Herb and Spice Storage

MildredM · ‎08-02-2019

Mine are kept in a pantry on a shelf. For 30+ years they have been organized by use. The most frequently used in the front and the least used in the back. I have always been happy with this arrangement.

I opened the pantry door and found them arranged alphabetically. My husband (retired) has decided to fix the way they were organized saying he couldn't find what he was looking for under the used frequently system.

Not sure what I am going to do and was wondering if I am the only one that arranges the herb and spices this way. Would like to put them back the way they were but this will cause friction in the household.

Mz iMac · ‎07-26-2014

I organize my spice pantry like you do, hardly use in the back, mainly use front & center.

Now when my paramour is here (he does all the cooking), he re-organizes like your husband. I don't say a word. The kitchen is his world not mine.

Once he leaves, I put the spices back the way I want.

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

kaydee50 · ‎02-07-2011

Who does the most cooking? Should be up to him/her to arrange the spices. Or try a rotating table. He can put the spices alphabetically and you can just spin the table for the ones most used.

Big Joanie · ‎01-02-2015

It's been 25 years and I still have not ajusted to my hubby being

home all day ....

dimin · ‎03-11-2010

@MildredM wrote:
Mine are kept in a pantry on a shelf. For 30+ years they have been organized by use. The most frequently used in the front and the least used in the back. I have always been happy with this arrangement.

I opened the pantry door and found them arranged alphabetically. My husband (retired) has decided to fix the way they were organized saying he couldn't find what he was looking for under the used frequently system.

Not sure what I am going to do and was wondering if I am the only one that arranges the herb and spices this way. Would like to put them back the way they were but this will cause friction in the household.

Hopefully as the spices get used the most frequently used will end up in front again. Mine are mostly on the counter top. Most used are easiest to get too. I have so many it would be hard to alphabetize. Since I can only see the tops of most of my spices I put a white circle label on the lid. I only put the first letter, like P for paprika. At least it's less jars we have to pick up to see what's on the label. They are in a 2 tier basket which is why we can mostly just see the lids.

Mellyg · ‎03-16-2020

I agree with @kaydee50 ; whoever does the bulk of the cooking should have an order that is suitable to him/her. I had a similar situation when DH thought he should have input on where something went in the kitchen. I had to tell him, I appreciate his hard work and it paying off with a kitchen that I love..... but you don't get input on things you never use!

If both of you use the spices equally, is there a happy medium? You put them where you want, but he can label the tops to access easily? I need structure and organization in the kitchen. I have mine on a lazy Susan, but it's divided into 4 sections using a clear lazy Susan bin. The bins are labeled on the outside as to which is where. Each of the 4 bins is categorized by use.

amyb · ‎04-05-2010

@MildredM wrote:
Mine are kept in a pantry on a shelf. For 30+ years they have been organized by use. The most frequently used in the front and the least used in the back. I have always been happy with this arrangement.

I opened the pantry door and found them arranged alphabetically. My husband (retired) has decided to fix the way they were organized saying he couldn't find what he was looking for under the used frequently system.

Not sure what I am going to do and was wondering if I am the only one that arranges the herb and spices this way. Would like to put them back the way they were but this will cause friction in the household.

Lol...found this a bit amusing. But I'm with you @MildredM! Mine are arranged on a couple cabinet shelves to the left of my stove...the ones I use most frequently up front, the others behind it. Cilantro, Tarragon...random uses...wayyy in the back. The alphabetical arrangement to me doesn't make as much sense...at least not in the small cabinet I have. In that case Cilantro would be in front of Garlic Powder and Parsley flakes that I use constantly!! Alphabetical...If they were all out on a linear type rack over your stove maybe, like in the grocery store...

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

I recently cleaned out and organized my spice cabinet. I had so many duplicates because I couldn't find what I was looking for and bought more.

I bought small deli containers and labeled them. They take up so little room compared to the bottles and I can find what I am looking for.

I put the spices I use most often on top. If my DH rearranged my cabinets, he would find himself upgraded to chief cook and bottle washer. If he wants to head up my kitchen, he is free to do so and I will take a seat.

PA Mom-mom · ‎05-27-2015

@MildredM Mine are arranged from short to tall on risers in the cupboard. That way I can see all of the labels. I also have them on racks attached to the inside of the cupboard door. When I'm in a cooking frenzy, I am not bothered if they are in any particular order., but I have a pretty good idea of where everything is. Oh, and DH would never mess with my herbs and spices.