How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets: 15 Tips That Work

Kitchen cabinets can be a lifesaver, but they can quickly turn into a chaotic mess if not organized properly. Whether you’re in a rental in Portland, OR, a home in Atlanta, GA, or a condo in Chicago, IL, knowing how to organize kitchen cabinets can make your space feel bigger, calmer, and more functional instantly.

This guide offers expert-approved organizing tips to help you cut the clutter and make your cabinets work for you, not against you.

1. Design your cabinet zones like a pro

Prioritize function over style when organizing kitchen cabinets. Group cabinets into zones for prep, cooking, cleaning, and storage to make the most of your space. Full-height cabinets maximize storage and create a custom look. Timeless finishes like light wood or white with wood accents are recommended.

Photo courtesy of Boxco Studio

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2. Go all in on pull-out drawers and interior storage

Interior drawers and pull-outs provide a clean, streamlined look with easy access to everything in your cabinet. Pull-out trays and drawers make it simple to see all items at a glance, while pull-out trash and recycling cabinets keep waste hidden. Drawer organizers, pull-out shelves, and stackable containers help optimize space and keep things tidy.

For a customizable system, consider the Rev-A-Shelf system, which allows you to install pull-out trays at any height and adjust over time as needed.

3. Use cabinet doors for bonus storage

Maximize space by using the inside of cabinet doors to hang small kitchen tools or store printed recipes. Adhesive hooks and over-the-cabinet-door baskets are perfect for keeping items organized and easily accessible.

Utilize the inside of cabinet doors to hang small kitchen tools or store printed recipes. Adhesive hooks and over-the-cabinet-door baskets are perfect for keeping items organized and easily accessible.

4. Avoid deep cabinets for pantry storage

Don’t use deep cabinets for pantry storage as items at the back tend to get forgotten and go to waste. Opt for shallow cabinets or freestanding pantries for food items, and reserve deep lower cabinets for small appliances and cutting boards stored vertically.

5. Use lazy susans and risers in tricky spots

Lazy Susan turntables and clear risers are great for maximizing space in corner cabinets or deep pantry shelves. They make it easy to access items and keep everything visible and within reach. Clear risers can create two-tiered displays for plates or mugs, keeping items organized and preventing damage.

Large lazy Susans work well in deep pantries, allowing you to stack cans and find what you need quickly.

>>Read: Designing the Perfect Kitchen for Home Cooks

6. Store food and staples in clear containers

Opt for rectangular or square tall containers for dry goods as they maximize storage and save cabinet space. Clear containers for pantry items help double storage space, keep essentials visible, and make finding items easier without clutter.

7. Keep Tupperware under control

Organize Tupperware by using two bins – one for lids and one for bottoms to keep them neat and easily accessible. Store plastic Tupperware with lids on to save space, and consider storing pot lids in the same manner. Organize and declutter your Tupperware to optimize cabinet space.

8. Sort your kitchen into easy-to-find categories

Sort kitchen items by category to effectively organize cabinets. Use pan protectors, removable handles, and organizers to keep items separated and tidy in separate drawers. This helps prevent scratches and makes it easier to locate items.

9. Make spices and small items easy to grab

Use organizers to keep spices and small items visible and easily accessible. Clear risers and tiered inserts are great for organizing spices and making cooking more enjoyable. Keep essentials within reach and make your kitchen cabinets more user-friendly.

10. Maximize your junk drawer—seriously

Keep essential items like birthday candles, lighters, scissors, pens, and post-it notes in your kitchen junk drawer for easy access. Use drawer organizers of various sizes to assign each item a specific place and prevent items from sliding around.

11. Be mindful about heavy items

Store heavy items at chest height to avoid safety concerns. Use bins with lids for small items in deep cabinets to prevent them from getting lost in the back.

Photo courtesy of Boxco Studio

12. Create balance between hidden and display storage

Combine closed cabinets with floating shelves to tuck away less attractive items while displaying everyday essentials or decorative pieces. This balance keeps your kitchen stylish and functional.

13. Consider a cabinet upgrade if you’re remodeling

Choose cabinets with full-extension soft-close drawers and pull-out trays for maximum organization. Roll-out trays and spice pull-outs ensure everything is visible and within reach, eliminating the need to dig through cluttered shelves. Consider adding tray dividers or trash rollouts for added functionality.

Upgrade your kitchen cabinets with modern features for a more organized and polished look.

>>Read: 7 Kitchen Upgrades to Make Your Home Stand Out to Buyers

14. Don’t skip the labels

Labeling is an essential aspect of kitchen organization. Create clear labels for each section to make it easy to find items and ensure everything stays in its place. This practice is especially useful for shared kitchens to maintain organization and efficiency.

15. Make it yours

Maintain your organized kitchen by reviewing your cabinet organization every few months. Check for expired items, reassess storage needs, and keep your kitchen cabinets functional. Customize your organization system to fit your lifestyle and make your kitchen feel like home.

How to organize kitchen cabinets your way

There’s no one-size-fits-all method for kitchen organization. Knowing how to organize kitchen cabinets is about building a system that makes your daily life easier, whether it’s adding pull-out shelves, optimizing food storage, or simply knowing where everything is in your kitchen.