How to Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets | Wirecutter

Maintaining organized kitchen cabinets can be a recurring challenge for many households. Without consistent effort, these spaces can quickly devolve from neatly arranged to cluttered and chaotic. This article outlines a systematic approach to organizing kitchen cabinets, emphasizing a thorough decluttering and strategic planning phase, followed by the integration of suitable organizational tools and consistent maintenance practices. These strategies are shared by Ashley Hines, a professional organizer and owner of Thee Tailored Life, offering practical advice to ensure long-lasting tidiness. The initial and most crucial step in organizing kitchen cabinets is to start with a clean slate. This involves completely emptying the cabinets, a task that may seem daunting but is essential for both organization and cleanliness. Removing all items provides an opportunity to thoroughly clean the cabinet interiors, wiping down surfaces that are often overlooked. Once empty, an inventory of all items should be taken. This is the prime opportunity to declutter by identifying and discarding or donating unused, expired, damaged, or redundant items. Examples include empty containers, expired food products, chipped dishes, non-stick pans that have lost their efficacy, or small appliances missing essential parts. A common recommendation is to reduce excess items, such as an overabundance of mugs, by donating those that are not regularly used. Following the decluttering process, careful planning of the cabinet layout is vital. This stage requires consideration of the kitchen's specific design and the user's daily habits. The core principle is to store frequently used items in easily accessible locations, while less-used dishes and appliances can be placed in less convenient spots. For instance, coffee- and tea-related items should be near the coffee machine, spices and oils close to the cooking area (though safely away from direct heat), and everyday dishes within reach of the sink or dishwasher. Awkward or high cabinets are ideal for storing infrequently used items like serving platters or small appliances. It is also important to consider the accessibility needs of children and pets, placing their snacks and dishes at appropriate heights to foster independence. Integrating appropriate organizing tools significantly enhances the functionality and longevity of an organized cabinet system. Instead of purchasing organizers preemptively, it is advised to first assess storage needs after decluttering. Effective tools include turntables for bottles and condiments, pan and lid organizers to streamline access to cookware, small shallow bins for packets and smaller items, and pull-out shelves or drawers for easy access to items at the back of deeper cabinets. Expandable spice racks and shelf risers are particularly useful for canned goods, maximizing vertical space and ensuring all items are visible, which helps prevent overbuying and the accumulation of expired products. Labeling is another useful strategy, especially for pantry items or bins, as it serves as a visual reminder of the intended use for each space and helps other household members maintain the system. The debate between keeping ingredients in their original packaging versus decanting them into uniform containers is also addressed. While decanting can create a visually appealing, Pinterest-worthy pantry, its practicality depends on individual preference and lifestyle. For high-use items, decanting can improve accessibility and make it easier to monitor stock levels. However, if decanting is chosen, it is crucial to transfer cooking instructions and expiration dates to the new containers, often using painter's tape on the back or bottom of jars, particularly for spices. Ultimately, maintaining an organized kitchen relies on regular, small efforts rather than infrequent, extensive overhauls. Simple practices such as wiping down bottles before returning them, recycling empty containers promptly, cleaning shelves as needed, and reviewing items when restocking groceries can prevent clutter accumulation and ensure the kitchen remains tidy over time. #KitchenOrganization #CabinetStorage #DeclutteringTips #ProfessionalOrganizer #HomeManagement #KitchenEfficiency #StorageSolutions #HouseholdOrganization #KitchenDesign

Maintaining an organized kitchen, particularly its cabinets, is crucial for efficiency and functionality. Kitchen cabinets, often underestimated, serve as vital storage hubs for a myriad of items, including pots, pans, drinkware, appliances, and dried goods, preventing clutter on valuable counter space. Professional organizers Nikki Bell of Just Us Organizing, Darla DeMorrow of HeartWork Organizing, and Jamie Hord of Horderly offer 21 expert tips to streamline kitchen cabinet organization. One fundamental step is to declutter by parting with duplicates. Many kitchens accumulate multiple items that serve the same purpose; investing in one high-quality piece and donating unused, functional items can free up significant space. Next, it is important to consider the frequency of use for each item. Rarely used items, such as holiday serveware, should be stored in less accessible areas, while everyday essentials like drinkware should be kept within easy reach. Organizing based on layout optimizes workflow. Items needed for food preparation should be placed near the countertop or work area, and drinkware should be located close to the sink or coffee maker. Specialized storage solutions can further enhance organization. Spice racks are highly recommended for keeping spices neat and accessible, especially when placed near cooking zones. Labeling shelves, drawers, or bins ensures that contents are easily identifiable, saving time and effort. Maximizing vertical space is a key strategy for cabinet organization. Adjustable shelves should be utilized to customize heights, grouping tall items on one shelf and shorter ones on another to eliminate wasted space. For non-adjustable shelves, risers can create additional tiers. Over-the-door storage can be effective for thin, compact items, provided there is adequate door clearance. Deep cabinets benefit from lazy Susans for easy access to items like spices or small pantry goods. Sliding baskets are ideal for organizing smaller items, particularly under the sink, and stackable drawers help sort dried goods by category. Specific challenges, such as pot and pan storage, require targeted solutions. Pot lid organizers, while useful, should be chosen based on cabinet suitability; vertical sorters can take up significant space, and door-mounted options may not fit all cabinet sizes. Nesting pots and pans is an efficient space-saving technique, but it is advisable not to nest more than three items to maintain ease of access. Vertical spacers are beneficial for storing party trays and platters, allowing for easy retrieval. Beyond cooking essentials, other cabinet contents also benefit from systematic organization. Cleaning supplies, often stored under the sink, should be placed in clear bins to prevent spills and facilitate easy transport to different areas for cleaning. Stacking plates efficiently saves space and helps in quickly identifying the number of plates available. Decanting dried goods from bulky original packaging into uniform, sleek containers not only saves space but also creates a cohesive aesthetic. Overlooked areas like toe-kick drawers can provide storage for flat items such as baking sheets and cutting boards. Even the space above cabinets can be utilized for infrequently used items or decorative containers, with caution exercised for heavy objects. An appliance garage can conceal everyday appliances like blenders and toasters, reducing countertop clutter. Finally, grouping similar items together, such as all pots and pans, significantly reduces search time and promotes an intuitive kitchen layout. This approach can also be personalized, such as storing cinnamon with oatmeal if they are frequently used together, aligning the organization with individual cooking habits. #KitchenOrganization #CabinetStorage #HomeOrganization #KitchenTips #Decluttering #SpaceSaving #ExpertAdvice #StorageSolutions

Maintaining an organized kitchen pantry is essential for efficient cooking and inventory management, especially with increased home cooking. An organized pantry allows for easier identification of ingredients, prevents forgotten or expired foods, and can be a cathartic process. Expert tips from former Michelin-starred chef Luis Ahuet and professional organizer Jamie Horde from Horderly provide practical guidance for effective pantry organization. The foundational principle for pantry organization is the "prime real estate" rule, which suggests storing frequently used items in easily accessible locations, neither too high nor too low. Grouping favorite items together in these prime spots minimizes searching time. This strategy also benefits households with children, as divided lazy Susans on lower shelves can make snacks reachable for kids, promoting independence. For grains and rice, transferring them from original packaging into air-tight containers is crucial. This practice protects against insect infestations, which are attracted to the sugars and starches in these foods, and prevents spills from easily damaged boxes. Using clear glass or plastic containers for all pantry items is highly recommended, as it allows for a quick visual inventory of remaining quantities, preventing unnecessary purchases and ensuring efficient use of food. Opaque containers should be avoided. Small items like spices benefit from dedicated storage solutions. A double lazy Susan can effectively display a spice collection, making all spices visible and easily reachable. For kitchens with limited counter space, a wall-mounted spice rack or one installed inside a cabinet offers a space-saving alternative. When storing fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables, open baskets or hyacinth bins are preferred over airtight containers. These options allow for proper air circulation, which is vital to prevent premature spoilage and maintain freshness. Maximizing pantry space is particularly important for smaller pantries. Utilizing vertical space with tools like a can feeder automatically dispenses canned goods and frees up shelf space. Installing a utility door rack on the inside of a pantry door provides additional storage for sauces, pasta, sugars, and snacks. Furthermore, the often-underutilized floor space can be optimized by placing extra-large bins for bulkier items, effectively creating an additional makeshift shelf. Labeling is a critical step in maintaining an organized pantry. Investing in a label maker and clearly labeling all containers, including sauces, pasta, and produce bins, ensures easy identification. Adding dates to labels helps track product freshness, enabling a first-in, first-out system. When restocking, new products should be placed behind older ones to encourage the consumption of older items first, thereby minimizing food waste. Regular maintenance is key to sustaining an organized pantry. Ahuet recommends a monthly cleaning and inventory check. During this routine, items nearing their expiration date should be moved to the front, and any labels requiring updates should be corrected. This consistent upkeep prevents disorganization and ensures the pantry remains a functional and efficient part of the kitchen. #KitchenOrganization #PantryIdeas #HomeStorage #FoodStorage #DeclutterYourHome #CookingTips #HomeImprovement #ClearContainers #Labeling

The article emphasizes the importance of decluttering kitchen cabinets to enhance functionality and reduce stress. Expert advice highlights that a disorganized kitchen can be a source of frustration, making daily tasks more cumbersome. It is suggested that regularly clearing out unnecessary items can create a more efficient and enjoyable cooking environment. The article identifies nine specific categories of items that commonly accumulate in kitchen cabinets and should be considered for removal. The first category of items to discard is lidless food storage containers. These containers, lacking their corresponding lids, become impractical for food storage and contribute to clutter. The recommendation is to either match them with their lids or dispose of them. Next, chipped or cracked dishes, mugs, and glassware are listed. These items pose a safety risk due to potential breakage and are also less hygienic, making them unsuitable for continued use in the kitchen. Duplicate kitchen gadgets are another common source of clutter. Many kitchens contain multiple tools that perform the same function, such as several can openers or spatulas. The advice is to keep only the most functional and preferred version of each tool, freeing up valuable cabinet space. Old or expired food items, including spices and pantry staples, should also be regularly checked and discarded. These items not only take up space but can also lose their flavor or become unsafe to consume over time. Excessive amounts of plastic grocery bags or takeout containers are frequently found overflowing in cabinets. While some may be kept for reuse, an accumulation beyond a manageable number is counterproductive. The suggestion is to either properly recycle them or limit the quantity kept on hand. Cookbooks that are rarely, if ever, used are also prime candidates for removal. With the vast availability of online recipes, many physical cookbooks become obsolete and simply occupy space that could be better utilized. Promotional mugs and freebies, often accumulated from events or as gifts, tend to fill cabinets without serving a practical purpose or aesthetic value. These items should be evaluated for their utility and sentimental value; otherwise, they contribute to unnecessary clutter. Additionally, specialty bakeware or serving dishes that are only used once a year or less can be stored elsewhere or donated if their infrequent use does not justify their permanent residence in prime kitchen real estate. Finally, the article advises decluttering miscellaneous items that have found their way into kitchen cabinets but do not belong there, such as old batteries, spare parts, or random papers. These items contribute to disorganization and prevent the cabinet from serving its intended purpose. The overall goal of decluttering these nine categories is to optimize kitchen space, streamline meal preparation, and foster a more pleasant and orderly home environment. #KitchenCabinets #HomeOrganization #Decluttering #KitchenEssentials #HomeImprovement #StorageSolutions #KitchenEfficiency

Maintaining an organized kitchen is essential for a functional and inviting home environment, as professional organizer Courtney Cummings notes that while the kitchen is often the heart of the home, it can also become a hub for clutter. The key to preventing this accumulation lies in implementing effective organizational solutions. Professional organizers like Cummings and Melanie Summers offer their top recommendations for keeping kitchen cabinets, drawers, and pantries meticulously tidy. Their suggestions encompass a range of products designed to address specific storage challenges, from unruly bakeware and water bottles to disheveled spice jars and utensils. For smaller items such as tea bags, coffee pods, and drink packets that tend to clutter drawers and get lost in cabinets, Summers recommends clear, divided organizers. An acrylic tea and coffee organizer, for instance, allows for neat separation of different beverage supplies and its low profile makes it versatile for drawers or shelves, creating a tidy coffee station. This type of organizer can also be repurposed for skincare, office, or art supplies, highlighting its versatility. Cluttered cabinets, especially those housing sauces, spices, oils, and vinegars, can benefit significantly from lazy Susan turntables. Cummings suggests clear, low-wall turntables that allow easy access to items with a simple spin, emphasizing the importance of measuring cabinet dimensions to ensure a proper fit. To address the issue of open bags of dry goods and snacks losing freshness and creating visual chaos, Summers advocates for airtight glass storage jars with bamboo lids. These jars not only seal tightly to preserve freshness but also offer a uniform, aesthetically pleasing solution that maximizes vertical space in cabinets and pantries, simplifying the decanting of staples. Kitchen drawers, often a jumble of utensils, can be transformed using adjustable drawer dividers. Cummings highlights a system that installs without tools and includes various inserts and labels, ensuring each item has a designated spot. This method helps eliminate the search for specific utensils and encourages easy return by all household members. Cords from small appliances frequently contribute to counter and drawer clutter. Self-gripping cable ties are recommended by Cummings to keep these cords neatly wrapped, reclaiming drawer space and improving the appearance of countertops. These ties offer a simple yet effective solution for cord management. For spices and herbs, which can easily overwhelm shelves, Summers suggests pull-out spice organizers. This design brings every jar into view, making spices easily accessible and creating a clean, organized look that optimizes narrow cabinet spaces. The often-neglected space under the sink can become a collection point for cleaning products and supplies. Cummings recommends using a large turntable in this area to organize cleaning supplies into a specific zone. The gripper bottom of such organizers helps keep items in place and simplifies cleanup in case of spills. Upper kitchen cabinets can be made more functional with clear, stackable bins. Cummings advises using these bins for snacks, baking mixes, and larger spices, or for containing dish towels and kids' cups in deeper drawers. The transparency ensures visibility and easy access to contents. Foil, plastic wrap, and sandwich bags, prone to creating disarray in drawers, can be neatly managed with in-drawer organizers. Cummings notes that clients particularly appreciate these organizers for their ability to bring order and improve the functionality of their drawers. Water bottles and travel mugs, often a source of cabinet disorganization, are best managed with a three-tier rack, according to Summers. This type of organizer keeps various bottles neatly corralled, preventing chaotic piles and making them easily retrievable. Maximizing hard-to-reach kitchen corners can be achieved with a wooden lazy Susan turntable. Summers explains that these turntables enhance visibility and access to items like spices and condiments while adding a touch of warmth to the kitchen aesthetic. For bakeware, such as cookie sheets, muffin pans, and cutting boards, Cummings recommends vertical tray dividers in lower cabinets. This approach maximizes vertical space and streamlines the kitchen routine by allowing items to stand rather than stack. Finally, lower cabinets, while useful for larger items, can be challenging to access. Adjustable pull-out drawer organizers can be added without tools, transforming these cabinets into easily accessible storage for pots, pans, and small appliances. #KitchenOrganization #HomeStorage #ProfessionalOrganizers #DeclutteringTips #CabinetOrganization #DrawerOrganizers #PantryStorage #SpaceSavingSolutions #KitchenEssentials