How to organize spices?

Wendy Jennings
by Wendy Jennings

I have so many spices and seasoning. Problem is, they are disorganized. They are in a turnstile( lazysusan) cabinet and I can't easily find what I need. Any ideas on how to solve this problem. Thanks in advance.

  12 answers
  • Scarlet Paolicchi Scarlet Paolicchi on Jun 21, 2019

    You could really use one of those p-touch machines that make labels. Then you could use washi tape to divide up the lazy susan into sections for baking spices and cooking spices and herbs and labels those on the outside ring with your p-touch. Then also label all the lids so you could spot what you are looking for in those smaller sections easily.

  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Jun 21, 2019

    It looks like the labels on the top of the lids are most helpful for finding them. What about doing that for all the spices? Then you could organize them in alphabetical order. Would that work?

  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Jun 21, 2019

    Can you use this lazy Susan for something else? Take the spices and try to consolidate any duplicates. Then empty out a shallow drawer to use for the spices instead. Try to lay the jars down so you can see all the labels. This will help a lot. Try not to stack jars on top of each other or you will run into the same problem you had before. The only problem I have with this method is needing 2 drawers. ha.

    • Wendy Jennings Wendy Jennings on Jun 21, 2019

      I only have 2 drawers and they are used for other things. Also have little counter space! Thanks

  • Tinyshoes Tinyshoes on Jun 21, 2019

    Wendy....I might use little baskets and labels and try to put salts together as well as peppers, baking spices separate, if it's beef together, if chicken, outdoor cooking spices. I see you have a wire lifter and I am sure that works. I have mine eye level too. Maybe you could change one cabinet and put on your lazy susan and use the eye level one for your spices. Hope I have helped a little or at least given you food for thought!

  • Doris Doris on Jun 21, 2019

    I personally find it easiest to alphabetize my spices. I have them all in a basked in the pantry with a sticky note on the pantry door listing out what I have available (and it gets updated as spices run out or I purchase new ones). This helps to avoid duplicates and lets me know at a glance if I have what I need for a specific recipe. I also thought of putting a purchase date on my list so that I get rid of spices that have been sitting around and not used. Haven't gotten to that yet, but it's on my mind. I purchase most of my spices in bulk and only get a bit at a time unless it's something I use a lot of. Spices generally lose their flavour after a year or so (I read somewhere it's after 6 months, but I usually keep mine around for about a year before I purge). Good luck...let us know how you make out!

  • Rymea Rymea on Jun 21, 2019

    The best idea is Scarlet' s. I can't think of anything better for that space. I have mine on 12", 2 tier turntables in an upper cabinet, so they are at eye level, and they are organized like she is suggesting.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jun 21, 2019

    I keep my spices in 2 low plastic bins with their names on top. The 2 containers fit one on top of the other so when I need spices, I merely lift both out to see the tops and choose what I need.

  • Wendy Jennings Wendy Jennings on Jun 21, 2019

    Thanks everyone for your great ideas. I'm going to catagorize and label the tops if each jar.

  • Dee Dee on Jun 24, 2019

    I bought racks to hang on a cabinet door, then organized by spices by labeling. I did not buy a label machine, Just typed out names on Word and put on all jars with invisible tape. I have 4 racks on my pantry door. Ikea has some nice wooden racks or you can even get cheap ones at the dollar store.

  • Wendy Jennings Wendy Jennings on Jul 13, 2019

    Thanks everyone for your ideas and help.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 11, 2020

    Hi thee,

    I have racks on my wall ( well side of my cabinet) Maybe inside of cabinet door if you have the space!

  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on Oct 01, 2022

    I have several organizing posts that might help you https://chascrazycreations.com/diys/how-tos/organizing/