Organizing your kitchen can be quite a challenge. Some feel like they have such a small space that it’s nearly impossible to fit everything in it. Others just don’t know how to best place their utensils, bake-ware, pots, pans, and other supplies for maximum usage. Still others just don’t even think about how to maximize their kitchen space.
Whether your looking to increase storage, spring clean, or just increase the functionality in your kitchen, try the following tips to organize your kitchen cabinets.
Arrange Items by Frequency of Use
If you have deep cabinets, put items that are used infrequently towards the back. Place items that are used often up front.
If you have shallow cabinets, place items used periodically at the very top of the upper cabinets and in the hardest to reach spot in the lower cabinets. Shelves that are reached easily can hold the items that are used most often.
Determine if the Main Kitchen User Left or Right-Handed
When organizing kitchen cabinets and drawers, place items that are used most often in the cabinet directly beside of the work area and to the side of your strong hand. For example, if you’re left-handed, keep pots and pans in the cabinet to the left of the stove and put spatulas in the left drawer.
Group Similar Items Together
Place items that have a similar function in the same area. For example, keep bake-ware together and put it in the cabinet closest to where you do your baking. Keep all your pans together and put them as close to the stove as possible.
Adjust Shelving
Many people forget that shelving in most cabinets is adjustable. You don’t have you work around oddly spaced shelves. Instead, move them around to fit your needs.
Add Additional Shelving
Instead of using two of your built in shelves for items like plates and bowls, double your space by using an expandable shelving rack.
Use Proper Organizational Tools
Most of the time I prefer to eliminate items from the home rather than add. However, when it comes to organization, I’m all for using tools that make it easier to store and find what you’re looking for. Here are a few organizational products that are perfect for organizing the kitchen.
Expandable Under Sink Shelf Organizer
In part one of the kitchen organization challenge I mentioned that this expandable under sink shelf organizer has made a major impact in making the items more accessible and usable. Being able to see what you have under your sink can prevent you from buying multiples of things you already have which will save you money in the long run.
Lid Racks
Nothing can prevent a cabinet from looking organized more than multiple lids scattered throughout the compartment. Contain lids with handy racks made specifically for the purpose of containing pan lids.
Drawer Organizers
When I moved recently, I dumped everything from boxes directly in the kitchen drawers just so I could feel unpacked. Having messy drawers, though, has made cooking in the kitchen and finding what I need very chaotic. I finally put together these drawer organizers and placed items in their proper place. The functionality in my kitchen is now fantastic.
Baskets
Baskets are ideal storage containers for the kitchen. They’re functional, beautiful, and contain items beautifully. If spices seem to get scattered throughout the pantry, contain them all in a basket. If you want to keep oils and non-stick sprays together, put them in a basket. Cloth napkins and kitchen towels can also easily be contained in a basket. Whatever your problem item is, toss it in a basket for beautiful looking storage.
Over the Door Rack
Over the door racks work wonderfully in almost any room. The kitchen is no exception. By putting a rack over the door to a pantry, you immediately increase your space while also providing a space to view items easily.
In most cases, you don’t need to spend much money to be organized. When it comes to the kitchen, however, a few organizational systems can go a long way.
What tips to you have for organizing your kitchen cabinets?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I need that lid rack!!
I purchased my lid rack almost 5 years ago but never installed it. I guess I was afraid to mess up my cabinets or something. After we moved, I decided I’d “brave” the hole it would put in the cabinet and try it out. I’ve only had it up for a couple weeks but I absolutely LOVE it! It’s given me so much more space and it’s easier to stack the pans because the lids aren’t in the way. I cannot believe I waited so long!!