How to Organize Your Pantry with Bulk Buys

Anyone else think their pantry is organized but then come home after a big shopping haul to realize you have no idea what is what. When you know what you have and where things should go in your kitchen pantry, it's a game changer.

If you are trying to tame a pantry jungle filled with bulk buys from places like BJ’s Wholesale Club, Sam's Costco or wherever take a minute to get the right tools. You don’t need to be Pinterest-perfect to do it. A little effort, a few smart tools, and voilà—chaos turned calm.

Step 1: Empty It All Out (Yes, Even the Questionable Mystery Snacks)

First things first, take everything out of your pantry. Yes, ALL of it. There’s no way to know what’s lurking in the back until you pull it out. Found an expired can of beans from 2017? Same. Toss what you no longer need, and place the rest into groups—canned items, snacks, baking stuff—so you can clearly see what you’re working with.

Pro Tip: If you're shopping in bulk at BJ’s, odds are, you have a dozen snack packs or jumbo bags of rice. Group ‘em together! Snack stuff goes with snack stuff. Grains go with grains. You get the idea.

Step 2: Invest in Pantry Bins and Organizers

Here’s where the magic happens, folks. The secret to pantry organization is storage bins. There’s nothing more satisfying than pouring a giant bag of oats into a sleek, airtight container. It’s like therapy. BJ’s Wholesale Club has super affordable options, like these containers on Amazon ( if your club doesn't have the BJ's brand!).

I have shared the Berkley Jensen set I've gotten a few years ago on social media, it constantly goes on clearance. You can check your local club here. Not a BJ's member? Try these on Amazon.

For smaller snacks, try bins with dividers. They're perfect for those 20 packs of granola bars that always tip over.

Step 3: Decant Like a Pro

Those bulk items you get from BJ’s? They’re magical but… ugh, the packaging. It’s not exactly pantry-friendly. A 5-pound bag of sugar, for example, turns into a snowstorm in 0.2 seconds if you’re not careful. The solution? Move that sugar into an airtight container like these Better Homes and Gardens. Your pantry and your countertops will thank you.

The same goes for things like flour, cereal, or nuts. BJ’s has bulk nuts and trail mixes, and you can pour them into a few smaller snack containers from Amazon. You’ll save space and have fewer spills to cry over.

Step 4: Label Everything (Yes, Even If It’s Obvious)

I used to think labels were just for overachievers who somehow have their lives together. But you know what? Labeled jars save a ton of time. If you’ve got a clear jar in your pantry, how do you know if it’s powdered sugar or flour without tasting it? (Spoiler alert: I’ve made that mistake. It wasn’t fun.)

Make it simple. Amazon has cute chalkboard labels and markers, or, if you like techy vibes, BJ’s sells a label maker. Everything gets a label—rice, pasta, mystery snack crackers. No guessing games.

Step 5: Use Your Vertical Space

If your pantry is small (hi, me too), you’ve got to think vertically. Tall shelves? Hook up those empty spots with some tiered shelves, the Home Edit ones from Walmart are a good price. Or grab stackable can risers on Amazon, so you can actually see all your canned goods instead of having a leaning tower of soup. Every inch counts.

Step 6: Rotate Your Stock (Like a Grocery Store, But Less Stressful)

You know that thing where you buy a new jar of peanut butter and accidentally shove the older jar to the back? Guilty. Avoid food waste by rotating your stock! Whenever you buy new bulk items, take a minute to put the newer ones behind the older ones. BJ’s has great deals on bulk staples like peanut butter, so it’s worth rotating to keep your stash fresh.

Bonus Tip: Keep a Snack Zone

Let’s be real; snacks are a pantry bomb waiting to happen. To keep the peace, make a designated “snack zone.” Use a couple of deep bins for the individually wrapped stuff, like the granola bars you scored at BJ’s. Or grab something like these stackable snack boxes so the kids (or you) don’t destroy your nicely organized pantry every time hunger strikes.

Final Touches

Step back. Admire that beautiful, organized pantry. Now, doesn’t it feel amazing to know exactly where your jumbo-sized vanilla extract is hiding?

By keeping simple systems in place—labels, bins, and rotating stock—you’ll stay organized for the long haul. And hey, it’s okay if it’s not picture-perfect. If it works for you and saves your sanity, that counts. Happy organizing!