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Here's how to organize your kitchen to finally conquer the clutter for good
We asked seven professional organizers to spill the beans on the tricks and products they use to get a cook space into shape.
Every pot has a lid, as the saying goes, but what happens when that lid is buried under a mountain of cookware?! Organizing your kitchen and figuring out what goes where in your cabinets can feel daunting, especially if you've accumulated a lot of dishes, pans, utensils and other stuff over the years. And we haven't even mentioned the fridge or pantry yet!
The perfectly arranged, color-coded shelves that are all over Instagram look beautiful, sure, but they're not realistic for everyone. That said, you can start decluttering your kitchen with some simple tricks. Just ask professional organizers — the seven experts we interviewed had ideas that are so easy, even the most messy among us can stick with them. Because consistency is what'll keep you organized for the long haul.
Keep scrolling for expert-approved kitchen organization hacks and storage solutions that'll restore order. Time to get cooking!
Declutter first, organize second
To keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed, start small. You don't need to do it all in one day! "Take all your items out of the kitchen cabinets and drawers, but only one section at a time," says Hannah Goetz of Hannah Goetz Organizing. "This way, you can see everything you own, and it will be easier to start sorting items into categories and get rid of things you don’t need anymore or that are expired."
Katrina Teeple, founder of Operation Organization, suggests starting with food storage containers like Tupperware. "They're an easy win that will get your momentum going. There are always mismatched lids and stained food containers to get rid of. Next, move on to a section like cooking utensils. Ask yourself not what do I use, but rather, what do I have space for and let that help you decide what to keep!"
Once you've tossed or set aside for donation the items you don't need (aka decluttered), you can start organizing.
Keep an extra-large flat-bottomed tote like this on hand for anything you want to donate. Leave it by your door or in your garage, so that the next time you leave the house, you're reminded to drop by your local Goodwill or other donation center.
Get stuff off the counter
You don't have to remove everything by any means, but keeping countertop appliances, canisters and other items to a minimum can help reduce stressful visual clutter — plus it'll leave you more space for meal prep! "Say the phrase, 'Don’t put it down, put it away!' to yourself as you tidy," says Teeple. "This is a reminder to follow through in the moment so that things get back to their home and not left out."
Ditch the clunky knife block in favor of a holder that fits in your drawer. This one is a favorite of Robyn Reynolds, owner of Organize2Harmonize. "It saves counter space and holds way more than traditional butcher blocks. It also comes in different sizes," she says.
Jennifer Johnson of The Orderly Space will lay these spice jars flat in a drawer for easy access, but because the lids are also labeled, you could stand them upright if that fits your space better. Plus, "they can be used for more than just a beautifully decanted spice drawer," she says. "We have also used them for sprinkles! Every time you open your spice drawer or cabinet you can't help but feel happy!"
Divide drawers
Dividers can help you maximize storage, says Goetz. And this may sound obvious, but when you group things together (like all your measuring spoons and cups), they automatically become easier to find. Teeple agrees: "Add dividers to separate and group cooking utensils, then use small containers to micro-organize items that would go into a junk drawer," she says. "This way there is a place for everything, making putting things back a no-brainer."
"These are versatile and great for people who want division in their drawers without obsessing about having a compartment for every single item," says Teeple. They're adjustable from 17 inches to 22, so they can fit most standard drawers.
If you have deeper drawers, Teeple likes these stackable dividers: "They're perfect for keeping items like to-go mugs and kid sippy cups upright when closing drawers. They create a little wall, keeping items from tipping over," she says.
Fit the smaller sizes of these clear containers within your now-divided drawers to help "micro-organize" bitsy items just like Teeple mentioned above. This set comes with 25 bins in various sizes, all with textured, grippy bottoms so they stay in place.
Take turntables for a spin
Also known as lazy Susans, these handy spinning discs may be most pros' MVO (most valuable organizer). "I've never understood calling it a lazy Susan, because Susan does more than double-duty!," says Julie Bestry, owner of Best Results Organizing. "You never have to worry about your ingredients getting pushed to the back of a cabinet or shelf; everything stays self-contained and upright, and it's all easy to find with a spin of the magic wheel!"
Ritsuko Nakajima, owner of After Declutter is also a big fan, as long as you keep this in mind: "The key to picking the right products is getting the measurements right." A 10- or 11-inch-diameter turntable should work for most upper cabinets.
Bestry recommends this low-profile lazy Susan from Oxo for upright items — it would be great corralling salad dressings or condiments in the fridge. This particular model is beloved for its durability and smooth turning: It has a nearly perfect 4.8-star rating on Amazon from more than 8,400 reviewers!
Try a two-tiered turntable for double the storage! This cute option has a wood-effect base that adds flair to a functional piece.
If you're try to contain items that are tall or wobbly, Bestry likes a lazy Susan with higher sides, like this 11.5-inch option. The dividers take your organizing to the next level by keeping categories separated.
Label everything
It may sound a bit extra, but labeling can help you enforce that all-important system you're creating when you first organize your space. Use labels on containers where you can't see the contents — but also on your shelves and in your drawers so everyone in the house knows what goes where, no questions asked. "Even if creating a label for where you keep the cooking spoons seems silly, do it anyway," says Teeple. "Labels keep us honest with ourselves. They also support family members in putting things back where they belong! You can’t argue with a label. It says what it says!"
Unlike other label makers that require you to connect to your phone or computer, this one lets you type directly in the machine. It doesn't get more simple — and it also comes with three different fonts and 250 symbols so you can personalize your designs.
Use your vertical space
When you don't have much room to spread out, look up! Many of us aren't using our cabinets as efficiently as we could because we have a bunch of stuff just sitting on the shelves. Stacks are smart, but they can be precarious (think of that pile of Tupperware that falls over every time you open the cabinet door). Give them structure with shelf risers. "They are my go-to," says Goetz. "No matter what type of kitchen you have, they are simple and guaranteed to make it easier to access your mugs, plates and more."
Out of sight! This minimalist shelf virtually disappears leaving you with neat stacks of condiments, dishes and more. It comes in 12- and 16-inch widths, but if you need something bigger, Goetz suggests a computer monitor stand (same idea as the riser; it just gives you more surface area to play with).
Create zones in your pantry
This spot can be a big pain point, says Reynolds. "With no organization, you don't know what you have and you end up buying more and more of the same." To better keep track, she advises creating zones: baking, breakfast, sauces, grains, snacks, canned goods, drinks, spices, oils and so on. "You can go one step further by putting pantry items in bins," she says.
Sure, you could go with clear storage bins, but they won't have this right-from-the-farmer's-market charm. The metal mesh means you'll still be able to see everything inside, and you can even stack a few bins to take advantage of your pantry's vertical space.
Another take on the metal basket, this one looks edgier but it still has those lovely wooden handles. Plus, you can't beat the prices at T.J. Maxx when it comes to storage solutions.
Ditch flimsy packaging
No one is saying you need to decant every box of cereal and package of paper towels into a new container. But, if you have food with flimsy packaging or you know your family is bad at resealing bags, it might be worth investing in airtight containers, especially for goods that can go stale quickly. On that same note, "Check expiration dates frequently and throw away or recycle any extra packaging," says Goetz.
"Ditch the packaging for an elevated aesthetic," says Shira Gill, author of Life Styled, Organized Living and Minimalista, who considers air-tight containers a must for every organizing project. "I use them to store non-perishable snacks, baking and pantry essentials, and even household utility items such as batteries, pens, and tools." You can find less expensive canning jars out there, but Gill loves the look of these — plus they're especially durable. The same company in France has been making them since 1930.
