When it comes to organizing your kitchen cabinets, there are a lot of ways to go about it. You can organize by food items, by how often you use items, or even by color.
The method that works best for me is using categories and labeling everything as much as possible.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when faced with the task of organizing your cabinets especially if you’re like me and don’t enjoy cleaning!
But once you start putting things away in their proper places and labeling them appropriately, it will be easier to find what you need next time around.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| – Organize kitchen cabinets based on function and frequency of use. |
| – Use labeled containers and shelf risers to make the most of the available storage space. |
| – Declutter kitchen cabinets regularly to get rid of unused and expired items. |
| – Maximize small kitchen space by storing items vertically and using over-the-door organizers. |
| – Effective labeling can eliminate confusion and save time while organizing and retrieving items. |
Invest In Clear Containers
You can purchase clear containers in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. The best ones are see-through without being too thin or flimsy, so they don’t break easily. They should be deep enough to hold smaller items but not so big that you can’t see what’s inside.
Clear containers are great because they’re easy to label if you want to organize your pantry by ingredient (sugar, flour etc.) or type of food (canned goods).
They’re also stackable when storing in the pantry or fridge which helps maximize space and ensures nothing gets crushed under other items.
Maximizing Storage in Small Kitchens – Tips and Tricks for Organizing Your Space, provides us with valuable insights into how to store our utensils and tools to improve the functionality of small kitchens and make the most out of the available space. Check out the article for practical tips on maximizing storage in small kitchens and get inspired to turn your cluttered kitchen into a more functional space today.
Use The Space Above The Cabinets
You can use the space above your cabinets to store things you use frequently, like measuring cups and spoons. You can also use it to store less-used items, such as extra cooking utensils or other small kitchen tools.
You may have noticed that most of these suggestions involve storing things in containers. There’s a reason for that: it makes finding what you need easier and speeds up your morning routine!
Start By Clearing Out Everything
Step 1: Start by clearing out everything. Before you can begin organizing your cabinets, you need to remove all the items that are currently in them.
We recommend doing this over a week or two, so that you don’t have too much clutter at once but it’s best to just get it out of the way so you can start fresh.
You may find things that you forgot about or no longer use. If they are broken or unusable, toss them with no hesitation; if not, store them somewhere else in your house until such time as they become useful again (or donate them).
There is one exception to this rule: if there is anything in your kitchen cabinet that has sentimental value (like old photographs), keep those out of sight but leave them where they are until after you have cleaned and sorted through all of the other contents of your cabinets first!
The pantry is often the most cluttered area of the kitchen, but with the right organization strategy, it can become a storage haven for your food and kitchen equipment. Check out our article on organizing your pantry to learn strategies on how to optimize pantry space and keep everything neat and organized.
Place Similar Items In The Same Place
Organizing your kitchen is like putting together a puzzle. You have to put all the pieces in their proper place and order. If you just throw them onto the table, they won’t be able to fit together properly and make sense.
The same goes for organizing your cabinets: if you don’t keep similar items together, it becomes difficult to find what you’re looking for when you need it and that can lead to some pretty frustrating mornings!
For example, imagine that one of the most important things in your life is cooking delicious meals for yourself and your family (I bet it’s true!).
Instead of having everything scattered around in random locations or hidden on top shelves where no one can see them, try organizing your kitchen so that all food items are easily accessible without moving around too much stuff this will save time when making dinner!
Find Creative Storage Solutions For Infrequently-Used Items
This might seem obvious, but if you’ve got a lot of stuff that doesn’t get used very often (think: holiday decorations or extra kitchen utensils), consider creating a special place to store those things out of sight until they’re needed again.
For example, if you have ample drawer space and a lazy susan in your pantry closet/cupboard, use that lazy susan to store seasonal items that aren’t in use right now (or are only used once or twice per year).
This way you can easily access them when it’s time for the holidays or other special occasions!
- Use vertical space wisely.
Depending on how much countertop space you have available in your kitchen, consider buying some hanging shelves or shoe organizers and storing larger pots, pans and other kitchen tools there instead of taking up valuable real estate on the countertop itself.
You could even dedicate one wall entirely to hanging shelves if necessary it really depends on how much cabinet space is being taken up by these bulky items!
| Infrequently-Used Items | Recommended Storage Solution |
|---|---|
| Holiday decorations | Store in labeled clear plastic bins and place on high shelves or under bed storage |
| Extra kitchen utensils | Use a hanging rod or hooks for easier access or store in a labeled drawer |
| Specialty cookware | Store in a cabinet or shelf dedicated to cookware or a separate pantry or closet |
| China, glassware or serving dishes | Store in a china cabinet or hutch or label boxed items and store them out of sight |
| Larger appliances | Use a designated storage room or a garage with temperature and moisture control |
Finding creative storage solutions for infrequently-used items can free up space in high traffic areas of your kitchen and ensure you’re using your storage space effectively.
Create a designated storage area where these items can be placed when not in use, using storage solutions such as labeled clear plastic bins, hanging rods, hooks, or drawers, or location-based storage like a dedicated pantry or closet. By doing so, you will help reduce clutter and make it easier to find items you use more frequently.
Use Tension Rods To Organize Lids
If you’ve ever wondered how to organize lids, then you’re in luck. Tension rods are exactly what the name implies they’re long, skinny pieces of metal that can be used to hold anything from kitchen utensils to curtain rods.
And yes, they can also be used for a variety of other things like organizing your lids!
Tension rods are super versatile and very affordable; you can get them at any hardware store or online retailer like Amazon for around $7-$10 each. If you know someone who works with metal (like a welder), they might even be willing to make one especially for this purpose!
Here’s how tension rod organization works: First, pick out a tension rod that fits in your cabinet door opening without blocking too much of the space above it (if possible).
Then attach it into place using screws or nails so that it sticks out slightly on both sides of the door frame when closed.
Next top off with some decorative hooks or hangers (depending on what kind of items need storing) attached directly underneath where they’ll be held onto by weights hanging down from above.”
Kitchen space is often limited, and it can be challenging to organize all the essential items in a small area. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 kitchen organization hacks that you can use today to make the most out of your small kitchen storage space. These hacks are practical, inexpensive, and easy to implement.
Label, Label, Label!
Labels are a great way to help you find things in your cabinets. You can print labels out and tape them to the front of containers or, if you have a label maker, just make labels that are the same size as the containers.
After labeling all of my containers, I was able to sort my items by their category and then alphabetically within each category.
Labeling is also helpful for keeping track of how much something cost or where it came from so that when you run out, you know where/how much more should be purchased (and for what price). Some people even go as far as labeling with expiration dates!
Labeling Your Kitchen Cabinets Table
| Items | Recommended Labeling Method |
|---|---|
| Canned goods | Label the front of the can, indicating its contents and date of purchase |
| Spices | Label the top or front of jars, indicating spice names or dates of purchase |
| Baking supplies | Use clear containers to easily identify the contents, and label with contents or date of purchase |
| Small appliances | Label shelves or bins to indicate which appliances belong there |
| Snacks | Label clear containers or baskets with labels indicating contents or family members’ names |
Labeling your kitchen cabinets can help you find things faster and keep everything in its place. Use labels that are easy to read, uniform in size and shape, and placed in the same spot on each container.
Be sure to label with the contents of the item and expiration or purchase date for things that have a limited shelf life. This simple strategy can make your kitchen more efficient, reduce waste, and save you time.
Stash Your Spices Near The Stove
You can’t cook without spices. But you can’t just leave them to sit in your cupboard, either—they lose their potency over time, and it’s important that you know what’s what when you’re cooking. So where should you keep your spices?
I recommend keeping them near the stove or even on a shelf right above it. This is because most people use spices while they’re cooking, so they want to be able to access them easily and quickly.
Plus, if they’re within arm’s reach of where they’ll be used, there’s less chance of forgetting about them mid-recipe and having to go back later (and possibly forgetting again).
Another good thing about keeping your spices close at hand is that less time will pass between purchasing new items and using them up meaning fresher flavor!
Also keep in mind that some of these products are quite expensive; so storing them properly prevents waste by keeping them fresh longer than usual (and helps prevent accidental throwaways).
Maintaining an organized kitchen can be hard work, especially when storage space is limited. But with our guide to 15 simple steps to declutter your kitchen and keep it that way, you can achieve an organized and clutter-free kitchen that’s easy to maintain. Try out our tips today and never spend hours searching for misplaced utensils again.
Don’t Overlook The Small Stuff
When you’re organizing your kitchen cabinets, don’t overlook the small stuff. Small jars and packets of spices can be easily forgotten when you are trying to purge the cabinet of dead weight.
But those items that you use every day can be a huge help in keeping your counter space clean and tidy.
- Use baskets or trays to organize small baking ingredients like flour, sugar and baking soda. You can store them under or on top of your countertop where they won’t take up much room at all!
- Store items you use most often in an area that makes sense for you—in front of the stove if it’s what’s used most often there; at eye level so they’re easy to grab without having to bend over too far; or wherever else works best for how many people live in the house (one person may want something kept high out of reach because it’s likely less likely used).
Store Similar Items Together In Baskets
Baskets are a great way to organize your kitchen cabinets. They can help you keep track of small items like spices, utensils and more.
You can also use baskets to store large items like cookbooks or magazines.
To store small items in your cabinet, place them all into one basket and label it clearly with masking tape or stickers that you write directly onto the basket’s exterior. For example, “Spices” or “Utensils.”
If you want to organize large artifacts in your kitchen cabinet such as cookbooks or magazines then use an open-topped shopping bag as your container instead of a basket (or any other type of container).
Downsize And Declutter Your Pantry
The kitchen pantry is the perfect place to start organizing your kitchen cabinets. It’s also one of the most challenging areas because it can be difficult to determine what you need and what you don’t. One of the best ways to declutter this space is by donating items that you don’t use.
If you have any expired food products, throw them away (but never donate expired food). If an item doesn’t suit your taste, or if it just isn’t something that works for your family, get rid of it!
You should also evaluate how much space certain containers and bags take up when deciding whether or not they should stay in your pantry.
Decluttering Your Pantry Table
| Items | Keep | Donate |
|---|---|---|
| Spices | Fresh spices, frequently used, in-date | Expired spices, duplicates |
| Canned goods | In-date and frequently used | Expired, dented, or damaged |
| Baking supplies | In-date and frequently used | Rarely used or expired |
| Snacks | Fresh and in-date, with limited packaged items | Stale or expired, excess items |
| Condiments | In-date and frequently used | Half-empty containers or expired |
By downsizing and decluttering your pantry, you can make more space for the items you use regularly and reduce the amount of food waste. Keep only the items that are fresh, in-date, and frequently used, and donate any excess, expired, or rarely used items to a local food bank or charity. This organization strategy can save time, money, and space in your kitchen cabinets.
Reorganize Cabinets When You Find A Better System That Works Better For You
Don’t be afraid to change your system. I know it can be scary to try something new, but that’s the only way you’ll ever know if it’s right for you.
Just like with most things in life, the key is to experiment and fail; then find out what works best for you!
You might find that you want more space between certain items or that a different container size is better suited for some of your items.
The point is: don’t get hung up on what other people do or how they organize their cabinets do what works best for YOU!
We all know that small spaces can be challenging to organize, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Our article on efficiently organizing your tiny apartment: solutions for limited space offers practical solutions that can be applied to any room, including your kitchen. Find inspiration and get started on the journey to an organized space today.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found these tips helpful, and ready to get started on organizing your kitchen cabinets!
Remember that the best way to keep your cabinets organized is by using what works for you. If a system doesn’t work out for you, don’t be afraid to change it up or try something new.
Further Reading
For more information and insights on organizing kitchen cabinets, check out the following resources:
How to Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets: This article provides practical tips for organizing your kitchen cabinets from scratch and maximizing storage space.
How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets: This guide offers step-by-step instructions for organizing your kitchen cabinets and creating an efficient and aesthetically pleasing kitchen space.
The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Kitchen Cabinets: This comprehensive guide provides tips and strategies for organizing kitchen cabinets, including storage ideas, decluttering tips, and more.
FAQs
What are the most common problems when organizing kitchen cabinets?
The most common problems when organizing kitchen cabinets include limited space, poor labeling, inadequate storage systems, and difficulty accessing items.
How do I declutter my kitchen cabinets?
You can declutter your kitchen cabinets by removing everything from the cabinets, sorting items into categories, deciding what to keep, donating or discarding items you don’t need, and finding more effective ways to organize what’s left.
What are some effective storage solutions for small kitchen cabinets?
Effective storage solutions for small kitchen cabinets include using shelf risers, organizing with vertical space in mind, using over-the-door organizers, and implementing pull-out drawers or baskets.
How can I label my kitchen cabinets effectively?
Effective labeling strategies include labeling the outside of the cabinet doors, using labels with pictures for items often used by other people or children, and using clear and legible handwriting to avoid confusion.
How often should I organize my kitchen cabinets?
Most experts recommend organizing your kitchen cabinets at least once a year or more frequently if necessary. However, establishing good habits, like putting things back where you found them, can help you maintain an organized kitchen throughout the year.
Hi there! My name is Hellen James. I’m a professional decluttering expert who loves to help people get their homes in order. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life—from high school students to retirees and everything in between—to help them clear out clutter and make the most of their space so they can focus on what matters most to them.