6 Best Pantry Door Organizer Ideas for Extra Storage

• By: Corey Turner
• Updated: August 10, 2021
• In: Buying Guides

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The pantry can be a crowded area to begin with. Squeezing every inch out of storage space in smaller kitchens is a necessity.

In this article we’ll take a look at some of the best pantry storage organizers that will help you gain some extra space.

Finding the right pantry door storage solution is also not so easy.

When using over-the-door storage, your door needs to be able to close completely with the bracket hanging between the frame and the swinging door. You also need to find the correct width and height that works best with your door size.

Let’s take a look at some helpful tips on how to choose and the different types…

What Is a Pantry Door Organizer and How Does It Differ From a Door Mounted Storage Rack

Let’s start with the latter. Door mounted storage racks are just that…mounted (or screwed) onto your pantry or cabinet door.

Door mounted storage racks tend to vary in size. They’re designed for multiple applications throughout the home. Think kitchen cabinets, vanity cabinets, garages, bedrooms, etc. They can also be used on larger framed doors in bedrooms or in a pantry as well.

A pantry door organizer is larger and ideally extends the distance from top to bottom of a pantry door. Tiered shelves are also a main aspect of pantry door storage. Since this is essentially an extension of the pantry, it gets used for spices, jars and other food containers.

Bottom line, pantry door storage is larger (or longer), can hang over the door and utilizes tiered shelves for extra food storage.

Door mounted storage racks can be used anywhere in the home and are usually smaller in size. They too, can be used as a pantry storage option.

How to Choose a Pantry Door Organizer

Depending on the pantry door organizer, they can run the full length of your door from top to bottom or they can rest about half-way up the door for easy access.

• The main thing to note is the size of your existing door. Make sure the organizer will work with that height and width.
• Pantry doors are typically 24″ wide and 80″ high (be sure to measure yours though). You’ll want a storage rack to fit inside your dimensions.
• Another area to consider is what the protruding baskets or shelves on your pantry door organizer will come into contact with when the door is completely shut.
• Will your baskets hit anything that is already inside your pantry? Lots of these over-the-door products have adjustable shelves, so it is easy to raise and lower them to avoid any issues.
• Most over-the-door style pantry organizers will work with door thicknesses of 1-3/4″ and less. (As always, be sure to note your specific door thickness versus the product specifications.)

The Different Types of Pantry Door Organizers

This is the best part about the pantry door organizer product category. There are just so many options and configurations to choose from. Everything from the various sizes and configurations to the colors and shelving styles.

• Wire Baskets
• Plastic Baskets
• Pocket Organizers
• Fabric Compartments
• Fruit Storage Baskets
• Storage Racks & Hooks

Best Pantry Door Organizer

There’s various price points and features to pantry door organizers.

But for the ultimate set up, you want an organizer that runs the entire length of the pantry door from top to bottom. This’ll give you optimum storage and at the same time adds stability.

Another feature to look for…is having a storage organizer that doesn’t swing when the pantry door is being operated. This will help prevent damage to the door, walls and items inside the organizer.

1. ClosetMaid - Hanging Pantry Door Storage Organizer

This solution from ClosetMaid is perhaps what we think of most when picturing “over-the-door” storage.

These are ideal for your pantry doors. ClosetMaid makes two versions in different widths. They have a 12″ width and an 18″ width. Each cover the entire height of the door and provide ample storage which is an ideal set up.

2. Home Complete - Space Saving Pantry Door Organizer

Looking for storage that is ideal for your larger items? This over-the-door storage rack from Home Complete has you covered.

It’s perfect for storing large spice bins, syrups, condiments, jars, cleaning sprays, cereal boxes and even soda bottles.

The depth of the individual baskets is about 5-1/2 inches. The overall combined height for the two shelves is 77 inches and the width is 17.7 inches.

Storage capacity is the name of the game with this product, so if you need a quality over the door rack it’s one to consider.

3. SimpleHouseware - Hanging Pantry Door Organizer with Pockets

There are many small items in our pantry that just don’t seem to have a home. That’s exactly why these pocket organizers from SimpleHouseware are so awesome.

This over-the-door storage is easily accessible and right at your fingertips. Whether it’s cold medicines, spices, teas, K-Cups or dog treats, each item can have a dedicated space.

Pocket size is 5.5″ wide and 7″ deep. When filled, the top pocket opening is about 4″.

4. Smart Design - Pantry Door Organizer with Deep Shelves

SmartDesign makes one of my favorite over-the-door organizers. This is mainly due to the versatility of the baskets.

If you need some adjustability to accommodate both small and larger items, this product is perfect.

Smaller, lightweight items can be stored at the top while larger, heavier items are down at the bottom.

*Tip – Try using command hooks to secure it to your door even more!

5. Household Essentials - Pantry Storage Organizer

If you need a true extension of your pantry with a burst of color on your door, this over-the-door organizer from Household Essentials is perfect. It rests flush on the door no bowing or twisting.

It’s the right length too. It falls just below your door handle and makes items easy to grab.

The 19-1/4″ wide baskets are great for lots of storage space while the 6-1/4″ basket depth can hold larger items too.

6. mDesign - Over The Door Fabric Pocket Organizer

The mDesign pocket organizer may be geared more towards the bedroom or bathroom door, but they can certainly be used within the kitchen pantry door.

With pockets sitting up higher on the door, they are more suitable for taller people. This makes it nice for keeping storage near the top of the door if you have any lower items nearby.

With pockets measuring 4-1/2″ deep and 13″ wide, you can get a lot in these compartments. If you are after more of a canvas pocket type of storage organizer, you should check these out!

How to Prevent a Door Storage Rack From Swinging?

There’s a few clever ways to keep your over-the-door storage from swaying or swinging out. Try using command hooks to stick on both your door and on the frame of the storage rack.

Another option is to use small strips of velcro. One side would stick to your storage frame and the other to your door.

Yet another option would be to consider using zip ties to secure any multi-basket products from moving around too much.

Our Takeaway...

This is honestly a fun DIY project if you are up for it. Like most storage accessories, you need to verify some aspects like dimensions and installation compatibility.

Over-the-door pantry storage is a really useful product that can change how you use your pantry for the better.

Quality is certainly not something to forget when searching for an over-the-door rack or hanging storage. Metal wire that is sturdy enough to hold the weight of both large and small items is crucial.

Another aspect is using extra hooks or velcro strips to eliminate any potential slamming when the door is closed.

For a full length over-the-door pantry storage rack, we would look into using the ClosetMaid product. It’s two widths can work for regular sized framed doors or more narrow doors. If it fits your application, there’s no doubt it you will receive plenty of benefits.

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