14 Fresh Ways to Keep Your Kitchen Cabinets Organized
Life's a hustle, and all too often, the resulting mess is hidden behind closed doors. That said, we all strive for better organization, so take a moment to learn what you can be doing differently to better organize your kitchen cabinets.
Before you begin:
Gather cleaning supplies including a household cleaner, a cloth, and a handheld vacuum.
Open all the cabinet doors, and take a moment to look at your storage spaces.
Think about what you use most (pots, pans) and what you need easy access to (olive oil, salt, paper towels).
From there, empty all the cabinets and drawers (and yes, this is a daunting ask, but it can be done in sections). Sort through your kitchen items, deciding what to keep, donate, or discard based on usefulness. Basically, do what you can to free up space.
Determine which organization system from the list below will work best.
1. Create Zones
When organizing your upper cabinets, prioritize everyday essentials like plates, glasses, and mugs for easy access.
Reserve kitchen storage space for frequently used appliances and cookware—you want those items within reach. Limit how you use counter space!
In lower cabinets, optimize storage for pots and pans with smart solutions, while dedicating space to store dry goods and pantry staples.
2. Install Pull-Out or Adjustable Shelves
Install pull-out shelves in cabinets so it's easier to reach items in the back. We love these for garbage and recycling and pots and pan organizers.
Invest in cabinets with adjustable shelves to customize the storage layout based on your needs. This flexibility allows you to accommodate items of various sizes and shapes efficiently.
Related: How to Organize Your Small Pantry
3. Maximize Corner Cabinets
Corner cabinets can store items used less often. Use rotating trays to make accessing items in corner cabinets a breeze. Group similar items together on the lazy Susan to keep them organized and easily accessible.
Consider installing pull-out drawers or baskets in corner cabinets for even more accessibility and organization, ensuring every inch of dead space is utilized effectively.
4. Install an Appliance Lift
You can get a shelf that slides out and up from inside your cabinet to hold heavier items like a stand mixer, food processor, or electric pressure cooker. These make using heavier appliances much easier and are convenient since they are right next to the counter.
5. Organize Your Sink and Sink Cabinet
Washing dishes is easier if you simplify your dishwashing bottles, dispensers, and sponges. It's also worth installing a unit that sits on the edge of or inside your kitchen sink basin. Beneath the sink, make the most of the sink cabinet by creating extra storage for kitchen towels or table linens. It's also the perfect location for cleaning supplies.
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6. Optimize Awkward Spaces
For oddly shaped or narrow cabinets, consider using stackable bins or baskets to corral items and make the most of the space. Cookie sheets, baking sheets, or cutting boards can go in the most narrow cabinet. Utilize vertical space by installing hooks or racks on the inside of cabinet doors for hanging utensils or small pots and pans.
7. Use Clear Containers
Store items like grains, pasta, or snacks in clear, airtight containers to keep them fresh and easily visible. Label these containers for quick identification and a streamlined look.
8. Use Bins to Hold Small Objects
Bins that fit inside a cabinet space can hold food storage containers, pot lids, and more. This can be anything from plastic containers to storing lids vertically to lids for pots and pans. Get a more sturdy basket for glass pot lids or kitchen utensils.
Similarly, a tension rod or basket system hung in the back of a cabinet help make the most of limited kitchen space.
Related: 29 Ideas to Transform a Small Kitchen
9. Store Similar Items Together
Improve kitchen cabinet space in a big way. Grouping items like glassware, bowls, storage containers, baking supplies, dishes, dish towels, or food makes a big difference. Roll towels and linens in a drawer. Read our tips on organizing your spice rack. Stack bowls by size and keep them in the same cupboard.
10. Change out Cabinets for Drawers
These days even plates and glassware can go into kitchen drawers with the right storage system. If possible, consider replacing cabinets for drawers where you can more easily stash pantry items, towels, pots and pans, food boxes or utensils. Drawer dividers will help accomplish this.
11. Use Lazy Susan Organizers
They make both low trays and taller rotating lazy Susan trays that are a game-changer for cabinet organization. Use them for spices, vitamins, or food like oils and vinegars. Many of them come with sections so your bottles don't tip over, but you can still reach items in the back by rotating the tray.
Related: How to Maintain Your Kitchen Sink Before Hosting Guests
12. Add Racks to the Inside of Doors
Take advantage of vertical space by adding lid organizers or basket racks to the inside of upper or lower cabinet doors. You can put things in these like foil, bread, spices, or pot lids.
13. Glassware Organizers
Get a rack to store wine glasses or drinking glasses right under the upper cabinets. This saves space and is a great storage solution for everyday items like mugs too.
14. Hang a Pegboard
Hang a pegboard inside cabinets or on the wall to hang pots, pans, and cooking utensils. This customizable solution allows you to rearrange items as needed and maximize vertical space.
