9 Tools to Organize Your Kitchen Like a Pro | Reviews by Wirecutter

This article provides practical strategies and product recommendations to optimize kitchen cabinet storage, aiming to eliminate clutter and enhance functionality. It emphasizes that effective kitchen organization is crucial for maintaining order, especially given the high traffic and numerous items typically found in a kitchen. The article highlights that adopting a systematic approach is key to achieving an organized kitchen. Various organizational products are suggested to customize kitchen cabinets and drawers. These include stackable airtight food storage containers for visible and organized storage of dry goods, accompanied by labels and measuring tools to prevent mix-ups. Plate racks are recommended to protect dishes from chips and scratches while maximizing vertical space, as noted by user testimonials praising their space-saving benefits. Two-tier turntables, or lazy Susans, are highlighted as versatile solutions for countertops, pantries, or refrigerators, ideal for spices or condiments. For optimizing vertical space, over-cabinet door organizers are presented as an easy-to-install option for storing baking sheets, tins, and cutting boards, and also suitable for plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Magnetic spice jars are featured as an innovative way to keep spices accessible and organized, with clear lids and labels facilitating quick identification. Pull-out drawer cabinet organizers are suggested to improve accessibility to lower cabinet contents, eliminating the need to bend and search for items. Mesh food storage organizers with multiple sections are recommended for keeping plastic container lids and bases together, with various sizes available to suit different needs. Compact three-tier can racks are introduced as an efficient solution for storing up to 36 canned goods in a small footprint. Door-mounted organizers are also listed as effective for storing plastic wraps, tin foil, and sandwich bags. Under-shelf mug hooks are proposed for saving space and time by hanging mugs, and potentially other utensils or oven mitts, when space permits. Expandable bamboo drawer organizers are recommended for decluttering drawers by grouping utensils into categories and accommodating larger tools. Lastly, a grocery bag storage holder is presented as a neat solution for storing reusable plastic bags, which can be mounted under the sink or on a pantry wall for convenience and to keep them out of sight. The article concludes by encouraging readers to implement these ideas to transform their kitchen into a tidy and efficient area. #KitchenOrganization #HomeMaintenance #SpaceSaving #StorageSolutions #KitchenHacks #DeclutteringTips #CabinetOrganization #PantryOrganization #KitchenProducts

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

The article presents 39 kitchen organization and design tips from Martha Stewart, aiming to help individuals create a functional and stylish kitchen regardless of its size. A core principle emphasized is the efficient use of every available inch of space and ensuring items are easily accessible. One key recommendation is the use of shelving instead of traditional upper cabinets to create a lighter, airier feel in the kitchen, while also keeping frequently used items within reach. Martha Stewart herself uses this approach, noting that it allows regular access to all her kitchen items. The tips cover a wide range of kitchen areas and organizational strategies. For cabinets and storage, suggestions include grouping similar items for easy retrieval, such as keeping wooden utensils in crocks and pans on overhead racks. Martha also advocates for curating and displaying prized items, like antique copper dishes, which can serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Specific design elements like 'bird's beak' shelving supports are highlighted for their streamlined appearance. Practical advice extends to creating dedicated zones, such as a coffee and tea station where all related items are stored together, including an espresso machine, cups, and various teas. The article details how she organizes her drawers for specific purposes, such as flatware with rectangular compartment organizers, office supplies, hardware basics like lightbulbs and batteries, and baking essentials like pastry bags and cookie cutters in clear plastic boxes. Silver flatware is recommended to be stored in shallow, tarnish-controlling flannel-lined drawers without dividers. Kitchen islands are presented as versatile components, with Martha favoring a combination of a stationary and a rolling marble-topped island for different functions like prep work, informal dining, and buffets. She advises designing islands to be at least 4 feet long and 2.5 feet wide, with sufficient working space around them. Island storage can be optimized with features like upright steel slats for baking sheets, drawers for aprons and utensils, and cubbies for towels. Other general organizational tools include using attractive baskets and bins on open shelves to corral items and adding adhesive pads for smooth sliding. Countertops should remain tidy, with frequently used items like fruits and vegetables displayed, but always ensuring ample workspace. A large cutting board kept handy on the counter is also suggested for convenience. Additional tips include using glass kitchen cabinets for a furniture-like feel and to allow light to penetrate, storing knives in drawer-fitting wooden blocks, and keeping a kitchen first-aid kit readily available. For dish towels, the recommendation is to store them in a nearby drawer, neatly folded. Miscellaneous tools like measuring cups and can openers can be kept together in a drawer with wire basket dividers. A rolling cart is suggested for additional, portable storage, especially useful in small kitchens or as a bar when entertaining. For pantries, a tall cabinet can substitute for a walk-in, with non-perishables grouped and shelves labeled and protected with stainless steel sheeting. Sink basins with plastic bins are advised for water-saving soaking, and high gooseneck faucets make filling large pots easier. Strategically placed electrical outlets around the island, thin additional shelves in unused wall spaces, and a counter wall for pastry stations are also mentioned. Finally, the article touches on pet-related organization, suggesting baskets for pet sweaters and coats, airtight plastic containers for dry pet food with clear labels, and a tray for pet food bowls to catch spills. The importance of safety is highlighted with the recommendation to keep fire extinguishers readily accessible and regularly tested. #KitchenOrganization #HomeDesign #StorageSolutions #KitchenTips #MarthaStewart #FunctionalKitchen #SpaceUtilization #DrawerOrganization #PantryOrganization

Achieving an organized kitchen is often simpler than perceived, and expert insights can guide this transformation. Professional organizers and interior designers identify several key commonalities in well-kept kitchens that contribute to their functionality and tidiness. Firstly, a sense of flow and efficiency is paramount. Kitchen layouts should be designed to support daily activities seamlessly. For instance, the strategic placement of a pull-out trash can next to the sink and dishwasher is crucial for smooth operation. Similarly, the refrigerator's proximity to a prep area, such as an island, where vegetables are chopped, optimizes workflow. This concept extends to grouping similar items together; all baking tools, cookie sheets, measuring cups, and mixing bowls should be stored in the same area for easy access during baking tasks. Secondly, the integration of a tray or baking sheet divider is a simple yet effective tool for maintaining order. Such dividers prevent the accumulation of baking sheets and trays into a chaotic pile, eliminating the need to search through a stack for a specific item and reducing noise and frustration. Thirdly, labeling is a fundamental aspect of an organized kitchen. Labels ensure that every household member understands where items belong, whether they are cooking, baking, or unloading the dishwasher. This practice creates a designated home for each item, simplifying the process of returning things to their proper places after use. Recommended items for labeling include cleaning supplies stored under the sink, containers for appliance parts, and food storage containers. Fourthly, drawer and cabinet organizers are essential, regardless of kitchen size or the volume of supplies. Expandable bamboo dividers are particularly effective in preventing items from becoming a messy heap within drawers. Acrylic containers also prove useful for smaller items, ensuring they do not get lost at the back of cabinets. Fifthly, frequent cleaning routines are critical for maintaining organization and preventing clutter buildup. Implementing a daily practice of cleaning the kitchen and running the dishwasher ensures that dishes do not accumulate and that the space remains tidy. Adhering to a timed dishwasher schedule helps to maintain a clutter-free environment by ensuring items are promptly put away. Sixthly, customized setups are encouraged. Kitchen organization should be tailored to individual needs and usage patterns rather than strictly adhering to conventional layouts. For example, if a spice drawer is unused due to a lack of spices, it can be repurposed to store other items like oven mitts, maximizing the utility of the available space. Finally, thoughtful purchasing decisions play a significant role. Before acquiring new appliances or kitchen gadgets, it is advisable to consider their designated storage spot. This deliberate approach ensures that every new item brought into the kitchen has a home, thereby preventing impulsive purchases that contribute to clutter. These seven principles collectively foster a functional, efficient, and well-organized kitchen environment. #KitchenOrganization #HomeImprovement #Decluttering #ProfessionalOrganizers #EfficientKitchen #StorageSolutions #KitchenDesign #HomeDecor