​7 ways to organize your spices for easy cooking

Though not necessary, transferring your spices to new containers provides a more uniform look and helps preserve spices in bags or boxes. Stackable containers are great for organization, or

have fun with small mason jars, recycled baby food jars, test tubes or magnetized containers on a fridge. 4. LABEL SPICES: It may be hard to tell dried basil from oregano, so make sure to

label your spices if you move them to new containers. Consider writing the expiration date on the label or on the bottom of each container. DIYers can write on store-bought stickers or

masking tape, use a label maker or devise their own color-coded system. Pinterest has lots of ideas. 5. FIND A PLACE FOR SPICES: “Choose your organizers based on the space you have to

organize them in a visible way,” Greathouse says. “If you are limited on cabinet space but have drawer space, in-drawer racks are great. If you have cabinet space, a tiered cabinet solution

[like shelf risers or a lazy Susan] help you see what you have at a glance without knocking jars over as you dig for something in the back.”  That’s what happened to Derek Bourcy, 52, of

St. Paul, Minnesota, before he reorganized his spices after moving in with his partner. Now, he stores spices on a seven-tiered door rack in a hall pantry around the corner from the kitchen.

“When I cook I like to know where everything is so I can quickly grab [spices] on autopilot,” says Bourcy, a frequent baker. “I like having everything visible to see in one glance as you’re

scanning for something.” You still may want to keep spices you use frequently on a small tray or lazy Susan on the kitchen counter. 6. PROTECT: Keep spices in dark, dry places away from

heat, direct sunlight and moisture to preserve flavor and texture. Avoid storing them above or near a hot stove. If your spices are on a kitchen counter or wall, shield them from windows.

“One common misperception is that spices will last longer in the refrigerator or freezer,” Wilkens says. “I would avoid that because it potentially creates condensation.” 7. PUT SPICES IN

ORDER: Arrange your spices, experts say, in a way that makes sense to you — alphabetically, by the most often used or by category, such as baking spices and hot spices (like red pepper

flakes and cayenne). Consider shifting spices seasonally, so winter ones like cloves and curry are up front during colder months.​ ​_Sheryl Jean is a contributing writer who covers aging,

business, technology, travel, health and human-interest stories. A former reporter for several daily metropolitan newspapers, her work also has appeared in the_ Chicago Tribune _and_ The

Dallas Morning News_ and on the American Heart Association's website._