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Keeping a kitchen organized isn’t always easy, especially with all the tools and gadgets we accumulate over time. Here are 20 simple yet effective tips to help you clear out the clutter, make better use of your space, and create a kitchen that’s easy to maintain.
1. Declutter Unused Pots and Pans
We all have those pots and pans we thought we’d use but end up ignoring. It’s time to be honest—if you haven’t used them in months (or even years!), let them go. Keeping cookware you don’t use only eats up valuable cabinet space and adds to visual clutter. And if your pans are scratched or worn out, consider upgrading to fewer, high-quality pieces instead... like the Always Pan.
2. Store Rarely Used Items in Basement or Garage (safely)
For the dishes, bowls, or cookware that only come out for special occasions, try storing them in a "long-term" spot, like your garage or basement. This way, you free up prime kitchen real estate for the items you use daily, keeping your main kitchen area more streamlined and efficient.
3. Keep Countertops Clear
The more you leave on your countertops, the more cluttered and stressful your kitchen feels. If you’re constantly running out of counter space, it might be time to declutter and store less frequently used items elsewhere. Aim for a few essentials (think coffee maker or fruit bowl) and keep everything else tucked away. Cleaning off countertops is a good habit to build!
4. Set Up a Cleaning Caddy
Store a cleaning caddy under the sink with all your essentials, like dish soap, sponges, and disinfectant wipes. Having everything in one convenient spot makes cleaning quick and easy, especially when you’re in a rush or need to wipe down a spill fast.
5. Tackle Dishes Right After Meals
One of the simplest (but most effective) habits is to clean up after meals right away. Letting dishes pile up can make cleaning feel like a bigger chore than it is. By tackling them as soon as you finish eating, you prevent that overwhelming buildup and keep your kitchen tidy without the stress.
6. Don’t Overdo the Clear Pantry Containers
Clear pantry containers look great, but they don’t always make sense for every item. If you find yourself pouring part of a bag of granola into a container and then needing to store the rest of the bag anyway, you’re doubling your storage needs. Only use containers where it’s practical—it doesn’t need to look Pinterest-perfect to be functional!
7. Keep a Foldable Stool for Hard-to-Reach Cabinets
A foldable stool or toddler tower can be a lifesaver for reaching those high cabinets. This little tool saves time and makes your kitchen much more accessible, especially when you’re trying to grab a dish tucked way up high.
8. Use High Cabinets for Rarely Used Items
Speaking of hard-to-reach places, store items you rarely use (like holiday serving dishes or specialty cookware) on top of the fridge or in the highest cabinets. Keeping these out of the way means your everyday items can stay within easy reach.
9. Label Pantry Shelves for Easy Access
If your pantry tends to get messy or you live with others who don’t always put things back in the right spot, consider labeling pantry shelves or bins. Labels help everyone know exactly where things go, which makes it easier to keep everything organized over time. We know a thing or two about labels, check out our collection!
10. Invest in Drawer Organizers
Drawers can quickly become chaotic catch-alls. Use drawer organizers to separate utensils, cutlery, or small gadgets. This way, you’ll always know where everything is, and you won’t waste time rummaging around for that one tiny whisk or potato peeler.
11. Use Lazy Susans for Hard-to-Reach Items
Lazy Susans are perfect for cabinets or shelves where things tend to get lost in the back. Use them in your pantry or spice cabinet to make everything accessible with a quick spin. This prevents items from getting forgotten and expired, and keeps everything easy to reach.
12. Organize by Zones
Consider setting up “zones” in your kitchen based on function. For example, keep cooking tools near the stove, baking supplies in one area, and coffee-making essentials close to the coffee maker. This approach makes it easier to find what you need without having to crisscross the kitchen.
13. Hang Frequently Used Tools on Hooks
If drawer space is tight, try adding hooks inside or underneath cabinets or along the backsplash to hang items like measuring cups, oven mitts, or frequently used utensils. This keeps these tools easily accessible while saving drawer and counter space.
14. Utilize Vertical Storage
Consider adding vertical dividers or pullout racks inside your cabinets for smaller items like spices and find ways to go vertical to store items like baking sheets, cutting boards, and trays upright. This saves space and makes it easier to grab what you need without disturbing everything else.
15. Store Spices Strategically
Spices can quickly turn into a jumbled mess, making it hard to find what you need. Try a spice drawer with angled racks, a tiered shelf in a cabinet, or a magnetic rack on the inside of a cabinet door. Organize them alphabetically or by type (baking spices, savory, etc.) for even easier access.
16. Maximize Cabinet Doors
The inside of cabinet doors is often overlooked but can be valuable storage space. Attach small bins or racks to store items like cutting boards, pot lids, or even sandwich bags. It’s a great way to add extra storage without taking up shelf or counter space.
17. Use Baskets or Bins for Grouping Similar Items
Place items like baking ingredients, snacks, or meal prep supplies in bins or baskets to make them easy to pull out all at once. This also helps avoid clutter and keeps similar items together, so you’re not searching through the entire pantry for a single ingredient.
18. Try Clear Storage for Leftovers
Store leftovers in clear containers to quickly see what’s inside and reduce food waste. Clear containers let you easily spot what needs to be eaten soon, which helps prevent “mystery” containers from lingering in the back of the fridge. Check out our other post on Tupperware Storage and organization hacks!
19. Downsize Your Kitchen Gadgets
It’s easy to collect every kitchen gadget out there, but only keep the ones you actually use. Instead of taking up drawer and counter space, consider getting rid of duplicate or rarely used items. For example, if you have a blender and an immersion blender but rarely use one of them, it might be time to pass it on.
20. Rotate Items in the Freezer and Pantry
Every few months, rotate items in your freezer and pantry to avoid expired food. Move older items to the front so you remember to use them up before they go bad, and make room for fresh groceries. It’s a simple habit that keeps your kitchen fresh and prevents food waste.
To Wrap it Up...
By adopting these small changes, you’ll free up space, reduce clutter, and enjoy a kitchen that’s organized and easy to maintain. Try out a few of these tips today, and see just how big of a difference they can make!
