Smart Organization Solutions for the Entire Kitchen
If there is one thing I chat about here on the blog a lot, it’s kitchen organization. Having lived with no less than 8 different rental kitchen layouts since getting married, I feel like I have encountered practically every kitchen situation there is (although, I’m sure more conundrums await!) Truth be told, getting our kitchens organized is always a challenge I eagerly take on…I just love finding the perfect solution for each and every food item and kitchen gadget. Today, I’m sharing all the smart and effective kitchen organization ideas we’ve implemented over the years. Whether you want to re-organize your kitchen from top-to-bottom or just need a better solution for one area in particular, I’ve got you covered!
Learn How to Organize Your Kitchen
This post is going to be full of very specific kitchen organization ideas (e.g., for the drawers, for the pantry, for counter space, etc). But if you’re kitchen has a lot of clutter and/or you have no idea how to even get started dealing with the mess, start with my Conquer Your Kitchen Clutter Workbook!
This 50-page, self-guided workbook dives deep into every kitchen area, and will teach you exactly how to declutter every inch without getting overwhelmed. It is one of my most popular downloads ever, and I just know the systematic and streamlined process I teach in this guide will motivate you and keep you on task until your kitchen looks and functions just right!
Conquer Your Kitchen Clutter Workbook
Organizing Kitchen Drawers
Kitchen drawers can require very different solutions based on their size, shape, location, and function. We’ve used drawers to hold common items like silverware, kitchen gadgets, oven mitts, and pot holders, as well as uncommon things like spices, baking staples, snacks, and coffee supplies. While most drawers will benefit from well-fitting drawer dividers, there are other clever ways to use these spaces too (e.g., drawer spice rack, bins, etc). Click the posts below to see each of these kitchen organization ideas in more detail!
How to (Perfectly) Organize Kitchen Drawers
How to Use Deep Drawers for Food Storage
Custom Drawer Dividers for Kitchen Gadgets
How to Organize the Junk Drawer
How to Organize Ziplock Bags (With or Without a Drawer!)
Organizing Kitchen Cabinets
There is no way to write the perfect “how to organize kitchen cabinets” post, because (like drawers), the solution you need will depend so much on where the cabinet is located, how big (or small) it is, and what you need to put in that particular storage space. I’ve troubleshooted a lot of unique cabinet situations over the years, so click below to read each solution in more detail and see the specific organizing products I used each time!
How to Organize Coffee Mugs in a Cabinet
Organize the Cabinet Under the Kitchen Sink
What to Put in Cabinets Above the Refrigerator
How to Organize Corner Kitchen Cabinets
Creating a Cleaning Cabinet
How to Use Tiny Upper Cabinets
What to Do with Dirty Dish Towels
Create Extra Storage Behind Cabinet Doors
How to Organize Baking Pans in a Kitchen Cabinet
The Easiest Way to Organize Food Storage Containers
How to Store Small Appliances Inside Kitchen Cabinets
Organizing the Pantry
In 8 different homes, we haven’t had a single pantry like another. From homes with no pantries and too-skinny layouts to shallow shelves and even open shelving, I’ve had to make lots of different arrangements function perfectly for our family. Take a tour of each pantry below to find great storage solutions for the one in your home!
How to Organize a Pantry | Step-by-Step
A Traditional Pantry
The Skinny Pantry
Kitchen Cupboards as a Pantry
The “Wire Rack” Pantry
How & Why to Decant Your Pantry Staples
How to Label Food Storage Containers
Where & How to Store Coffee K-Cups (In Any Kitchen Layout!)
Organizing Spices
Years ago, I stumbled upon the idea of storing our spices in a basket. It worked so well, for so many years, that I swore I’d never do anything different. Sure enough, new kitchen layouts forced me to try different spice storage options, proving yet again that how your kitchen is laid out will dictate what kind of organizers work best! Here are some great spice storage options to consider:
Organizing Spices in a Basket
Using Magnetic Spice Jars
Organizing Spices in a Drawer
How to Label Spice Jars
Recipe Organization & Meal Planning
Organizing my recipes is one of the very first projects I ever shared here on the blog! And sure enough, how I organized them all those years ago is still how I do it today. My Recipe Binder is one of my all-time, tried-and-true organizing projects; and if you just can’t find a great way to sort and store your recipes, give this project a try!
How to Make a Recipe Binder
The Magnetic Menu Board
Meal Planning 101 | How to Create a Habit That Sticks
How to Store Pots & Pans
Because of their size (and awkward handles and lids!), pots and pans can be tricky to store. More often than not, we have them loaded into a cabinet near the stove, but a few kitchen layouts forced us to utilize some creative solutions for these kitchen staples.
Storing Pots & Pans in a Lazy Susan Cabinet
Hanging Pots & Pans on Hooks
Keeping Countertops Tidy
I have two main strategies for keeping our kitchen counters looking tidy:L
- Limit what is kept on the kitchen counter.
- Utilize decorative storage solutions whenever possible.
We (almost) always hide away small appliances (including the mixer and attachments) in cabinets or nearby shelving, and only store utensils, soap dispensers, paper towels, and our coffee pot on countertops.
Decorative Tray for Oils & Seasonings
Painted Utensil Jars
Jars for Cooking Utensils
How to Set Up a Functional Kitchen Coffee Station
Organizing the Fridge & Freezer
Gasp – can you believe that in 10 years and 8 homes, I have not once documented how to organize your refrigerator or freezer?!? That clearly needs to be remedied; but in the meantime, here are some incredibly helpful posts you can check out for ideas:
If there is one thing I hope this post of kitchen organization ideas illustrates is that so much depends on how your kitchen is laid out and how you need to use it. The “right solution” for any particular drawer, pantry, or cabinet is the one that best takes advantage of the available space and provides you easy and effortless access to the kitchen items contained within. I hope the kitchen storage solutions I’ve shared here today get your wheels turning on how best to organize different areas of your kitchen so you can easily and efficiently prepare entertain, gather, and prepare meals for you and your family!
Megan
6 Comments on “Smart Organization Solutions for the Entire Kitchen”
The link to how to organize your fridge mentions using shelf liners. I’ve discovered my favorite liners are cute kitchen cloths. Instead of being cut, usually I just need to fold it under. When there are spills or crumbs, I just pop them in to the wash.
Currently I’m using a cute set from Ikea that look a bit vintage-y, and have a theme with some fruits and veggies. This also helps as a reminder to family members where to put things away — which shelf is where the fruits go…
I’ve also switched to lining shelves and some drawers with kitchen cloths. Drawers holding heavier items don’t work as well, because the cloths slide.
I started doing this when overseas and unable to find something like shelf paper. Now I prefer it!
And, aren’t these cute?
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/torvfly-dish-towel-patterned-green-50493066/
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/torvfly-dish-towel-patterned-orange-30493048/
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/rinnig-dish-towel-white-green-patterned-60476354/
Hey Alexandra,
Oh my gosh, yes! Those towels are ADORABLE!!! I really love that idea for the fridge – it really works? They don’t get bunch up or anything? I will definitely have to give that a try because I HATE cleaning out fridge bins and shelves.
Thanks for sharing this idea with me, and I’ll keep you posted if I try it!Megan
Fantastic resource, Megan! We are counting down to a complete gut and reno of our kitchen, so I’m looking forward to using some of your solutions when it comes to organising time. Pinning in anticipation…
Oooooo – how exciting! I pine for the days I can make a kitchen truly my own. I’m so glad you found some of these ideas helpful!
Good luck with the reno!
Megan
Hi Megan,
My home is so small. I have no storage space, the closets are tiny. No basement, attic, garage. I live in a wooded secluded area,with no trash pick up, trash has to be taken to the dump. I live alone, I have a disability that limits my strength,& what I can do. And I don’t have any help. I have to de-clutter my house, get rid of things. It looks cheaper to hire junk removal, then to get a dumpster, & J.R. does the physical work.But I want to
clear out the fridge, & kitchen cabinets, as well. Do you think it wld be best to hire a cleaning lady first, to help me with those things? Or just have junk removal do what I can’t? ( I had water leak into the house, some wet things have to go too. I did most of that. But after I get this done, I need the carpet and bathroom steam cleaned. I can’t even think, where do I start?