Experts spill the beans on pantry organization for seniors

Let’s face it—most of us stockpiled shelf-stable staples like canned soups, rice, and whatever was available during the pandemic. But experts say for seniors, or those with accessibility issues, all of those extras are merely cluttering a pantry in which it could be a lot easier and safer to find what’s needed. These four tips will illustrate how to organize a pantry with safety and limited mobility in mind.

1. Consider light and height

Since most pantries are thankfully deep for storage, it’s beneficial to add an adhesive touch or motion sensor light to see what’s in the back, says Houston-based Certified Professional Organizer, Gayle Goddard.

But rather than put those lights up high, she and Massachusetts-based Certified Professional Organizer Wendy Buglio recommend adding them mid-level. “Keep food as close to eye level as possible. Storing things in high cabinets or down low means it’s harder to reach and see what you have,” says Buglio.

Goddard added that only the lightest items—like paper products, that aren’t so hazardous if they fall—should be stored above shoulder level.

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2. Create more options

The great thing about pantries is that there’s usually no need to build additional permanent shelving, says Buglio. It’s easy to add in low-cost shelf risers like these to create additional horizontal rows of shelf space. She’s also a fan of this expandable shelf and spice organizer.

Both she and Goddard prefer clear, deep bins to easily push and pull items from the back to the front. But, Goddard says, those bins should only be used as food storage for smaller items like snack bars, chips, and dried fruit. Heavier (or slippery) items, like oils, should be stored in a lazy Susan. Buglio prefers this clear version ($30).

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3. Can-do attitude

Rather than have to rotate out lots of canned goods from a small pantry space, Goddard also recommends a cuttable non-stick drawer liner ($10). The durable material creates rows—which are also useful for spice bottles of various heights.

Her other favorite product from YouCopia is the SpiceStack adjustable rack ($40). The interior compartments are all adjustable for bottles of different heights. Trays pull down at a 45-degree angle. For those who cook a lot, these narrow racks can also be stacked on each other to create lots of layers on a countertop, and enhance fast access. That’s a great way to “buy” space in a pantry where things shouldn’t be stored too high, Goddard says.

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4. The write stuff

Don’t forget the back of the pantry door, says Buglio. She’s a fan of making a “stock list” for what’s in the pantry either on a device or on a dry-erase board. “As you use up something in the pantry, add a backup to the stock list. And always consult the list before you go shopping, so you don’t over-buy,” Buglio says.

Goddard suggests using a marker to label dry goods with their expiration dates when putting away on pantry shelves after a shop. “That way there’s no need to fumble around looking for small letters and numbers a second time,” she says.

Both organization experts agree seniors can save money by taking a few extra minutes to pull what’s in the back of the pantry shelves to the front when putting things away to help the organization process along. “Fewer things will expire and you may even get some meal inspiration from something you forgot was there,” says Goddard.

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