Unlock the secret to a calm and functional cooking environment; learn to organize kitchen cabinets effectively.
These are my simple solutions for every type of item and area, ensuring your kitchen stays organized, and your cooking essentials are within easy reach.
I’ll share my favorite inexpensive storage solutions so you won’t break the bank while getting organized.
Oh, and if you want to deep dive into your kitchen, check out my kitchen cleaning checklist to keep your stuff organized when you’re done!
Key Takeaways
- Start organizing kitchen cabinets by categorizing items and picking specific areas for every item you own.
- Use lower cabinets or drawers for pots and pans, and drawer dividers or utensil holders for silverware and cooking utensils.
- Optimize kitchen space with solutions like over-door hangers, rotating trays, pull-out shelves, and wine racks to make every item easily accessible and neatly stored.
- When organizing, focus on creating accessible zones and workstations for items based on their usage.
- Declutter by removing expired foods and unused items; at this point, I go through at least once a month to keep things from getting cluttered.
- Avoid storing non-kitchen-related objects to keep things clear!
- Want help organizing Tupperware, too? I just did a big haul clearing out old containers and finding better ways to stack!
Organize Kitchen Cabinets
Begin by categorizing items in order to organize your kitchen cabinets and assigning them to specific areas.
This method will simplify the finding process and reduce clutter.
Still, wondering about the categorization process and the starting point? Let’s explore how I separate my kitchen:
Pots & Pans
Pots and pans can quickly turn into a messy pile if not properly organized, and it used to drive me up the wall to have to move three pans to get to the one I wanted.
I store pots and pans in lower cabinets, where some of my friends have wide kitchen drawers; this preference comes down to space, and my drawers would maybe fit one tiny frying pan!
I started storing pans horizontally in a rack that has them on their sides. My cabinets are dark, but I took it out onto the counter so you can see exactly what I mean.
Then I have 2 smaller pots and a big sauce pot, which simply sit next to each other- I didn’t do much with them, though you could stack yours together and add the lids to the storage rack.
While checking some other mom blogs, I did see some wall hooks and a pegboard to hang pots and pans, which could be great for a kitchen without much cupboard space.
In an apartment, especially, I know moms don’t want to sacrifice cupboard pantry space for bulky pots and pans, so hanging them (where the kids can’t reach them!) would be perfect for saving space.
Silverware Drawer
Sorting out the silverware drawer can be so simple, and I’m happy we don’t just have all our forks and spoons in two small containers.
I got a classic drawer insert for $1 at Goodwill, and it fits all of my silverware. It has five rows for spoons, forks, and knives, plus one large space across the top for my serving pieces.
I’ve seen some cool extendable ones, bamboo wood ones, and so many others, but for me, I wanted something inexpensive to separate my forks and spoons—and I got it!
Cooking Utensils
Cooking utensils can be a bit of a challenge due to their varying sizes and shapes.
Drawer organizers or utensil holders can be your saving grace, keeping these items within reach and easy to find.
At our old house, I had a small vase between the kitchen sink and stovetop. It could only hold a handful of utensils, and some would fall out as I grabbed something.
It didn’t fit everything, and some stuff got put into a drawer anyway when it was overflowing.
I got my rotating caddy for $4 at Goodwill (after seeing them for $30+ on Amazon!), and it fit everything I needed perfectly.
I say spending $30 is worth it to free up an entire kitchen drawer, but do some shopping around to see where you can get a deal.
And if you don’t have much counter space for a caddy, there are drawer organizers that will separate utensils, with big open spots that fit even extra-long tongs or wide spatulas.
Glassware, Bowls, & Plates
Organizing your glassware, bowls, and plates efficiently can transform the way you use your kitchen.
For bowls and plates, the most common method is to stack them by size. This not only saves space but also makes it easier to grab what you need without shuffling through a pile of dishware.
Nesting bowls are particularly space-efficient, as they fit neatly inside one another. Just don’t do a ton of them in one stack, or you’ll have to take a whole stack out to get what you want!
For glasses, I only nest the plastic ones and leave the real glasses to be on their own to keep them from getting stuck and chipping on each other.
To protect your glassware, consider using rubber mats or non-slip liners on shelves. These provide cushioning and reduce the risk of glasses sliding around when opening and closing cabinets.
Kitchen Appliances
When it comes to kitchen appliances, it’s all about ease of access. Store your appliances in cabinets or on countertops, but make sure they don’t clutter your kitchen space.
I have a buffet that was my mom’s, and it’s an oldie but a goodie!
The top has my Keurig, slow cooker, Instapot, etc.- the appliances I use the most every week; the rest, like my toaster, Nutribullet, and more, go in the bottom with my baking supplies.
Pantry Items
Organizing pantry items can be daunting, but clear containers or labeled bins can make the process easy.
I use large ones for when I buy pasta in bulk from Costco, and some smaller ones for flour, jasmine rice, and more grains.
Now, you don’t need to pour out every box of mac and cheese or pre-made rice packets; I mainly group those similar items together for easy access.
For instance, use clear food storage containers for food storage, such as onions and potatoes, providing visibility while keeping them in a dark, cool environment.
Cleaning Supplies
Your cleaning supplies should be stored where they’re easy to reach but out of sight.
The lower cabinet or under the sink are ideal spots. For organization and accessibility, use bins or sliding shelves.
I forgot about an extra silverware tray from our old dishwasher we had removed (they always break at the worst times!), so I started using it to sort the extra brushes under the sink!
We already had some small hooks screwed into our cabinet that was there when we moved in, and it worked out well to hang up more cleaning supplies.
Oven Mitts, Towels, & Other Linens
Your oven mitts, towels, and other linens also deserve a neat, designated space.
I used to store them in the small drawers under my wall over, but it was a pain to open the oven and forget to bend and grab mitts first.
I put them and my towels in a specific drawer right next to the oven. I thought about separating them and moving the towels closer to the sink, but I’d rather keep the kitchen linens together.
I’ve seen people use the back of a pantry door for these with over-the-door hangers, hooks on the side of cabinet doors to hold the mitts in place, and plenty of storage hacks for more!
Utilizing More Storage Space
Having addressed how I organize different items, it’s time to talk about what specific storage solutions you could use in your kitchen:
Over Door Hangers
Over-door hangers are great space savers. They can hold items such as cutting boards, baking sheets, cleaning supplies, and canned goods.
They’re easy to install, can come in cloth, plastic, and metal styles, and can make a big difference in your kitchen organization in a small space.
Rotating Trays
Rotating trays, also known as “lazy Susans,” are perfect for corner cabinets or for storing spices and condiments in the fridge.
No more digging around in the back of the cupboard! They make items easily accessible, even those stored at the back.
Slide Out Cabinet Shelves
Slide-out shelves in lower cabinets allow for easy access to anything in the back of the cabinet, maximizing your drawer space and keeping your junk drawer organized.
Say goodbye to crouching down and rummaging through your things with a cabinet door that makes it all possible!
These are some of my goals when we rework our cabinets. I’ve seen some on Amazon that we can install until then, and after working on this article, they may find their way into my cart!
Locker Shelf Risers
Locker shelf risers are perfect for those tall cabinets without shelves. They create additional storage space and make items more accessible.
I used them for my spices to make a new cabinet shelf. The short spices fit underneath, and the tall refill containers go on top.
Wine Racks
For wine lovers, wine racks or custom-built storage solutions are a must. They keep your wine bottles organized and easily accessible, making your dinner party preparation a breeze.
Some even have a space for wine glasses, so they don’t take up space in your cupboards.
FAQs
How can I pick where things belong in my kitchen cupboards?
The placement of items in your kitchen cupboards hinges on effective planning. Establish zones for specific categories like breakfast items, boxed dinners, and snacks.
Also, consider creating workstations or zones, such as keeping coffee items in an upper cabinet near the coffee maker.
What is the correct way to organize my cupboards?
Initiating the organization of your cupboards with decluttering is a recommended approach. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove expired, empty, or unused items.
- Wipe down the cabinet interiors.
- Categorize the remaining items.
- Group kitchen items into categories that reflect household usage, such as separating food from cookware and dinnerware.
When looking for kitchen cabinet organization ideas, start by designating kitchen cabinet space based on how frequently you use various kitchen items.
How do I make my tall cupboards more accessible?
Locker shelf risers can enhance the accessibility of tall cupboards by allowing storage on multiple levels.
You can also employ sliding or pull-out shelves to access items stored at the back.
What stuff shouldn’t be stored in my kitchen?
Certain items are best kept out of the kitchen for both safety and organizational reasons.
This includes unused or expired pantry and kitchen items, overly heavy items in upper cabinets, and non-kitchen items like crafting supplies or home office equipment.
Cleaning products should also be kept away from food preparation areas and never be stored with food.
Final Thoughts
Organizing your kitchen doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Some rearranging took me time and effort, but it made my life much easier!
With my tips and some inexpensive storage options, you can get the most out of your kitchen space and create an organized, efficient, and enjoyable cooking environment.
It’s time to roll up your sleeves and transform your kitchen into part of an organized home!
