20 Kitchen Organization Tips Every Cook Should Know
A well-organized kitchen makes cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Here are 20 clever tips for keeping everything in order.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
A disorganized kitchen can make meal preparation difficult. However, you can create an efficient and stress-free cooking environment when you organize your kitchen properly. You may optimize your workflow by using storage techniques, carefully organizing items, and keeping everything in order. Here are 20 useful kitchen organizing suggestions that everyone should know.
1. Declutter and Purge Unused Items
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Start by removing expired food, duplicate utensils, and appliances you rarely use. A minimalist approach frees up space and keeps only what’s essential.
2. Use Drawer Dividers for Utensils
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Keep forks, knives, and spoons neatly separated with adjustable dividers. This prevents clutter and makes grabbing the right tool effortless.
3. Store Pots and Pans Vertically
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Instead of stacking heavy cookware, use a vertical rack to keep pots, pans, and lids accessible. This prevents scratches and saves time when cooking.
4. Hang Frequently Used Tools
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Mount a pegboard or install hooks on a backsplash to keep spatulas, ladles, and tongs within reach. This will free up drawer space and add a stylish touch.
5. Label Pantry Containers
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Transfer dry goods like flour, sugar, and pasta into clear, airtight containers. Label each container to make it easy to find the ingredients and keep everything fresh.
6. Utilize Lazy Susans for Corner Cabinets
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Rotating trays help access spices, condiments, and jars stored in deep or awkward spaces. No more digging through cluttered shelves—just spin and grab what you need.
7. Install a Hanging Fruit Basket
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Save counter space by suspending a tiered basket for fruits and vegetables. This allows better air circulation, keeping produce fresher for longer.
8. Use Clear Bins for Fridge Organization
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Group similar items in labeled bins to prevent food from getting lost in the back. This makes meal prep easier and reduces food waste.
9. Maximize Cabinet Doors with Racks
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Install slim racks inside cabinet doors for storing spices, cutting boards, or cleaning supplies. This hidden storage solution utilizes unused space.
10. Arrange Spices for Quick Access
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Store spices in a tiered rack or a drawer with labels facing up for easy identification. A uniform system saves time while cooking.
11. Stack Cutting Boards Vertically
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Keep cutting boards organized using a file organizer or tension rods inside cabinets. This prevents them from toppling over when stored flat.
12. Install Under-Shelf Baskets
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Make use of the space beneath shelves by adding wire baskets. These are perfect for storing small kitchen essentials like napkins, tea bags, or snack packs.
13. Use a Rolling Cart for Extra Storage
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A slim, movable cart can hold spices, baking supplies, or coffee essentials. This adds additional storage without taking up permanent space.
14. Hang Measuring Cups Inside Cabinet Doors
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Attach small hooks or a magnetic strip to the inside of a cabinet door for easy access to measuring spoons and cups. Label each hook for an even more efficient setup.
15. Create a Coffee or Tea Station
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Dedicate a small area for coffee mugs, tea bags, and sugar containers. A tray keeps everything together, making morning routines smoother.
16. Store Baking Sheets Sideways
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Instead of stacking baking trays and muffin tins, use a vertical rack to store them upright. This prevents scratching and makes pulling out the right pan effortless.
17. Keep Cleaning Supplies in a Caddy
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Organize dish soap, sponges, and sprays in a portable caddy under the sink. This makes grabbing cleaning essentials quick and hassle-free.
18. Group Similar Items Together
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Store items, such as breakfast foods, baking essentials, and canned goods on designated shelves. This minimizes searching time and keeps things orderly.
19. Utilize Stackable Racks for Cabinets
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Double your cabinet space by adding stackable shelves for plates, bowls, or mugs. These maximize vertical storage without cluttering shelves.
20. Maintain a Weekly Reset Routine
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Set aside time each week to tidy up, check for expired items, and reorganize where needed. A regular reset prevents clutter from accumulating.