The Best Strategies for Organizing Kitchen Cabinets, According to Experts

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Does your kitchen cabinet feel more like a cluttered jungle than an organized space? You’re not alone! Many of us struggle with how to organize kitchen cabinets effectively. Without regular maintenance and a solid plan, chaos can easily take over. But fear not—transforming your cabinets into a functional paradise is within reach.

In this guide we’ll show you practical kitchen cabinet organization tips to declutter and optimize your space. From what to keep to clever kitchen storage solutions we’ve got you covered. You’ll get expert advice and proven methods to streamline your cabinets so you can find what you need when you need it. Ready to get your kitchen in order? Let’s get started!

Start With a Clean Slate

The first step to effectively organizing your kitchen cabinets is to start with a clean slate. This means pulling everything out! Yes, it might sound like a big job, but trust me, it’s worth it. When you empty your cabinets, you not only get a chance to see everything you have, but you also create an opportunity to clean those surfaces.

Take a moment to wipe down the shelves and check for any crumbs or spills. This fresh start makes it easier to see what needs to stay and what can go. Plus, a clean cabinet feels so much nicer! So, roll up your sleeves, clear everything out, and get ready to sort through your kitchen treasures.

Declutter Kitchen Cabinets

Now that you have a clean slate, it’s time to declutter your kitchen cabinets. This is where the real magic happens! Start by taking inventory of what you have. You might find things you forgot you owned—like that fancy cake pan you’ve only used once.

Ask yourself a few questions as you go through your items:

• Do I really need this?
• When was the last time I used it?
• Is it broken or damaged?

For anything you don’t need, you have two great options: trash or donate. Toss out expired items, empty containers, or anything that’s seen better days. If you have unopened items in good condition that you know you won’t use, consider donating them to a local charity or food bank.

Don’t forget about mugs! Many of us have more mugs than we actually use. Now’s a great time to donate the ones you never reach for. By the end of this step, you should feel lighter and ready to move on to planning how to store everything!

Plan the Layout for Kitchen Storage Solutions

With your cabinets decluttered, it’s time to plan the layout for your kitchen storage solutions. Think about how you use your kitchen and what items you reach for most often. The goal here is to make your life easier by keeping frequently used items close at hand.

Start by placing everyday items—like your plates, glasses, and cooking utensils—in the cabinets nearest to where you cook and clean. For example, keep your coffee maker, mugs, and coffee supplies together so you can grab them easily in the morning. Store pots and pans near the stove for quick access, and keep baking sheets near the oven if you love to bake.

Don’t forget about kids and pets! If they need access to snacks or dishes, store those items at a lower level where they can reach them. By organizing your kitchen in a way that reflects how you use it, you’ll make cooking and cleaning a breeze. With a little planning, your kitchen can be a more functional and welcoming space.

Add Kitchen Cabinet Organizers

Now that you’ve planned your layout, it’s time to think about adding some handy kitchen cabinet organizers. These tools can really help maximize your space and keep things tidy. You don’t have to buy everything at once; just focus on what will make your life easier.

First up, turntables are fantastic for storing bottles and condiments. You can spin them around to find what you need without digging through a pile of stuff. Next, consider pan and lid organizers. These keep your pots and pans stacked neatly, making it easy to grab what you need when cooking.

Shallow bins are another great option for organizing small items, like sauce packets or tea bags. They help keep everything in one spot, so you won’t have to search high and low. If you have deep cabinets, think about adding pull-out shelves or drawers. These allow you to easily access items in the back without any hassle.

Lastly, expand your spice collection with expandable spice racks or shelf risers. This way, you can see all your spices at once, preventing overbuying and helping you avoid expired items. With the right organizers, you’ll be well on your way to a beautifully organized kitchen.

To Label or Not to Label

When you’re organizing your kitchen cabinets, you might wonder if you should label everything. The short answer? Yes, it can really help! Labels serve as friendly reminders of where things belong. This is especially useful if you share your kitchen with family or friends.

If you use bins or baskets to group items, labels make it clear what’s inside. This way, everyone knows where to find things and can help keep the kitchen organized. For example, label a bin for snacks, another for baking supplies, and one for spices.

Labels can also act like little maintenance instructions. They remind you to put items back in their designated spots, which keeps clutter from sneaking back in. You can use simple sticky labels, or get creative with pretty tags. Whatever you choose, labeling your kitchen cabinets can make a big difference in maintaining order and helping everyone find what they need.

Keep Ingredients in Packaging vs. Decanting

One question many people have when organizing their kitchens is whether to keep ingredients in their original packaging or to decant them into new containers. Let’s break it down!

Keeping items in their packaging can be really convenient. You know exactly what you have and where to find it. Plus, packaging often has important information like expiration dates and cooking instructions. If you have a lot of dry goods like rice, pasta, or cereal, it’s usually easier to store them in their original boxes or bags.

On the other hand, decanting—transferring items to clear jars or bins—can make your kitchen look neat and organized. It helps you see when you’re running low on something and can save space. Just be sure to label your containers with what’s inside and when it expires.

Ultimately, it’s about what works best for you! You might choose to decant high-use items like flour and sugar while keeping less frequently used products in their packaging. Find a balance that makes your kitchen both functional and visually appealing.

Keep Kitchen Cabinets Organized

Now that you’ve taken the time to organize your kitchen cabinets, the key is to keep them that way. Maintaining your newly organized space doesn’t have to be a chore—it can actually be quite simple!

Start with small, regular tasks. For example, each time you put away groceries, take a moment to check your cabinets. If you spot any expired items or things you no longer use, go ahead and toss them out. A quick weekly wipe-down of shelves and containers also helps keep everything fresh and clean.

Another tip is to wipe down bottles and jars before returning them to the cabinets. This prevents dust and spills from building up. If you see any clutter starting to build, take a few minutes to address it before it turns into a bigger project.

Also, encourage everyone in your home to help maintain the system. If everyone knows where things belong and is on board with keeping things tidy, it makes a big difference. With just a little effort each week, your kitchen can stay organized and welcoming for years to come!

RELATED: 10 Kitchen Drawer Organization Ideas for a Clutter-Free Space

FAQs

What are the best tips for organizing kitchen cabinets?
Start by decluttering—remove everything and decide what to keep. Group similar items together, and use organizers like bins and turntables to maximize space. Remember to label things for easy access!

How can I declutter my kitchen cabinets effectively?
Empty your cabinets completely, then sort through your items. Ask yourself if you really need each item. Throw away expired goods and donate anything that’s in good condition but no longer used.

What are some effective kitchen storage solutions?
Use pull-out shelves, lazy Susans for condiments, and shallow bins for smaller items. Don’t forget about stackable containers for dry goods and expandable spice racks to keep everything organized.

Should I label my kitchen cabinet organizers?
Yes! Labels help everyone in your home know where things go. They also remind you to put items back in their proper spots, making it easier to keep your cabinets tidy.

These answers should help guide you as you tackle your kitchen organization. If you have more questions, feel free to ask!