Easy Organization Ideas for Pull-Out Shelves in Your Kitchen Pantry
- Tara M Stewart
- Sep 28
- 7 min read
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Pull-out shelves are one of the biggest features in new kitchens and pantries. Everyone loves them because you can finally reach the far corners and deepest spots without knocking everything over. And best of all, no more forgotten pantry food disappearing into the back to die a slow expiration-date death.
But here’s the catch, they can get messy fast. Not only that , but items tip, slide, or just sit there looking cluttered. So how do you take advantage of all that glorious accessibility without it looking like a tornado blew through? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today.
Hi, I’m Tara! Since 2020, my team and I have been decluttering and organizing homes and businesses in and around Lexington, Kentucky. Every photo you see here is from a real client project, no staged pantries or stock images. We only share what actually works for us and the families we serve, so every tip you’ll see here is tried-and-true, tested in real kitchens just like yours.
Separate Canned Goods with Drawer Dividers
By adding drawer dividers to a pull-out shelf, you can create neat, grocery store style rows where every can has its own spot. The best part? You can customize the size of each section, giving every can a snug little hug and preventing them from rolling or sliding around. And since these dividers are spring-loaded, you can easily adjust them as your pantry needs change. We used drawer Bameos 2" tall drawer dividers* in this example. Be sure to measure your space to get the length and height to fit your needs.
Why it works:
Lined up & easy to see – no more digging to find the beans hiding behind the soup.
Quick access – grab what you need for dinner in seconds.
Inventory check at a glance – instantly see when it’s time to restock.
Polished look – your pantry feels neat, intentional, and dare we say, Instagram-worthy.
✨ Pro tip: Group cans by category: soups, beans, veggies, so you can shop your pantry like an aisle at the store.
Clear Bins for Smaller Items
Clear bins are perfect for corralling the little things that love to wander. This way, nothing gets lost in the shuffle and every category has its place.
In this example, drink mixes were sorted into a small container from The Home Edit pack from Walmart* while a larger clear bin from Target holds dinner mixes, seasoning packets, and even garlic. Choosing containers that aren’t too large keeps items visible and prevents them from getting swallowed up by the rest of the shelf.
Why it works:
Prevents clutter – no more loose packets sliding everywhere.
Visibility – clear bins make it easy to see when supplies are running low.
Efficiency – grab one bin and instantly have everything for a meal or category in hand.
✨ Pro tip: Keep one bin for “open packets” and another for “extras” so you’re not left wondering if you have taco seasoning when it’s taco night.
Use Containers to Create a Baking Drawer
By transferring baking staples like flours, sugars, and chocolate chips into airtight containers, this pull-out shelf instantly became more functional and less chaotic. For this project we used two of the Progressive ProKeeper Baker's Airtight Kitchen Storage sets.
The benefits are huge:
Visible – no more mystery bags stuffed in the back.
Stackable – square and rectangular containers maximize every inch of flat pull-out space.
Contained – nothing tips, slides, or leaks when you roll the shelf out.
We also added a clear 10x10 bin to corral sprinkles, baking powders, and other little accents that would otherwise scatter everywhere. While the exact 10x10 we used here is no longer available, I’ve linked a similar option with an open front from Walmart here.
✨ Pro tip: Label your containers clearly, and if your pull-out shelf sits low, put the labels on the tops. When you’re looking down from above, front-facing labels disappear, but top labels keep everything easy to spot.
Easy Access to Water Bottles with Multipurpose Bins
Water bottles and lunchbox supplies have a way of multiplying like gremlins. And when they’re stashed in a top cabinet, younger kids can’t reach what they need for school. If you just try to stand bottles up in a pull-out shelf, they’ll tip over instantly.
The fix? Multipurpose bins from The Container Store, two in extra large* and one in large*. They act like built-in walls, giving your shelf tall sides and natural dividers for each category. Bonus: if you dedicate one bin just for lunchbox supplies, you can grab the whole thing by the handles and set it on the kitchen island when packing lunches, instant portable station!
Why it works:
Prevents toppling – no more bottles rolling around every time the drawer opens.
Easy grab-and-go – pull the whole bin out when you need it, instead of digging through a jumble.
Space saver – bins keep everything standing upright, so you can store more in less space.
✨ Pro tip: Label the bins boldly. It’s not about you forgetting what a water bottle looks like, it’s about making it easy for kids, guests, or partners to put things back where they belong.
Baskets: For Big and Small Items
Baskets are one of the easiest ways to bring order to your pull-out shelves, no matter the size of the items. For larger pantry staples like chips, crackers, and dinner supplies, woven baskets are a perfect way to keep your gorgeous new kitchen from looking like the Wild West every time you open the cabinet door.
You want baskets that extend the full depth of the shelf and for this project we used large Hyacinth Baskets* from The Container Store. In addition their tall sides corral bags and boxes, and the uniform look makes the whole pantry feel calm and intentional. Plus, you can grab an entire basket, set it on the kitchen island, and instantly have everything you need within reach.
But baskets aren’t just for the big stuff. They’re also a lifesaver for corralling smaller items that love to roll around—think medicine, vitamins, or supplements. Instead of bottles toppling over every time you slide the shelf out, everything stays upright, tidy, and easy to find.
Why it works:
Containment – whether it’s a giant bag of chips or a tiny pill bottle, baskets keep it in place.
Grab-and-go – pull out the whole basket when you need it, then slide it right back in.
Aesthetic upgrade – matching baskets create a tidy, uniform look in your pantry or cabinets.
Custom fit – choosing baskets that match the full depth of your shelves ensures no space is wasted.
✨ Pro tip: Label each basket clearly so everyone in the house knows what belongs where. From “Potatoes” to “Pharmacy,” labels keep systems running smoothly long after the organizing day is done.
Maximize Deep Pull-Out Shelves with a Combo System
If you’ve got really deep pull-out shelves, don’t let them become a cavern where food disappears. Try using both high-wall multipurpose bins and airtight food containers to create a system that takes advantage of the depth while still keeping everything visible.
In this example, we paired multipurpose bins from The Container Store, one size large* and one size medium*, with OXO food storage containers to carve out a dedicated “Dinner” zone. Pasta, mixes, and toppings each have their own space, so meal prep is as simple as pulling out one bin or grabbing exactly what you need.
Why it works:
Prevents wasted space – tall-sided bins take full advantage of deep shelves.
Keeps items grouped – dinner staples live together, making meal prep faster.
Flexible system – combine bins and containers in whatever ratio works best for your family.
✨ Pro tip: Use bold category labels like “Dinner” or “Toppings” to make zones obvious at a glance. It’s an easy way to prevent the “where does this go?” question later.
Bonus Ideas for Pull-Out Shelves
Still looking for ways to make your pull-outs work harder? Here are a couple more quick ideas we love:
Large Pyrex casserole or mixing bowls – sturdy enough to stay put, and so much easier to grab from a pull-out shelf than digging into a deep lower cabinet.
Party supplies – dedicate a bin for disposable plates, napkins, and cups so you’re always ready to celebrate.
Trash bags – keep them in a pull-out near your trash can for quick and easy refills.
✨ Sometimes it’s the little tweaks that make the biggest difference.
Key Takeaways
Find a way to add “sides” to your shelves (bins, baskets, or dividers) so nothing tips or rolls.
Group like items together and give each category a dedicated zone.
Declutter regularly! Every month or two, pull out the bins and check for duplicates, expired items, or things no one in your house actually eats. It only takes a few minutes but keeps the whole system running smoothly.
Pull-out shelves give you the access you’ve always wanted, but without a little strategy, they can quickly become a clutter magnet. With the right mix of containers, bins, baskets, and dividers, you can make your shelves as functional as they are beautiful.
✨ Bonus: they’ll look so good you’ll want to pull them out and show them off.
Want More Inspo?
If this blog has you eyeing your own pull-out shelves, you’ll love seeing even more real-life projects. Slide through some of our other kitchen blogs and project photos for fresh ideas and practical tips you can put to work right away:
And if you’re ready to skip the DIY and have us transform your kitchen for you, reach out here to get started. We’d be happy to lighten the load!
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