Keeping the kitchen organized can feel like an uphill battle. Between mismatched Tupperware lids, spices that mysteriously disappear, and drawers that seem to attract everything but the utensils you need, the struggle is real.
But what if I told you that with a little creativity and some clever tricks, you could turn your kitchen into a space that Marie Kondo would totally approve of?
Kitchen Organization Ideas
You don’t need to spend a fortune or embark on a full renovation. Small changes can make a big difference. So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea), and let’s dive into some practical and fun kitchen organization ideas that’ll make your life a whole lot easier.
1. Declutter First
I feel like I start a lot of my blog posts with this “tip”, but before you dive into fancy storage solutions, you need to get a good inventory of what you already have.
That bread maker you bought on impulse during a late-night online shopping spree probably seemed like a great idea at the time! But when was the last time you actually used it?
- First, pull everything out (yes, everything!) from your cabinets, drawers, and pantry, if you have one.
- If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s time to say goodbye. Either donate, recycle, or if it’s really past its prime, toss it.
- Start by grouping items together, pots and pans, baking supplies, canned goods, and so on.
Remember, an organized kitchen starts with less stuff to organize!
2. Zone Your Kitchen
Create specific zones based on how you actually use your kitchen:
- Cooking Zone: Keep pots, pans, cooking utensils, and spices near the stove
- Prep Zone: Cutting boards, knives, and mixing bowls near your main counter space
- Coffee/Tea Station: All your caffeine necessities in one dedicated spot
- Baking Zone: Flour, sugar, measuring cups, and baking sheets together
- Storage Zone: Food storage containers and wrap near the fridge
If you want to see more kitchen organization products, head to my Amazon Storefront.
3. Maximize Every Inch of Cabinet Space
Your cabinets are probably hiding more space than you realize, they can often feel like black holes where items disappear into the abyss. But there are so many kitchen organization ideas for your cabinets alone;
Shelf Risers
Install shelf risers in your cabinets, it’s like adding a second floor to your storage space! Perfect for plates, bowls, and canned goods. Suddenly, that stack of plates isn’t playing Jenga anymore.
In the pantry, stack canned goods or jars to make everything visible and accessible.
Shelf Inserts
If your cabinets are tall and find yourself balancing all your pots and pans on top of each other, hoping they won’t all fall out when you open the door, shelf inserts are a great idea.
Cabinet Door Space
Mount slim organizers on cabinet doors for cutting boards, pot lids, or cleaning supplies. That awkward space is now your new storage bestie!
Lazy Susan: Not So Lazy After All
Pop a lazy Susan in corner cabinets or deep pantry spaces. No more forgotten condiments hiding in the back! Give it a spin, and suddenly everything’s accessible.
Lazy susans can also be used in:
- Pantry: Perfect for organizing spices, sauces, and jars. Spin it around to grab what you need without knocking everything over.
- Fridge: Use them to corral condiments and small containers. No more losing the ketchup in the back!
- Under the Sink: Store cleaning supplies on a Lazy Susan for easy access.
Pull Out Shelves
If your cabinets are low, or in awkward spaces, a pull-out shelf is perfect. Those tins of prunes and sardines will no longer languish in the back.
Perfect for:
Installing roll-out trays might take a bit of effort upfront, but the convenience they offer is worth it.
4. Drawer Organizers
Drawers can quickly become the junk catchalls of the kitchen, but drawer organizers can turn that chaos into order.
Drawer Organizer Inserts
Invest in drawer organizers, trays and dividers or create your own with small boxes. Everything from utensils to measuring spoons gets its own little home.
Tip: use clear drawer organizers so you can actually see what’s in there!
- Organize your utensils by type, forks, knives, spoons, and cooking tools all get their own sections.
- Use smaller dividers for items like measuring spoons, wine openers, or chip clips.
- Dedicate a drawer to gadgets like peelers, zesters, and garlic presses so they’re easy to find.
No more rummaging through a jungle of utensils to find that one spatula!
These separate little dividers are great for when you can’t find a drawer organizer that fits your drawers. They neatly divide all your kitchen utensils and maximize space.
Drawer Dividers
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all when it comes to drawer organizers, maybe you’ve got an awkward-shaped drawer? This is where drawer organizers come in.
They can easily section off areas of a drawer so you can still keep your utensils neatly organized.
Tupperware Drawer Organizers
The Tupperware drawer can be a nightmare! I know we can never find a lid for the kid’s packed lunch, so this little pegboard organizer can keep your Tupperware stacked neatly.
The pegs can be moved so it is totally adaptable and a great storage solution for those awkward kitchen items.
Spice Drawer Organizer
If you keep your spices in a drawer and can never find what you need, a spice drawer organizer could be just the thing! If anything, it is very aesthetically pleasing to look at.
File Your Baking Sheets and Chopping Boards
If you have deep drawers and find you stack your baking sheets and cutting boards horizontally so can never find what you need, drawer organizer racks are just the thing. It’s like having a filing cabinet for your kitchen gear, so much easier than stacking!
5. Under the Sink Organizers
If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that social media loves a kitchen organization hack and these under-the-sink storage ideas are everywhere.
The bottom slide-out drawer design is great for under-sink storage, making it easier to find everything you need.
Clear plastic organizers are also a great idea to keep all your cleaning products organized and easy to pull out and find out what you need.
I love these little pull-out storage containers, perfect if you don’t have a lot of room under your sink. Place items that you use regularly for easy access.
6. Keeping Your Countertops Clear
A clutter-free counter makes your whole kitchen feel more organized. Designate one small area as your “kitchen command center”, a spot for your most-used items.
Keep it minimal but functional. Think: paper towels, cooking utensils, and maybe that coffee maker you use every morning.
To keep your countertops clear, these kitchen organization ideas should help;
Magnetic Strips
No need for drills or screws, this magnetic knife holder can be mounted in seconds with the included self-adhesive magnetic strip.
Use the Side of Your Fridge
This magnetic shelf kit includes shelves for spices, utensils, and a towel and paper towel rack. They have strong magnets so you can place them on the side of your fridge.
Kitchen Roll Holder
If you have shelves or wall-mounted cabinets, keep your kitchen roll off the counter with this handy kitchen roll holder.
Shelves for Countertops
If you have a microwave on your countertop, this shelf is perfect for utilizing the space. You can hang your utensils, stack your chopping boards, and place items above the microwave itself.
Make the most of your corner space with these shelves that fit nicely into the corner.
I love this handy little shelf organizer, perfect for all your oil bottles and spices.
Hanging Baskets
These baskets not only look good but help keep your counter space clear. Hang them on the side of cabinets or from the bottom of shelves.
7. Fridge Organizers
Our fridge is probably the messiest part of our kitchen! Things tend to get thrown in (thanks kids) and I can never find what I am looking for. I think it’s time to purchase a few of these organizers.
Although we have a bottom drawer in our fridge, it isn’t big enough to hold all our fresh produce. These boxes can help keep things organized and the clear plastic helps you see what’s inside.
Under the shelves of your fridge is probably the most underutilized part of the fridge. These little shelf inserts are ideal for holding smaller items like eggs and cheese.
An automatic can dispenser in your fridge is the ultimate organizer! It can accommodate up to 15 cans or bottles of various sizes.
The lazy Susan comes to the rescue again, this time for your fridge. A 360-degree turntable makes it easy to find what you need, no more out-of-date condiments confined to the back of your fridge!
Your fridge door is another place that often gets overlooked. These handy little storage boxes make storage simpler and are great for smaller items like dairy products and fruit.
8. Over the Door Organizers
Your pantry or cabinet doors are prime real estate for extra storage. Over-the-door organizers are a simple way to keep things tidy.
9. Label Everything
Labels are your secret weapon for maintaining an organized kitchen. When everything has a designated spot, it’s easier to put things back where they belong.
Where to Use Labels:
- On pantry containers for flour, sugar, grains, and snacks.
- Inside the fridge to mark shelves for specific items like dairy, produce, or leftovers.
- On baskets or bins used to store cleaning supplies or seasonal kitchen gadgets.
Not only will labels make your kitchen look Pinterest-worthy, but they’ll also save you time and frustration.
10. Keep Frequently Used Items Handy
The key to a functional kitchen is accessibility. Keep the tools and ingredients you use most often within arm’s reach.
Ideas for Easy Access:
- Store everyday spices and oils on a countertop rack.
- Keep frequently used utensils in a jar near the stove.
- Use an open shelf for mugs, plates, or bowls you grab daily.
By keeping these essentials close by, you’ll save time and energy during your cooking routine.
11. Rotate and Refresh Regularly
Even the most organized kitchen needs a refresh every now and then. Take time to rotate pantry items, clean out the fridge, and reassess your storage solutions.
How Often to Refresh:
- Weekly: Check for expired food and reorganize your fridge.
- Monthly: Deep clean cabinets and drawers, wiping down surfaces, and restocking supplies.
- Seasonally: Rotate out seasonal items like holiday cookie cutters or BBQ tools.
Staying on top of things ensures your kitchen stays functional and clutter-free.
Remember, the perfect kitchen organization system is the one that works for YOU. Don’t feel pressured to copy someone else’s Instagram-perfect pantry.
Maybe you need easy access to your baking supplies because you’re always whipping up cookies. Maybe your tea collection deserves pride of place because it brings you joy every morning.
The goal isn’t perfection, it’s creating a kitchen that makes your life easier and more enjoyable. Start with these ideas, adapt them to your space and habits, and watch as your kitchen transforms from chaos to calm.
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will receive a very small commission if you click through and make a purchase. These links help to pay the editorial costs of writing a blog. For more information, please read my full affiliate disclosure here.
I also use Artificial Intelligence Image generators to create some of my images. These are to show you examples of my ideas and inspiration when I cannot produce the real images myself.
