Journal

The Pantry Decanting Guide: What to Put in Glass Jars (and What to Leave)

· Joye Editor

The Pantry Decanting Guide: What to Put in Glass Jars (and What to Leave)

Decant Your Pantry Like a Professional Home Organizer

We've all seen the viral pantry organization videos where creators pour every single grocery item into matching glass jars. It looks satisfying, but is it always practical? Decanting (transferring food from packaging to containers) clears visual clutter and keeps food fresh, but it takes time. Knowing what to decant and what to leave in original boxes will save you time and money.

Here is the ultimate pantry decanting guide.

What You SHOULD Decant

  • Baking Supplies: Flour, sugar, and baking soda keep much better in airtight glass containers than in paper bags that leak.
  • Frequently Used Dry Goods: Rice, pasta, oats, and cereal are great to decant because they are bought in bulk and
    💡 PRO DESIGNER TIP: Use vertical dividers to store flat items like baking sheets, cutting boards, and pan lids. It saves massive horizontal space and prevents noisy stacks.
    used constantly.
  • Snacks: Crackers, pretzels, and nuts stay crisp longer in airtight glass jars.
Styled kitchen decor inspiration

What You Should LEAVE in Packaging

  • Rarely Used Items: If you use cornstarch once a year, leave it in its box. Decanting it is a waste of a jar.
  • Items with Short Expiration Dates: If you decant a product, you lose the expiration date printed on the box. Keep these in their boxes or write the date on the jar with a dry-erase marker.
  • Single-Serve Packaged Snacks: Granola bars and chip bags should stay in a labeled woven bin rather than being decanted individually.

Shop Our Curated Decor Essentials

Decanting should simplify your life, not make it harder. Focus on bulk baking and dry goods for a neat, functional pantry!

Clean organized kitchen setup

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Decanting everything: While glass jars look gorgeous, decanting products you consume within a week (like bread or cereal) creates unnecessary dishwashing chores. Only decant items you buy in bulk or keep long-term.
  • ❌ Keeping appliances on countertops: If you do not use an appliance every single day, it does not deserve a spot on your counter. Store it in a lower cabinet or pantry.
  • ❌ Buying organizers before measuring: Always measure the width, depth, and height of cabinets and drawers before shopping for trays and organizers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean wooden organizers?
Wipe them with a damp microfiber cloth and dry them immediately. Never soak wood in water, or it will warp and split.

How do I organize a very small kitchen?
Focus on vertical space: install floating shelves, hang mugs on wall racks, and use over-the-door storage hangers inside pantry doors.

Should I decant spices?
Yes, transferring spices into matching glass jars with clean labels reduces visual clutter and makes them easier to stack and read.