'I'm guilty of it too' – why Jeremiah Brent's vital golden rule to 'edit, edit, edit' for pantry organization is the one thing you shouldn't skip
Plus, the multi-functional pantry storage item Jeremiah says will 'go a long way' in restoring order to pantry chaos


Fewer high-traffic places in the home present more of an organizational dilemma than the pantry.
Whether you opt for matching storage solutions, decant your items into glass canisters and bottles, or pop items straight in with their original packaging, this key kitchen storage area can often end up more of a mess than a masterpiece.
So, who better to advise us on pantry storage ideas than Jeremiah Brent? The interior designer and recent Queer Eye star is an expert when it comes to streamlining this tricky space. I spoke to Jeremiah about his golden rule and top tips for an enviable pantry.
Jeremiah Brent's golden rule for pantry organization
When it comes to pantry organization, Jeremiah is a seasoned pro, currently offering his services to give one lucky winner a pantry makeover, in collaboration with Almond Breeze.
His number one rule? Decluttering your pantry. 'Edit, edit, edit,' he says. 'Editing, which is hard to do. That's the key to life, and it's something people don't do enough of. It doesn't cost anything, except for a little bit of time, and it goes a long way just in reorganizing, and continuing to edit and stay in front of your things.'
As for frequency, Jeremiah recommends a regular cadence. He says, 'Every couple of months, take everything out and go through everything. You'd be surprised at how much has expired.'
It goes without saying that expired food is one of the things experts warn to never keep in your pantry, so grab a trash bag, such as the Hefty Ultra Strong 13 Gallon Trash Bags available at Amazon, and start removing these items, while keeping hold of the pantry items you can skip decluttering.
Jeremiah adds, 'Getting it out, reorganizing, and grouping things together in the same categories makes all the difference.'
Why it's important to edit your pantry items
In his time transforming numerous pantries, Jeremiah says he's most surprised at just how much people don't take the time to edit, neglecting pantry organization ideas and stockpiling items which never see the light of day.
'Listen, I'm guilty of it too,' he admits. ‘We were going through a move not too long ago, and I pulled out something that expired in 2020. And I was like, “How do we have a five year old can of something – what’s happening?”
‘The thing about pantries is you kind of put stuff in there and sometimes people just forget, so keeping it organized prevents you from doing that. That’s what I love about shelf stable products, like Almond Breeze. It’s the idea that you can put something in your pantry and not worry that it’s going to be gone, terrible or expired in two days or two months.’
And, when it comes to pantry storage ideas, Jeremiah is all about aesthetic glass storage jars, such as the Anchor Hocking Heritage Hill Glass Jars available at Walmart, which are also favored by the likes of Martha Stewart, with her old fashioned pantry storage method.
‘I would invest in glass jars,’ he advises. ‘I have them in my pantry for pasta or flour, and other items I keep in containers – great, inexpensive containers – that keep everything in their own space.
‘I don’t think you need to spend a ton of money. And, again, you can utilize the storage items for a ton of different things, but it goes a long way. Just the ceremony of how you keep things goes a long way.’
Indeed, Jeremiah shares that when organizing his refrigerator, he uses a ‘beautiful bowl,’ to store his eggs. ‘It sounds so simple, but it’s beautiful,' he adds.
As Jeremiah highlights though, not everyone has the option, or budget, to design a pantry that is custom or luxury. Instead, most of the time we're working with what we've got, inheriting the cabinets and space. Here, Jeremiah recommends making small, inexpensive adjustments, to utilize 'every square inch.'
Jeremiah is also realistic about buying new items to sort out your pantry, adding, 'You don't need to buy a whole load of stuff for your house. Nobody's got the time. Nobody wants to spend the money.
'So, I think things like adjustable shelves, or pull out shelving, which don't cost a ton of money but increase the square footage of what you're using go a long way.'
All prices correct at time of publication.
Pantry storage essentials
These glass jars in various sizes are BPA free and ideal for storing and organizing dried foods with a durable silicone sealing ring to provide air-tight storage.
These stackable storage baskets are a great space-saving way to use vertical storage, with a stackable design that ensures accessing items is easy.
This gorgeous bowl has high sides to prevent fresh produce from tumbling out, with a hand-painted design that's microwave and dishwasher safe.
Available in two separate sizes, these organizer shelves can be stacked, nested, used side by side, or in a L shape formation, and come in five different colors to suit each and every space.
With a raising pad for framed cabinets, these expandable pull out organizers adjust from 12 inches to 20.45, to ensure compatibility with any cabinet size.
This shelf riser is made of clear PET plastic with a non-slip base to ensure stability, and keep items at the back easily accessible.
If you're in need of a pantry makeover yourself, contributing writer Natasha Brinsmead recently had a chef help her organize her messy pantry, and the results were stunningly streamlined.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.

Ottilie joined Homes & Gardens last year, after finishing a Master's in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London. With previous contributions in Livingetc and Motorsport Magazine, she produces content for the Solved section on the website, focusing on clever tips and tricks to keep your home beautiful, organized and clean. She also has a Master's degree in English Literature and History of Art from the University of Edinburgh, where she developed a love for inspiring interiors and architecture.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
I just found the perfect mid-century-style chair – it's the most stylish piece I've seen by Martha Stewart (and miraculously under $330)
I fell in love with this accent chair even before I realized it carries Martha Stewart's name – it's the most unmissable deal on the internet right now
-
I’ve saved money by swapping pungent commercial window cleaner sprays for this gentle, effective and luxury-smelling DIY recipe
You don’t even need vinegar
-
7 things to organize in May 2025 – smoothly prepare for summer vacations and make the most of spontaneous springtime fun
It's the final month to square away any remnants of winter
-
5 DIY storage ideas you didn't know you could create yourself – they're just as good as bespoke for a fraction of the cost
You don't need to be a crafting pro, either
-
My purses kept cluttering up my entryway until I found this nifty renter-friendly solution – now they’re organized and easy to grab
It's cost-effective, quick to install, and seriously sturdy
-
This discounted Wayfair pull-out drawer is the perfect accessible fix for kitchen cabinet tsunamis
Triple your kitchen cabinet storage in minutes
-
I love these discounted, timeless luxury rattan bins from Wayfair, proving that vital bedroom storage can still be stylish and affordable
They have a space-saving nesting design, and are on sale in the last hours of the Way Day sale
-
Upgrading my underbed purse storage with this one item forced me to finally declutter and overhaul my collection
Cutting clutter has never been so simple or stylish
-
Why you need this renter-friendly coffee mug hanger trick in your closet – and expert-approved alternatives for tiny spaces
It's quick, cheap, and doesn't have to be forever
-
This brilliant $4 drawer organizer helped me reclaim control of my chaotic underwear drawer – and turbocharged my mornings
It makes heaps of difference when I'm getting ready