Decanting Favorites: Pro Organizer Picks

If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by cluttered shelves, discovered ancient relics buried in the depths of your pantry, or are simply longing for a more organized and visually appealing kitchen space, then it may be time to think about decanting your most frequently used items.

There’s a reason decanting is so popular in pro organizer circles, and below we’ll explore the benefits it offers in terms of organization, freshness preservation, and adding some serious style points to your kitchen. There are important considerations to keep in mind before you purchase containers. We’ll go over those, and I’ll share a list of my favorite decanting products, so you can choose which is best for your space.

Get ready to transform your pantry into a streamlined, efficient, and beautiful space!

Why should I decant?

1. Optimize Your Space: Decanting allows you to transfer goods from bulky or oddly shaped packaging into uniform, stackable containers, maximizing shelf space and making everything easier to see and access.
2. Preserve Freshness: Air-tight containers used in decanting can help preserve the freshness better than original packaging that’s been opened. It will extend the shelf life of pantry items like grains, cereals, and dried goods by protecting them from moisture, pests, and air exposure.
3. Increase Your Efficiency: Clear containers make it easy to see what you have at a glance, helping you stay stocked and also reducing the chances of forgetting about items that might otherwise get lost in the back of your pantry. You’ll save money long term – no overbuying!
4. It Just Looks Good: Decanting can enhance the visual appeal of your pantry or kitchen shelves by creating a cohesive, uniform look and decreasing visual clutter. This can make your space feel more inviting and can also be particularly appealing if you have an open pantry or open shelving in your kitchen.

Universal Considerations

No matter which product you choose for decanting, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• As mentioned above, the containers should be airtight. Make sure lids have a good seal to keep foods fresh.
• Choose clear containers over solid colors. You’ll be more easily able to monitor how much of each item you have left.
• Label. Label. Label. Believe me, you don’t want to mix up the baking soda and powdered sugar!
• Have a plan for expiration dates. A simple label (or dry erase marker) on the bottom or back of the container works.
• Don’t worry too much about instructions. These days you can just Google them. If you prefer, you can also cut them out and tape them to the back with clear packing tape.
• Stay consistent with sizing. For example, put all your specialty flours in the same size container. The fit will be better.
• Avoid buying sets; instead buy individual containers as you need them. It’s important to buy from a store that has consistent stock.

My Favorite Decanting Products

The Classics

1 and 2. Oxo Pop Containers – I’ve written an entire blog post on these babies! They are the OG and you really can’t go wrong. I do have some favorite sizes, though, that tend to be more stable on shelves (especially if you have ventilated wire). In general, avoid the tall, skinny options that tend to be more unstable.

Here’s why I like them:

• They are a good option for kids’ snacks, because they are easy to open and close.
• They have a neutral style that looks good in most spaces.
• They are easy to clean and hold up well over time.
  

3. The Home Edit Canisters – These are the most modern of the bunch; they really do look nice. They are especially great for organization in deep drawers because the top is also see-through, so you’ll never have to guess what you’re picking up.

4. Prokeeper – If you’re a serious baker and need accurate measurements and easy access to the container’s contents, these might be perfect for you! They have external measurement markers, so you’ll always know exactly how much you have left, and magnetic accessories (like scoops and brown sugar keepers) help make these super easy to use.

Decorative Glass Decanting Products

1. Anchor Glass Canisters – Such a classic! They look fantastic on countertops or open shelving. As with all of these glass options, be careful around kiddos as they are more likely to break.
   
2. Neat Method Canisters – These simple, modern, yet classic canisters are available in brass, black and bone.
   
3. Threshold Glass Canister – The wooden lids on these are the perfect tie in to bamboo products in a pantry.
   
4. Marie Kondo Glass Canisters – Super modern! These also come in two wood tones and are sustainably made. They stack securely and are durable but do need to be handwashed.

Spice Jar Decanting Products

These spice jar options are all from Amazon, easy to use and come with labels. We love these for a quick upgrade that’s relatively inexpensive and makes a major difference in the look of your kitchen or pantry. Try using them with a tiered spice rack, an in-drawer spice organizer, or drawer liners.

As you think about decanting, remember that organization is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the prospect of tackling your entire kitchen or pantry, remember to take it one step at a time – you’ve got this! You can also check out our Pantry Styles blog and this fun project for even more inspiration!

Sometimes, a little professional guidance can make all the difference. Whether you’re grappling with limited space, struggling to find efficient storage solutions, or simply craving that extra touch of expertise, a professional organizer can be your saving grace. So, if you’re ready to take your kitchen organization game to the next level, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Happy Organizing!

Susie