How do you organize kitchen cabinets? Empty one cabinet at a time, clean it, and get rid of anything broken, duplicated or unused. Then group items into zones by task: prep, cooking, baking, dishes and cleaning. Store each zone near where you use it, keep everyday items between shoulder and knee height, and use organizers like shelf risers, pull-out drawers, lid racks and lazy Susans to use every inch.
Organizing kitchen cabinets frees up storage space and counter space. Disorganized cabinets waste time every day. A good system makes cooking faster and cleanup easier. This guide walks through how to organize kitchen cabinets step by step, with ideas for small kitchens and extra storage.
7 Steps to Organize Kitchen Cabinets
- Empty everything. Work one cabinet or section at a time.
- Clean. Wipe shelves and add shelf liners if you like.
- Declutter. Remove duplicates, broken items, expired food and gadgets you never use.
- Group like items. Pots, baking tools, food storage, glasses and so on.
- Create zones. Assign each group to the area of the kitchen where you use it.
- Add organizers. Measure first, then buy risers, dividers and bins that fit.
- Label and maintain. Label bins and do a quick reset every few weeks.
How to Decide Where to Put Things
| Zone | Location | What goes there |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | Near the main counter | Knives, cutting boards, mixing bowls, measuring cups |
| Cooking | Next to the stove | Pots, pans, utensils, oils |
| Baking | Near an open counter | Sheets, pans, flour, sugar, mixer |
| Dishes | Near the dishwasher | Plates, bowls, glasses, flatware |
| Cleaning | Under the sink | Soap, sponges, trash bags |
| Food storage | Near the fridge | Containers, wraps, bags |
| Pantry | Away from heat | Dry goods, cans, snacks |
Store everyday items at the easiest height, heavy items low, and rarely used things like holiday platters up high.
What Should Not Be Stored in Kitchen Cabinets?
- Food under the sink, where leaks and chemicals are a risk
- Cleaning chemicals next to food
- Spices and oils right above the stove, where heat shortens their life
- Heavy items on high shelves
- Items you haven't used in a year
Kitchen Cabinet Organization Ideas
Upper cabinets
- Shelf risers double the space for plates and mugs.
- Clear bins keep small packets together.
- Turntables (lazy Susans) suit corners and spices.
Lower cabinets
- Pull-out drawers or baskets stop things getting lost at the back.
- Store pans vertically in a rack, so you can take one without moving the others.
- Use a lid organizer, or a tension rod on the door.
Corner cabinets
- A lazy Susan or a blind-corner pull-out makes them usable.
- Keep less-used appliances there.
Under the sink
- A two-tier organizer fits around pipes.
- A small tray catches drips.
Cabinet doors
- Door racks hold foil, cutting boards, dish towels or cleaning supplies.
- Small hooks hold measuring spoons and oven mitts.
Drawers
- Use drawer organizers for cooking utensils, flatware and kitchen tools, and tame the junk drawer with small bins.
- Deep drawers can hold plates with a peg system.
- Keep knives in a drawer insert or on a magnetic strip.
How to Organize Common Problem Items
Food storage containers
Keep only containers with matching lids. Nest the bases, and store lids upright in a file organizer or a separate bin.
Spices
Use a drawer insert, a tiered shelf or a turntable. Store them away from the heat of the stove, and label the tops so you can read them from above.
Baking sheets and cutting boards
Store them upright in a cabinet with vertical dividers, so you can pull one out without lifting the rest.
Small appliances
Keep daily-use appliances on the counter or in an appliance cabinet with a power outlet. Store occasional ones, like a slow cooker, in a low cabinet or pantry.
Mugs and glasses
Group by type, and use shelf risers or under-shelf hooks to double the space.
Cleaning supplies
Keep them under the sink in a caddy you can carry, and use child locks if you have small children.
Not Enough Cabinets? Add Storage
Many kitchens simply run out of space. A freestanding pantry cabinet adds a lot of storage without a remodel. The Pantry Cabinet with Rolling Storage Cart shown above has push-to-open doors, drawers and a rolling cart that slides out. The Pantry Cabinet with Built-In Power Outlet includes a charging station, so it can hold a coffee maker or toaster. For a whole wall, the Pantry Storage & Appliance Station Cabinet Set adds lit shelves and closed storage, and anti-tip hardware is included.
A kitchen island can also add cabinets and drawers. See kitchen island storage ideas and pantry cabinet organization ideas.
Organizing a Small Kitchen
- Use the space above the cabinets for rarely used items in matching bins.
- Add hooks and rails on the backsplash for utensils.
- Choose stackable cookware and nesting bowls.
- Keep counters clear by giving each appliance a cabinet home.
Our small kitchen ideas cover more space-saving tricks.
How to Keep Your Kitchen Organized
- Put things back in the same zone every time.
- Follow a one-in, one-out rule for gadgets and mugs.
- Do a five-minute reset after the weekly shop.
- Check expiry dates when you unpack groceries, and move older items to the front.
- Review the system every few months and adjust anything that isn't working.
What Is the Kitchen Work Triangle?
The work triangle connects the sink, the stove and the refrigerator. The National Kitchen & Bath Association's guidelines suggest each leg should be between 4 and 9 feet, with the total no more than 26 feet. When you organize, keep the tools for each task close to its point of the triangle.
Related: see our spice storage ideas, pantry ideas, glassware storage ideas, guide to cleaning kitchen cabinets, and guide to adjusting cabinet hinges.
FAQ
How should I arrange my kitchen items?
By task zone, with everyday items within easy reach and heavy items low.
Where should plates and glasses go?
In upper cabinets or drawers near the dishwasher, so unloading is quick.
How often should you organize kitchen cabinets?
Do a quick reset monthly and a full clear-out once or twice a year.
What is the best way to organize pots and pans?
Store them in deep drawers or pull-outs near the stove, with lids stored upright in a rack.
Related: Pantry cabinet organization ideas · Kitchen storage furniture · Freestanding pantry cabinet · Small kitchen ideas