counter space – and you can fit a surprising number of jars in one.

If you like keeping ready-to-use ingredients on hand (think pre-measured baking mixes or layered salads from our mason jar meal ideas), this setup makes them easy to grab without digging through cabinets.

12. Freestanding Shelf Spice Racks

A freestanding shelf spice rack is just a small shelf unit that sits on your counter or any flat surface.

These are good when you don’t have space in your drawers, cabinets, or walls – or if you just want something you can move around easily.

They come in different widths and heights, so you can pick one that fits your available space.

Even the narrow ones can hold a decent number of jars. Some have multiple tiers, and others are stackable if you need more storage later.

This is a solid choice for renters or anyone who needs flexibility. No installation, no damage – just set it down and use it.

13. Multifunction Racks (Spice + Pot Combo Racks)

If you’re really short on space, a multifunction rack that holds both pots and spices can help you get more use out of your walls.

These racks usually hang from the wall or ceiling and come with two or more shelves. The top shelves are perfect for spice jars, while the bottom bars can hold hooks for pots and utensils.

They’re strong, space-saving, and make your most-used items easy to grab. Just make sure you install them into studs or with good anchors so they can hold the weight.

These work best for kitchens where counter and cabinet space is limited, but you’ve got a bit of wall room to spare.

Make Your Spice Storage Work for Your Kitchen

Organizing spices doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It just takes a setup that fits your space and your cooking habits.

Whether it’s a Lazy Susan, drawer organizer, magnetic rack, or mounted shelf – the key is choosing the right solution for the space you actually have.

If you cook often, keep the spices you use most within reach. If you’re tight on space, use your walls, doors, and even the sides of appliances.

Mixing and matching a few of these 13 ideas can go a long way in making your kitchen feel less cluttered and a lot easier to cook in.

Have your own clever spice storage hack? Share it in the comments – I’m always looking for fresh ideas to try.

FAQs

What is the most space-efficient way to store spices in a small kitchen?

Magnetic racks, over-the-door organizers, and tiered drawer inserts are some of the best options for tight spaces because they use vertical or hidden storage areas.

Should spices be stored near the stove or away from heat?

It's better to store spices away from direct heat to preserve their flavor, but using a small stove shelf for a few daily-use items is fine if your kitchen needs it.

What’s the difference between tiered shelves and Lazy Susans?

Tiered shelves stay in place and lift jars for visibility, while Lazy Susans rotate, making it easier to access jars from all sides – especially in corners.

Can I use regular jars instead of matching spice jars?

Yes, but matching jars help save space and make labeling easier. They also make your drawer or shelf more organized and visually cleaner.

How can I label spices effectively for easy identification?

Use pre-printed or handwritten sticker labels on either the lids (for drawers) or fronts (for shelves and racks). Clear jars help too, especially when placed where the label is visible.