** Please scroll to the bottom of this post to access the free printable**

If you spend any time in the kitchen I’m sure you’ll agree that having commonly used items easily accessible can make creating a meal much more enjoyable. In our house spices are something that are used on a daily basis and boy do I notice when they need to be reorganized. Putting a quick meal together before we have to rush out the door to swimming lessons or dance practice is noticeably more frustrating when my spices are in disarray. I often don’t have the time to be digging through a basket to find the Thyme or gingerly sifting through the spice jars to find the ginger because I can’t see what’s at the back (see what I did there? lol). Having what you use close at hand is a game changer.

If you are in the market for new spice jars, I recommend looking for glass containers for freshness to best be maintained. Plastic can be porous causing spices to turn stale more quickly from letting small amounts of air in. Glass also prevents moisture build-up which can change the flavour and texture of spices. The size of a spice jar is also something to be considered, make sure you are buying a jar size that will fit the amount of product that you usually buy. If you tend to buy spices in larger packages I recommend an 8oz jar (I love these ones). If you usually buy the smaller shaker type packaging then typical 4oz jars would be just fine. Nothing is more frustrating than decanting and having just a little bit of product leftover that won’t fit in the container! Also keep in mind how you typically use your spices while cooking. Do you usually shake your spices into your recipes, stopping when it feels just right? If so, make sure your jars come with shaker tops. Do you methodically measure them out with a measuring spoon? Shaker tops won’t be necessary for you then, but you might want to make sure the jar has a wide enough mouth for your measuring spoon to fit. Purchasing new spice jars isn’t always the answer either. Maybe you are ok with all of your jars not matching and are happier reusing what you have. This is completely fine and much better for the environment and your pocketbook anyways. I am one that prefers to try and make what I already have work before purchasing new. My spice cupboard reorganization was done reusing old empty spice jars from a popular Canadian spice supplier that I already had on hand.

Here are a few ideas for different spice storage scenarios:

So you have your jars figured out, and your storage solution, what about the jar labels? I’ve got you covered! Labels should be easy to read and give you the information you need. I’ve designed these labels to be simple, clear (you don’t have to squint to read them) and they note whether the seasoning is an herb, a spice or a spice blend. I’ve also tried my best to give an extensive list, there are 5 pages of labels! No, I don’t think you’ll use them all, but I didn’t want to miss one that you commonly use in your household. I used my Cricut Joy to print and cut these out, but if you don’t have a tool like that I recommend printing onto sticky back inkjet paper like this, then cutting out with scissors.

You will wonder why you didn’t do this sooner when you realize how much stress an organized spice area can take away from making a meal. Happy spice organizing!

Thanks for reading! – Brigitte

^{The Harmonious Home, Professional Organizer and Interior Decorator in St.Albert, AB, Canada}