Run out of supplies during a home improvement project and you just swing by the hardware store. Run out of organizing products mid-project and you're stuck waiting on a delivery while your half-finished pantry judges you from across the room.
We know adding to cart can feel like a guessing game. If you've ever wondered how many storage containers do I need to organize a pantry, closet, or linen cabinet, you're not alone. From cabinet pantry organization to full walk-in pantry organization, knowing exactly how much product to buy can make or break your project. So we created this guide to help you get it right the first time.
Before You Start: A Few Things to Know
- These recommendations are based on experience. After 15 years of organizing clients' homes, we know which categories show up most often and which product sizes work best with common shelf dimensions. Use these as a starting point and customize to fit your space.
- You probably need more than you think. When in doubt, round up. Our products are multi-purpose, so extras can be used pretty much anywhere else in your home.
- Start with broad categories. For smaller spaces, keep categories flexible so they can adapt as your buying habits change. For larger spaces, subcategorize based on what you actually own.
- Our products are designed to flex. Baskets can be turned sideways to fit shelves with less depth. Label holders attach to any side of a bin or basket. It all works together.
Pantry
Cabinet Pantry
Reach-In Pantry
Walk-In Pantry
Primary Closet
Reach-In Closet
Walk-In Closet
Linen Closet
Cabinet Linen Closet
Reach-In Linen Closet
Walk-In Linen Closet
Pantry
The number of baskets, canisters, and turntables you need depends on whether you're tackling cabinet pantry organization, a reach-in pantry, or full walk-in pantry organization. Below is a breakdown based on the most common pantry layouts.
Cabinet Pantry
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2 Turntables
- Suggested categories: Condiments, Oils + Vinegar
- Size recommendation: 10.5" works best for upper cabinets
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3-5 Canisters
- Suggested categories: Flour, Sugar, Oats
- Size recommendation: Mix of Extra Large and Large
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4 Baskets
- Suggested categories: Snacks, Dinner Prep, Baking, Breakfast
- Size recommendation: 10" or Medium turned sideways for upper cabinets
- 1 Label Holder Set (Box of 5)
- 1 Pantry Label Set
Reach-In Pantry
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2 Turntables
- Suggested categories: Condiments, Oils + Vinegar
- Size recommendation: 10.5"
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1 Riser
- Suggested categories: Canned Goods
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5-7 Canisters
- Suggested categories: Baking staples like flour, sugar and oats; rice and grains
- Size recommendation: Extra Large or Large for baking staples, Large or Medium for rice and grains
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6-8 Baskets
- Suggested categories: Salty Snacks, Sweet Treats, Dinner Prep, Pasta + Grains, Baking, Breakfast
- Size recommendation: Medium works best, Large on lower shelves if space allows
- 2 Label Holder Sets (Box of 5)
- 1 Pantry Label Set
Walk-In Pantry
If you're investing in walk-in pantry organization, plan for more products than you think. Larger spaces require more defined categories to stay functional long-term.
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4 Turntables
- Suggested categories: Oils + Vinegar, Spreads, Sauces, Dressings
- Size recommendation: 10.5" or 13.5" depending on shelf depth and quantity
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2 Risers
- Suggested categories: Canned Goods, Bottled Items
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7-9 Canisters
- Suggested categories: Baking staples like flour, sugar and oats; rice and grains; nuts and dried fruit
- Size recommendation: Extra Large or Large for baking staples, Large or Medium for rice and grains, Medium or Small for nuts and dried fruit
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10-14 Baskets
- Suggested categories: Salty Snacks, Grab + Go Snacks, Sweet Treats, Dinner Prep, Pasta + Grains, Prepared Meals, Baking, Breakfast, Paper Towels, Reusable Bags
- Size recommendation: Extra Large and Large on floor and lower shelves, Medium or Small on upper shelves
- 2-3 Label Holder Sets (Box of 5)
- 1 Pantry Label Set
Got drawers in your pantry? Add a few Acacia Drawer Dividers to separate grab-and-go snacks and coffee and tea.
Want more help? Dive into the Anatomy of a NEAT Pantry.
Primary Closet
The number of closet organizing products you need depends on the size of your wardrobe and whether you're working with a reach-in closet or designing full walk-in closet organizers. From calculating how many clothes hangers you need to deciding how many bins belong on upper shelves, planning ahead prevents overbuying and underbuying.
Reach-In Closet
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100-200 Everyday Hangers
- Suggested categories: Tops, Jackets, Dresses, Jumpsuits
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20 Pant Hangers
- Suggested categories: Skirts, Slacks
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10 Coat Hangers
- Suggested categories: Blazers, Coats
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4-6 Fabric or Fabric Lined Bins
- Suggested categories: Hats, Scarves, Belts, Bags
- Size recommendation: Medium
- 1 Label Holder Set (Box of 5)
- 1 Closets & Mudroom Label Set
Walk-In Closet
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300-500 Everyday Hangers
- Suggested categories: Tops, Jackets, Dresses, Jumpsuits
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30-40 Pant Hangers
- Suggested categories: Skirts, Slacks
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20-30 Coat Hangers
- Suggested categories: Blazers, Coats
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8-10 Fabric or Fabric Lined Bins
- Suggested categories: Hats, Scarves, Belts, Bags, Athleisure Tops, Athleisure Bottoms, Sweaters, Sports Wear
- Size recommendation: Medium for upper shelves, Large for lower
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2-4 Lined Acacia Trays
- Suggested categories: Everyday Jewelry, Sunglasses
- 2 Label Holder Sets (Box of 5)
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1 Closets & Mudroom Label Set
Got drawers in your closet or organizing a dresser too? Add 2-4 sets of Acacia Drawer Dividers to separate folded rows of tees and pants.
Want more help? Dive into the Anatomy of Her Closet.
Linen Closet
The number of baskets and fabric bins you need for linen closet organization depends on how much you store and whether you're working with a cabinet, reach-in, or walk-in space. Containing categories like medicine, toiletries, and linens separately helps prevent overcrowding and makes restocking easier.
Cabinet Linen Closet
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2-3 Baskets
- Suggested categories: Medicine, Toiletries
- Size recommendation: Medium
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2-3 Fabric Bins
- Suggested categories: Towels, Sheets
- Size recommendation: Medium
- 1 Label Holder Set (Box of 5)
- 1 Bathroom Linen & Laundry Room Label Set
Reach-In Linen Closet
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3-4 Baskets
- Suggested categories: Medicine, First Aid, Toiletries
- Size recommendation: Medium
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3-4 Fabric Bins
- Suggested categories: Towels, Sheets, Blankets
- Size recommendation: Medium or Large depending on shelf dimensions
- 2 Label Holder Sets (Box of 5)
- 1 Bathroom Linen & Laundry Room Label Set
Walk-In Linen Closet
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6-8 Baskets
- Suggested categories: Cold + Flu, Pain + Allergy, Children's Medicine, First Aid, Toiletries, Backstock
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6-8 Fabric Bins
- Suggested categories: Linens by size, Towels by type, Blankets
- Size recommendation: Medium for upper shelves, Large for lower
- 3 Label Holder Sets (Box of 5)
- 1 Bathroom Linen & Laundry Room Label Set
Want more help? Dive into the Anatomy of a NEAT Linen Closet.
Getting organized is so much easier when you have what you need from the start. Use this guide to shop with confidence, skip the second order, and get straight to the satisfying part: a space that actually works.
xx,
the NEAT team















