Ever feel like you're constantly digging through your cabinets to find that one thing you need? Don't worry, I've been there too. A little organization can make a world of difference in how your kitchen functions day-to-day.
Here are some simple, practical tips to help you get your kitchen cabinets in order, so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying your cooking!
Step 1: Emptying the Kitchen Cabinet
Taking everything out of your kitchen cabinet is a great way to see how much space you actually have. From there, you can plan the best way to maximize storage. Plus, it makes cleaning up any dust, crumbs, and spills a breeze!
Step 2: Deciding What to Keep and Not Keep
Remember to keep only the items that are useful, functional. and regularly used. These will go back into your cabinet. If you have items in good condition that you no longer need, consider donating them. And for anything that's broken, expired, and beyond repair, it's time to throw them away.
Step 3: Grouping Similar Items Together
Grouping similar items by their function or how often you use them makes your kitchen more functional and efficient. This way, you can easily grab what you need without having to search the entire cabinet.
By Function
By keeping similar items together, like all your baking supplies in one spot, you can get things done more efficiently and quickly. Everything you need for a specific task is right at your fingertips, so you won't have to waste time searching through multiple cabinets.
By How Often You Use Them
Put the items you use most often in easy-to-reach cabinets or shelves, and store less frequently used items on higher or lower shelves. This way, you can quickly and easily grab what you need while cooking.
Step 3: Ways to Organize Your Kitchen
By Kitchen Zones
The 5-zone method
Source
Organize your kitchen cabinets by zones to improve workflow:
- Preparation Zone near counter space for cutting boards, knives, and mixing tools;
- Cooking Zone by the stove for pots, pans, utensils, and spices;
- Cleaning Zone around the sink for detergents and dish towels; and a Storage Zone for pantry items near the fridge.
Optionally, create dedicated zones for baking and coffee/tea. Maximize space with organizers like risers, baskets, and drawer dividers, and regularly declutter to maintain efficiency.
Use Cabinet Organizers
Cabinet organizers are a game-changer! Some of them help you make the most of your vertical space, practically doubling your kitchen cabinet's storage capacity. Others make those deep cabinets super accessible, so you can use every inch of space, even those tricky, hard-to-reach spots.
Use Shelf Risers
Shelf risers with a small platform and four taller legs are a game-changer for your kitchen cabinets! They let you create mini shelves within your existing ones, making the most of that vertical space. This means you get extra room to neatly stack your plates, bowls, and cups.
Add Wine Glass Racks
Wine glass racks are a great way to use vertical space in your kitchen cabinets efficiently. By storing your glasses upside down, you free up room for other items below them. What's more, these racks can keep your glasses secure to prevent accidental tipping or breakage, especially in busy areas like the kitchen.
Insert Vertical Stack for Flat Kitchen Items
There are plenty of ways to store flat kitchen items like cutting boards, baking pans, sheets, serving platters, and trays in your cabinets. For instance, you can install adjustable dividers or tension rods to create vertical slots, making it easier to see and access everything.
Utilize Cabinet Doors for Pot Lids
If you're looking for a budget-friendly DIY solution for storing pot lids, I've got you covered! All you need is a cabinet door and some sticky hooks. Just hold a pan lid against the cupboard door and mark the spots at 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock with a pencil. Then, stick two hooks on the door at those marks, and your lid is securely in place.
Lazy Susans for Corners and Deep Spaces
Are you finding it tricky to reach and organize items in those pesky kitchen cabinet corners and deep spaces? A lazy Susan can solve this problem! It effortlessly transforms those awkward spots into super functional storage. With its 360-degree spin, you can easily access everything without stretching or straining.
In-drawer Knife Organizer
This idea helps create a minimalist kitchen by keeping knives out of sight, freeing up your counter space, and reducing clutter. It is because an in-drawer knife organizer with slots or grooves can safely store and organize your knives inside the drawer.
Under-cabinet Kitchen Paper Holder
There are plenty of handy ways to organize paper towels, but one of the most popular is installing a paper towel holder on the inside of a cabinet door. This keeps your paper towels within easy reach and frees up your countertop space.
Pull-out Trash Cans
Pull-out trash cans are not only great for saving space but also help keep unpleasant smells at bay since they're tucked away behind your cabinet. For a DIY project, consider using over-extension drawer slides to maximize functionality and make your pull-out trash cabinet super easy to use.
Tension Rod for Cleaning Products
Adding a tension rod under the kitchen sink is a clever way to hang your spray bottle cleaning products by their handles. This way helps you free up more valuable cabinet space for extra storage.
Peg Organizers for Dishes and Bowls
If you're looking to keep your dishes and bowls neatly organized in drawers, consider getting a peg organizer. It helps keep everything in place, reducing the chance of breakage when you open the drawers with a bit of force.
Dividers or Drawer Organizers
It's so easy for small kitchen utensils like ladles and slotted spoons to create a mess when tossed into an open drawer. To keep things tidy, try dividing the space into smaller sections using bamboo or plastic dividers or drawer organizers. This way, every little item has its own cozy "home," and you can immediately see what you need when you open the drawer.
Maximize Storage Solutions Outside the Kitchen Cabinet
If you are running out of storage space inside your kitchen cabinet, why not make use of the outside too?
The Sides of Your Kitchen Cabinet
What I love most about this idea is that using the sides of your kitchen cabinets makes it so much easier to grab and access my utensils, tools, and other kitchen items quickly, rather than having to dig around inside the cabinets.
Space Above the Cabinet
If your kitchen cabinets don't reach the ceiling, you can use the space above them for extra storage. It's perfect for keeping bulkier, less frequently used items out of the way, rather than things you need to access regularly.
Hooks Underside of the Cabinet
Don't forget to install hooks for hanging your mugs near your coffee or tea prep area. It's super convenient to have everything within arm's reach. Also make sure to choose hooks that can handle the weight of your mugs.
Magnets Underside of Your Cabinets
Attaching spice jars with magnets to a strip under your kitchen cabinets is a fantastic storage solution to keep your spices within easy reach. It frees up your countertops and cabinet space, giving you more room for other items.
Arrange Your Kitchen Items Thoughtfully
Arranging your kitchen items thoughtfully and properly helps you make the most of your space, improve functionality, and keep your kitchen tidy and organized.
Use Clear Containers
Using clear containers makes it easy to see what's inside, so you can grab what you need right away without opening each one. If you can, try to pick containers that are similar in size and shape to keep your kitchen cabinet looking neat and organized.
Store Your Stand Mixer's Attachments in the Mixing Bowl
Keeping the attachments and mixing bowl of your stand mixer in separate places can be a hassle and take up valuable storage space. Instead, why not store all the attachments right in the bowl after washing them? To keep everything safe from scratches and dust, just line the bowl with a towel before placing the pieces inside. It's a simple and efficient way to stay organized!
Put Drip-Prone Items on Saucers
If you store items like honey, maple syrup, or oil in your kitchen cabinet, it's a good idea to place them on small plates or shallow bowls. This way, you can catch any drips or leaks to avoid sticky messes or oily residues that are tough to clean.
Choose Sets of Stackable Dishes, Bowls, and Mugs
By stacking dishes, bowls, and mugs, you can make the most of every inch in the kitchen cabinet and maintain a more organized and clutter-free look. Moreover, they allow you to see exactly what you have and need at a glance.
Label Everything
Once you've organized your kitchen items, don't forget to label everything—from containers to shelves and drawers. This way, everyone in the family can easily find what they need and put things back in the right spot.
