The first step to organizing your kitchen is decluttering. It helps you see what’s in the hidden depths of your cabinets and get rid of expired items and kitchen gadgets you haven’t used in a while. You’ll also use what you have more often when there’s less stuff crowding the cabinets.
This guide will give you a practical approach to decluttering and organizing your kitchen cabinets (including glass front cabinets, which show all the clutter!) so the next time you want to cook, you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips.
A Practical Approach to Decluttering
Empty your cabinets completely. Once everything is out, you’ll easily be able to see what you want, need, or can discard. Toss anything broken, donate anything you haven’t used in a while, and keep the everyday and holiday items you need.
Give your cabinets a deep clean. Vacuum any crumbs and wipe out the inside of the cabinet with a mild cleaner, or just warm water and soap. Our in-depth review of tested and recommended cabinet cleaning products will help you pick the best cleaning products and degreasers.
Get in your cabinet repairs. If you’ve had a loose hinge, nicks or scratches, or rusty hinges, this is the time to get in all your cabinet repairs. Make sure your cabinets are clean and in great shape, and then you can start organizing.
Organize Your Cabinets By Zones
Once your countertops are cleared, start organizing items into functional zones based on how you use your kitchen. Group similar items together in the areas where they are used most often to make everyday tasks easier and more efficient.
- Common kitchen zones may include:
- Cooking zone
- Food prep zone
- Food storage zone
- Dishes, glassware, and silverware zone
- Coffee bar zone
- Cleaning products zone
A dedicated coffee station is a great example of this approach — keeping mugs, pods, sugar, and other essentials in one place makes your morning routine much easier. Another smart tip is to store dishes and food containers near the dishwasher to simplify unloading and save time.
Set Up Functional Stations
Creating stations is like creating zones in your kitchen. Like the coffee zone, you can set up a breakfast nook with breakfast items like cereal, oatmeal, and bread. If you have kids, a lunch-making station with lunch bags, snacks, and non-perishable items all in one pantry.
Make Items Easy to Access
Accessibility is essential in a well-organized kitchen. Keep everyday items within easy reach, while seasonal or rarely used pieces can be stored higher up or toward the back of cabinets. Make the most of cabinet doors with hooks or small bins for measuring tools and utensils. Pull-out spice racks, shelving for pots and pans, and lazy susans for deep cabinets are smart solutions that improve access while maximizing storage space.
Maximize Awkward Spaces
Every kitchen seems to have that one cabinet you’re never quite sure how to use — like the small space above the oven. This area is perfect for cookbooks, decorative pieces, or items you only use occasionally.
Narrow cabinets can also be made more functional with back-of-the-door hooks or slim storage racks, making smaller essentials easy to access without taking up shelf space. To keep drawers neat and organized, use a drawer organizer for utensils, kitchen tools, and everyday gadgets. Giving each item a dedicated place makes cooking and cleanup much easier.
Make Use of Vertical Space
Vertical dividers are ideal for storing baking sheets and other awkwardly sized items. For even more storage options, you can hang hooks or rods inside cabinet doors. This not only clears up cabinet space but also ensures constant organization.
Don’t Forget the Countertops
Keeping your countertops clutter-free goes hand in hand with organizing your cabinets. Leave only everyday essentials like oils and spices within reach, and use trays, baskets, or containers to keep them neat and contained. Placing items toward the back of the counter also helps preserve prep space.
With smart storage solutions such as pull-outs, lazy susans, vertical dividers, over-the-door organizers, and dedicated kitchen zones, your space will stay both functional and easy to use. Take it step by step and choose solutions that best fit your routine.
