Organized Kitchen Tips | The Organized Kitchen: A Guide to Organizing Your Kitchen Like a Pro

Organizing Your Kitchen: Steps to a More Functional and Efficient Space

For many of us, a perfectly organized kitchen is an unattainable dream, as maintaining order in this bustling hub can sometimes feel daunting. And if you’re anything like most people, you find yourself overwhelmed by all the shopping choices and complicated kitchen organization products out there.

In this post, I’ll guide you through practical strategies to declutter and streamline your kitchen as well as break down a large list of organization essentials with links for you to shop. Whether you’re tackling overflowing cabinets, a cluttered pantry, or simply seeking better organization, these tips and helpful gadgets will help you create a functional and serene kitchen environment.

Let’s dive in and see what it takes to transform your kitchen into a space you’ll love.

This post is all about organized kitchen tips, products and decor.

No 1. | Decluttering: The Foundation of an Organized Kitchen

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A well-organized kitchen not only looks appealing but also makes cooking and meal preparation more efficient. One of the most crucial steps in achieving this is decluttering. Let’s dive into this process and explore how to streamline your space.

Steps to Declutter Your Kitchen

Decluttering is the first and most important step in organizing your kitchen. By removing items you no longer use or need, you create a clean slate, making it easier to organize and maintain the space. Here’s a step-by-step guide to effective decluttering:

Set Aside Time: Decluttering can be time-consuming, so set aside a dedicated block of time. Depending on the size of your kitchen, this could be a few hours or an entire day.

Empty Cabinets and Drawers: Start by emptying all cabinets, drawers, and shelves. Lay everything out on a clean surface, such as a table or countertop. This helps you see everything you have and assess what you actually need.

Sort Items into Categories: Group similar items together. Categories might include cookware, bakeware, utensils, small appliances, pantry items, and food storage containers.

EVALUATE EACH ITEM; ASK YOURSELF:

– When was the last time I used this?

– Is it still in good condition?

– Do I have duplicates?

– Does it serve a necessary purpose?

Make Decisions: Based on your evaluation, decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.

Keep: Items you use regularly and are in good condition.

Donate/Sell: Items that are in good condition, but you no longer need.

Discard: Broken, damaged, or expired items.

Dispose of Unwanted Items: Immediately remove items you’ve decided to discard or donate from the kitchen. This prevents second-guessing and keeps your space clear.

Clean and Sanitize: Before returning items to their places, clean and sanitize the empty cabinets, drawers, and shelves.

Now that the hardest part is out of the way, it’s time for organizing and implementing storage solutions. Let’s dive further into some storage, organization and decor tips you can use to make your kitchen both beautiful and functional:

Products & Tips to Make Your Kitchen Life Easier

Organizing your kitchen can significantly enhance both efficiency and enjoyment while cooking. Investing in products like spice jars and food containers helps keep your ingredients fresh and easily accessible. Dish and pot racks provide a stylish and practical way to store your cookware, freeing up valuable cabinet space. Additionally, under-cabinet sliding storage offers a convenient solution for stowing away lesser-used items, making them easy to access when needed. These simple yet effective tools can transform your kitchen into a well-organized and functional space, making every day cooking tasks a breeze.

No 2. | Baskets and Spice Jars

Organize your cabinets with glass jars with either wood or cork lids. These spice jars are rated #1 on Amazon and come with a set of 24 jars with a collapsible funnel for a no mess spice pour as well as labels. Currently super affordable at 50% off for Amazon Prime Day. See our other picks for storage baskets and glass containers below:

See more spice jars as well as risers below:

No 3. | Create a Coffee or Tea Drawer

If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, pick a dedicated drawer and utilize wood drawer dividers to keep tea bags, saucers, cups, etc. organized in one handy spot.

No 4. | Use Shelf Risers

Adding shelf risers to your cabinets is a great way to double the available space and make items at the back more accessible. By creating an additional layer, risers allow you to neatly stack and organize dishes, mugs, or pantry items, maximizing vertical storage. This setup ensures that everything is easily visible and within reach, reducing the hassle of moving items around to find what you need. Get the expandable kind to fit the width of your cabinetry. See my picks below:

No 5. | Utilize Open Shelving for Decorative Storage

Using open shelving to display pretty plates, bowls, and glasses is not just practical but also adds a touch of charm to your kitchen. Arrange your items by color or style to create a cohesive look and mix in decorative pieces like small plants or art to enhance the aesthetic appeal. Ensure frequently used items are placed within easy reach, while less-used, decorative pieces can occupy higher shelves. This approach not only maximizes storage but also turns your everyday essentials into a beautiful display, making your kitchen both functional and inviting.

No 6. | Walls and Cabinet Doors for Storage

Installing hooks on the interior of cabinet doors is a smart organizational hack that maximizes space in your kitchen. This provides convenient storage for items like potholders, measuring cups, or even small utensils, keeping them easily accessible yet out of the way. Free up room in your drawers and cabinets for other essentials, making your kitchen more efficient and clutter-free. Shop adhesive hooks and other wall storage solutions below:

No 7. | Glass Jars as a Decorative Storage Option

Glass jars or clear containers for dry goods enhances kitchen organization by allowing easy visibility of contents, creating a cohesive and tidy look, and maximizing storage space through stackable designs. Labeling these containers further aids in quick identification and ensures everything is in its designated place.

No 8. | Clear Containers for Food Storage

Using clear containers for food storage is a game-changer when it comes to organizing your kitchen. These containers not only keep pantry staples like flour, sugar, and pasta fresh but also allow you to see their contents at a glance, making meal preparation more efficient. By labeling each container, you can easily find what you need without rummaging through shelves.

Additionally, clear containers help maintain a neat appearance, preventing clutter and creating a uniform look in your pantry. Whether stacked on shelves or stored in drawers, these containers maximize space and streamline your kitchen storage, turning it into a functional and aesthetically pleasing area.

No 9. | Vertical Cabinet Dividers for Dishware Storage

Installing cabinet dividers for dishware storage allow you to pull plates out individually rather than having to lift an entire stack, offering a small but significant luxury. This method keeps your dishes organized and easily accessible, preventing the hassle of digging through a pile to find the one you need. It also reduces the risk of chipping or breaking plates when they are stacked on top of each other. By investing in cabinet dividers, you can enhance both the functionality and longevity of your dishware, making your kitchen experience more efficient and enjoyable.

No 10. | Minimize the Kitchen Supplies You Have

Minimizing the number of kitchen supplies you have can streamline your cooking space and make meal preparation more efficient. Start by decluttering and assessing which items you use regularly versus those that are rarely used or redundant. Consider consolidating multi-purpose tools and opting for versatile essentials like a good chef’s knife, cutting board, and a few high-quality pots and pans.

By keeping only what you need and use, you’ll free up valuable storage space and reduce visual clutter in your kitchen. Additionally, maintaining a minimalist approach allows for easier cleaning and organization, ensuring that every item serves a purpose and contributes to a more functional and enjoyable cooking environment.

No 11. | Use Stacked Shelves or Clear Containers for Under Sink Storage

Stacked shelves or clear containers for under-sink storage can greatly enhance the organization and functionality of your kitchen. Stacked shelves help maximize vertical space, allowing you to neatly store cleaning supplies, sponges, and other essentials without creating clutter. Clear containers make it easy to see and access items quickly, ensuring you can find what you need at a glance.

By combining these storage solutions, you can keep your under-sink area tidy and efficient, preventing it from becoming a chaotic catch-all space. Implementing these strategies will not only improve the overall organization of your kitchen but also make your daily cleaning tasks more manageable.

No 12. | Use a Bar and S Hooks to Store Pots and Pans

An excellent way to maximize kitchen space and keep your cookware easily accessible is by using hooks to store pots and pans. By mounting a sturdy bar on your kitchen wall or under a cabinet, you can hang pots and pans, freeing up valuable cabinet and drawer space. This setup not only makes it convenient to grab the cookware you need while cooking but also prevents stacking and scratching of pots and pans, extending their lifespan.

No 13. | Under Cabinet Options for Storage

Maximize your kitchen’s efficiency by utilizing under-cabinet options for storage. Installing hooks or magnetic strips beneath cabinets provides convenient spots for hanging frequently used items like mugs, utensils, and even knives, keeping them within easy reach yet out of the way. You can also add under-cabinet shelves or baskets to store spices, small appliances, or cleaning supplies, freeing up valuable counter and cabinet space. Consider installing pull-out drawers or sliding trays to make the most of hard-to-reach areas, allowing you to access stored items effortlessly. These under-cabinet solutions not only enhance your kitchen’s functionality but also help maintain a clean and organized workspace.

Options for under cabinet storage include:

Baskets: For storing various items. Use inside or outside cabinets.
Spice Racks: A convenient way to make your spices more accessible during cooking
Wine Bottles: Some feature spots to hang wine glass as well
Wine Glasses: These look great and add a decorate touch to your cabinets
Paper Towels: Look for ones that can be mounted horizontally or vertically on the walls
Kitchen Utensils: Get the kind that spin for compact yet accessible storage
Tumbler Lids: These can be mounted inside your dedicated cup storage cabinet
Coffee Mugs: Store your cutest coffee mug collection under your cabinets for easy access
Multipurpose: Racks that store more than one item, like this one that holds coffee mugs, kitchen utensils, paper and regular towels

No 14. | Drawer Dividers

Use dividers to keep utensils and cutlery organized in your kitchen drawers. By separating different types of utensils—such as spatulas, serving spoons, and knives—you can quickly locate what you need while cooking or setting the table. Drawer dividers not only prevent utensils from becoming jumbled together but also maximize drawer space by utilizing vertical and horizontal compartments efficiently.

This organization method ensures that every item has its designated spot, making cleanup easier and maintaining a clutter-free environment. Whether you opt for adjustable dividers or custom-fit organizers, investing in drawer dividers is a practical step toward creating a more organized and functional kitchen.

No 15. | Use Digital Cookbooks to Minimize Clutter

Instead of storing numerous physical cookbooks that take up valuable counter or shelf space, opt for digital versions that you can access on your tablet, smartphone, or e-reader. Digital cookbooks offer the convenience of easily searchable recipes and often include additional features like video tutorials and shopping lists. Now outside of heirloom recipe books handed down by your grandmother, this solution is a fantastic way to streamline your cooking process and maintain a cleaner, more organized kitchen environment.

I personally use the Cookbook app. And this isn’t a sponsored post, it’s just amazing and I’ve used it for years. My favorite feature is the shopping list. You can move items from a particular recipe into your list which is super convenient. You can use it on both mobile and desktop which is also nice.

No 16. | If You’re a Water Bottle Hoarder, Get these Tumbler and Lid Organizers

This one’s for the Stanley Cup Addicts. Give your tumbler lids their own spot with these standalone or under cabinet racks:

No 17. | Minimize Your Cleaning Supplies

Minimizing your kitchen cleaning supplies is a great way to declutter and streamline your cleaning routine. Start by assessing the products you currently have. Many of us accumulate multiple cleaners for different purposes, but the truth is, you only need a few versatile products to keep your kitchen spotless.

Multi-Surface Cleaner: For countertops, cabinets, and appliances.
Baking Soda: A gentle abrasive for scrubbing stubborn spots.
White Vinegar: A natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
Microfiber Cloths: Reusable and highly effective for cleaning.
Scrubbing Brush: For intensive cleaning tasks.
Sponges: For everyday cleaning and scrubbing.
Dish Soap: For washing dishes and spot-cleaning surfaces. For a zero waste, aesthetically pleasing and plastic free option, try this dish soap bar in bergamot lime scent. It comes with a bamboo pot brush and cedar soap tray. Or get this set with the addition of a dish brush

Store your cleaning supplies in a designated spot under the sink or in a nearby cabinet to keep them easily accessible but out of sight. Use a caddy or small bins to keep everything organized and ensure you can quickly grab what you need. By paring down to these essential items, you’ll not only save space but also simplify your cleaning routine, making it easier to maintain a tidy and efficient kitchen.

No 18. | Pull Out Shelves for Lower Cabinets

Pull-out shelves for lower cabinets can significantly improve your kitchen organization. These shelves provide easy access to items stored at the back, eliminating the need to dig through cluttered cabinets. Installing pull-out shelves allows you to neatly organize pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials, making them more accessible and easier to find. This storage solution maximizes cabinet space and keeps your kitchen tidy and efficient. Incorporating pull-out shelves into your lower cabinets enhances functionality and contributes to a more enjoyable cooking experience.

No 19. | Get a Handle (Pun Intended) on Pots, Pans and Baking Sheets

Streamline your kitchen and make cooking more enjoyable. Start by assessing your collection and decluttering any damaged or rarely used items. Utilize vertical space by installing pot racks or hanging hooks to store your pots and pans, keeping them accessible while freeing up cabinet space.

Consider stacking pots neatly with protective pads to prevent scratches. Organize lids separately using a lid organizer or rack to avoid the frustration of searching for matching lids. By implementing these strategies, you’ll not only maintain a tidy kitchen but also make it easier to find and use the right cookware for every culinary adventure.

No 20. | Lazy Susans

Place these rotating trays in your cabinets to easily access spices and condiments. This rotating storage solution makes it simple to reach items stored at the back of the cabinet without having to shuffle through everything in front. These are especially useful for organizing smaller items that can easily get lost or overlooked, ensuring that all your essentials are within easy reach and your cabinets stay neat and tidy. By incorporating these handy items into your kitchen storage strategy, you not only enhance accessibility but also maintain a tidy and well-organized space where everything has its designated place.

Where to use:

Cabinets: Use Lazy Susans in cabinets to store spices and condiments. The rotating platform allows easy access to items at the back, eliminating the need to reach or shuffle through everything in front.
Countertops: Place Lazy Susans on countertops to organize frequently used cooking essentials like oils, vinegars, and frequently used spices. This keeps these items accessible and prevents clutter on your workspace.
Pantry: Utilize Lazy Susans in the pantry to store snacks, canned goods, or small kitchen gadgets. Their rotating design makes it simple to find and retrieve items stored at the rear of shelves, maximizing pantry space and organization.
Under Sink: Install a Lazy Susan under the sink to organize cleaning supplies and household essentials. The rotating platform allows easy access to items stored in the back, making cleaning supplies readily available and optimizing under-sink storage space.
In Corner Cabinets: If you have corner cabinets, you can get these turntables that are made of 4 wedges and create a complete circle to fit perfectly.

No 21. | Tame the Tupperware Beast

Tupperware can be notoriously difficult to store, with lids often ending up scattered and mismatched. Tackle this issue by designating a specific drawer or cabinet just for your Tupperware and investing in a lid organizer to keep everything in its place. Stack containers by size and store lids vertically in the organizer to prevent them from getting lost. This not only saves space but also ensures you can quickly find the right lid when you need it. Check out our Tupperware storage solutions below:

Organization for Cooking

No 22. | iPad & Utensil Station for Organized Cooking

Wood Deck/iPad Organizer

If you’re a digital recipe collector like I am, you already know the ways you could benefit from this setup. Having a place to set measuring cups and spoons would be a game changer when cooking, as I’m always searching for a place to set them (germophobe here 🙋‍♀️)

Behold Gather, the multifunctional organizational tool that has slots that fit and hold each container in place, so you can set it up exactly the way you want it. The base features magnets so you can rearrange them while keeping them in place. You can see how it works here.

No 23. | Spoon Rest that Doubles as a Lid Holder

A spoon rest that doubles as a lid holder is a versatile and practical addition to your kitchen, helping you stay organized while cooking. This clever tool provides a designated spot for your cooking utensils, preventing messy countertops and keeping everything within reach. Additionally, it serves as a convenient holder for pot lids, reducing clutter and making it easy to manage multiple dishes at once. Here are a few of my favorites, both with the lid rest and without:

No 24. | iPad or Recipe Book Holders for Cooking Convenience

Keeping an iPad or recipe books in your kitchen can significantly enhance your cooking experience by providing convenient access to your favorite recipes. An iPad stand or mount can keep your device at eye level and hands-free, allowing you to easily follow recipes without taking up valuable counter space. Similarly, a dedicated spot for your recipe books, such as a stylish book holder, keeps them organized and within reach. This setup not only helps you stay organized but also makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable, ensuring that you have all the culinary inspiration you need right at your fingertips.

Decorating Your Newly Organized Kitchen

Now that you have a tidy and functional space, let’s keep it that way. Here are a few final tips: Add personal touches like your favorite cookbooks or a few well-placed plants to make the space inviting. Regularly clean and declutter to prevent mess from building up. Use decorative storage solutions, like a beautiful fruit bowl on the counter, to combine functionality with aesthetics.

Keep frequently used items within easy reach and store seasonal or less-used items higher up or further back. Finally, establish a routine for restocking and rotating pantry items to ensure everything stays fresh and accessible.

No 25. | Create a Pretty Vignette for Frequently Used Items

Keep your counter space tidy and aesthetically pleasing with a few decorative items corralled onto a wood tray along with coordinating black and wood cutting boards or get these in wood and black as a backdrop. Keep Olive oil in a decorative corked glass bottle and get this similar vase with dried florals for a touch of nature.

Including this candle in Santorini scent, because we’re Greece obsessed over here. I always check reviews before buying candles “smell un-smelled”; and this one got great feedback. Per the description: “Reminiscent of the earthy, fruity aromas of Santorini’s abundant fig trees and lush native currants, The Santorini candle features woodsy notes of sandalwood, amber, and a rich, warm base that will make you dream of the Greek Isles”.

Here are my tops picks for kitchen decor:

Then finish your newly decorated counter off with a few books, which are both decorative and useful in the kitchen. Book ideas for the kitchen include:

Recipe Books: Add a few recipes books from your favorite cooks
Your Favorite Recipes Books: These are books made to look like real recipe books, but they’re filled with your own favorite and/or family recipes.
Journal Style Family Recipe Books: For recording your favorite recipes, or recipes handed down from the family.
Kitchen Organization Books: Keep your kitchen organized with helpful books from organization experts
Kitchen Decor Books: Get inspired and make your newly organized kitchen beautiful

Maintaining a Tidy Kitchen

No 26. | Clear Out the Junk Drawer

Regularly cleaning out and organizing your junk drawer is essential for maintaining an orderly kitchen. By periodically sorting through the drawer, you can discard unnecessary items, find proper places for essential ones, and prevent clutter from building up. This practice ensures that the drawer remains a useful storage space rather than a catch-all for miscellaneous items. Keeping the junk drawer tidy makes it easier to find what you need quickly and keeps your kitchen more organized overall.

No 27. | Create a Digital Inventory

Taking inventory of your pantry is a crucial step in maintaining an organized and efficient kitchen. This helps you avoid overbuying and reduces waste by ensuring you always know what you have on hand. This system allows you to track expiration dates and plan meals more effectively, making grocery shopping more efficient and organized.

Start by emptying all the contents of your pantry onto a clean surface. This allows you to see everything you have, making it easier to categorize and assess your items. As you empty the shelves, check expiration dates and set aside any expired or stale items for disposal.

Once your pantry is empty, group similar items together. Categorize your pantry staples into groups such as canned goods, grains, snacks, baking supplies, and spices. This will help you identify duplicates and make it easier to organize the pantry once you’re done with the inventory. During this process, make a list of the items in each category, noting the quantity you have on hand.

To streamline future inventories, keep a digital record of your pantry items. There are many apps available that can help you track what you have, set reminders for expiration dates, and even generate shopping lists based on your inventory. By maintaining a regular inventory, you can ensure that you always know what’s in your pantry, avoid overbuying, and minimize waste, leading to a more efficient and organized kitchen.

Helpful books for pantry organization and inventory tracking:

Kitchen Inventory Tracker: Organize & keep track of what you have in your pantry, freezer and fridge all in one book
Pantry Organizer and Storage Guide: 50 creative strategies for decluttering and organizing your kitchen Space
Kitchen Inventory Book: Freezer, fridge and pantry logbook to efficiently track, organize and manage the food in your kitchen

No 28. | Regularly Purge the Fridge

Regularly purging your fridge is essential for maintaining an organized and hygienic kitchen. By regularly purging and cleaning your fridge, you not only create more space but also prevent food waste and maintain a healthier kitchen environment.

Start by setting a schedule, such as weekly or bi-weekly, to check for expired or spoiled items.
Remove everything from the fridge, and as you do, inspect each item for freshness.
Discard anything past its prime or that you no longer use.
Wipe down shelves and drawers to keep the space clean.
Group similar items together when you return them to the fridge, placing newer items behind older ones to ensure they get used first.
Label leftovers with dates to keep track of their freshness.

Here’s a great book about keeping your fridge organized and meal prepping that includes some bonus plant-based recipes:

Fridge Love: Organize Your Refrigerator for a Healthier, Happier Life―with 100 Recipes

That wraps up our comprehensive guide on the best tips and products to help organize your kitchen! I hope this post inspired you to declutter and reorganize your space. With these tips, your organized kitchen will remain a delightful and efficient space for years to come. Join us next time as we explore more home tips, decor and beautiful, inspirational homes.

Until then, happy styling ⋒

– Lauren

This post was all about organized kitchen tips, products and decor.