Is your kitchen feeling cluttered, chaotic, or just plain inefficient? You’re not alone. Kitchen cabinets are often the most-used (and most-abused) storage spaces in our homes. But the good news? A little strategy goes a long way. With a bit of planning and the right organizing hacks, you can transform your kitchen into a streamlined, stress-free space.
Here’s how to organize your kitchen cabinets like a pro:
- Empty Everything Out
Start fresh. Take everything out of your cabinets and drawers. Yes—everything.
This may seem overwhelming, but it’s the best way to:
- Take stock of what you actually have
- Toss expired or broken items
- Group similar items together
Lay everything out on your counters or dining table so you can clearly see what you’re working with.
- Declutter Ruthlessly
Be honest about what you use—and what you don’t. Ask yourself:
- Have I used this in the last year?
- Do I have duplicates?
- Is this item damaged or unnecessary?
Donate or toss what you no longer need. Less clutter means more room for what you truly use.
- Categorize & Group Like Items
Group similar items together. Some practical kitchen categories include:
- Everyday dishes and glasses
- Baking supplies
- Spices and seasonings
- Canned goods and dry pantry items
- Pots, pans, and lids
- Storage containers
- Small appliances
Pro tip: Think in zones. Just like a professional kitchen, keep items near where you use them. For example, store baking supplies near your oven or prep area.
- Use Smart Storage Solutions
There are so many affordable tools that make organizing easier. Here are a few kitchen pro favorites:
- Shelf risers: Double your vertical space for dishes or canned goods.
- Lazy Susans: Perfect for corner cabinets or spice storage.
- Pull-out drawers: Ideal for deep cabinets and pots and pans.
- Clear bins: Great for grouping snacks or pantry items.
- Tiered spice racks: See all your spices at a glance.
- Label Everything
Labeling might seem like overkill, but it’s a total game-changer. Labels:
- Help everyone in the house know where things go
- Keep your categories intact
- Make restocking easy
Use a label maker, chalkboard labels, or simple tape and a marker—whatever works for you!
- Put Items Back Intentionally
Now that you’ve got categories and tools in place, it’s time to put everything back.
Here’s a basic layout guide used by the pros:
- Upper cabinets: Glasses, dishes, spices, dry goods
- Lower cabinets: Pots, pans, mixing bowls, heavier items
- Drawers: Utensils, cutlery, gadgets
- Near the stove: Cooking oils, utensils, potholders
- Under the sink: Cleaning supplies (in a bin!)
Keep everyday items front and center. Reserve higher or harder-to-reach cabinets for seasonal or rarely used items.
- Maintain Weekly
An organized kitchen doesn’t stay that way without upkeep. Take 10 minutes once a week to:
- Put things back in the right place
- Wipe down shelves or bins
- Check for expired foods or clutter
It’s way easier to stay organized than to start over every few months.
Final Thoughts
Organizing your kitchen cabinets like a pro doesn’t require a big budget—just a smart plan and a little consistency. When everything has a place and you can find what you need quickly, cooking becomes a whole lot more enjoyable.
Start small, take your time, and celebrate every shelf you conquer!