How to Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets in 5 Simple Steps

Ever feel like your kitchen cabinets are a disaster zone every time you open them? I used to waste 5–10 minutes just searching for a lid or a spice jar, only to find everything except what I needed.

The frustration of digging through cluttered shelves made cooking more stressful than it should be.

I finally realized my kitchen wasn’t too small—I just wasn’t using the space wisely. After decluttering and organizing, I could find things in seconds, save money by avoiding duplicate purchases, and actually enjoy cooking again.

The best part? It didn’t require a massive kitchen remodel, just a few smart changes.

If you’re tired of messy cabinets and wasted time, it’s time to take control. Follow these simple, practical steps to create a kitchen that works for you, not against you.

Trust me, once you organize it right, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!

Why Organizing Your Kitchen Cabinets Is Important?

I used to waste 5–10 minutes every morning searching for things in my messy kitchen cabinets, and it always left me frustrated.

Once I organized everything, I could grab what I needed in 5 seconds, making cooking faster and stress-free.

Disorganized cabinets lead to wasted food and money because you forget what you already have. I once found three open bags of flour in my pantry, all expired at different times.

A well-organized system prevents duplicate purchases and keeps your kitchen efficient.

I used to think I needed more cabinets, but I just needed less clutter. After organizing, my small kitchen felt twice as big, and I no longer felt embarrassed when guests peeked inside.

A tidy kitchen isn’t just easier to use—it looks better too!

See, 25 Clever Kitchen Cabinet Storage Ideas

How To Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets?

So, let’s explore each step you need to follow when organizing kitchen cabinets.

1. Declutter and Purge

I used to think I needed more storage, but the real problem was too much stuff. When I finally decluttered, I realized I had 37 mismatched containers, 5 duplicate spatulas, and a bunch of expired pantry items.

The first step to organizing is getting rid of what you don’t need—this alone can free up 30–50% of your cabinet space.

Start by taking everything out of your cabinets and sorting it into three piles: keep, donate, and toss. Be honest—if you haven’t used that gadget in over a year, you probably never will.

I once held onto a bread maker for 3 years, thinking I’d use it “someday”—I never did. The moment I let it go, my cabinets instantly felt more spacious.

Check expiration dates on pantry items and combine half-used duplicates like rice, flour, and spices.

I once found three open bottles of olive oil, all hidden in different spots. By consolidating and removing what I didn’t need, I saved money and made everything easier to find.

Less clutter means less frustration every time you open your cabinets!

Watch, 25 Kitchen Cabinet Color Ideas

2. Clean Thoroughly

Once I cleared out my cabinets, I was shocked at how much crumbs, dust, and sticky spots were hiding inside.

I found old spills from who knows when and even a forgotten cereal piece from months ago. Before putting anything back, take 10–15 minutes to wipe down every shelf, door, and handle to start fresh.

Use warm soapy water or a vinegar solution to clean surfaces, especially if you store food directly inside.

I once ignored a sticky spill in my spice cabinet, and it turned into a dust and crumb magnet. Scrubbing it out later took twice as long, so now I clean everything right away.

For extra freshness, I like to line my shelves with easy-to-clean mats—it prevents future messes and makes spills easier to wipe up.

If you’ve ever had flour or sugar spill inside a cabinet, you know how annoying it is to clean. This one simple trick saves me tons of time in the long run!

See, How to Organize a Small Kitchen Even When You Have No Space

3. Organize by Zones

I used to toss everything wherever it fit, but that just led to daily frustration searching for things. The game-changer? Creating zones based on how I actually use my kitchen.

Now, my cooking essentials (spices, oils, utensils) are near the stove, while plates and cups are closest to the dishwasher for quick unloading.

Think about what you grab most often and place it within arm’s reach. I used to keep my baking supplies mixed with everyday items, which meant digging through bags of flour just to find a coffee mug.

Now, I have a baking zone, a coffee zone, and a prep zone, making everything faster and easier to find.

Use stackable shelves, dividers, and turntables to maximize space and keep items accessible. My corner cabinet was a black hole until I added a lazy Susan, and now I never lose sight of spices or condiments.

A simple system makes your kitchen feel bigger and cooking way more enjoyable!

See, How to Declutter Your Kitchen Quickly and Effectively

4. Maximize Space and Accessibility

I used to think my cabinets were too small, but the truth was I wasn’t using the space efficiently.

Once I added stackable shelves, drawer dividers, and hanging racks, I instantly gained 30% more storage without needing extra cabinets. Simple solutions like tiered organizers for spices or under-shelf baskets for small items make a huge difference.

Store items based on how often you use them—daily essentials go at eye level, while seasonal or rarely used gadgets can go on higher or lower shelves.

I kept my bulky mixer on the bottom shelf for years, even though I only used it twice a year. Moving it up freed up space for the items I actually use every day.

Pull-out racks, turntables, and clear containers help you see everything at a glance so nothing gets lost in the back. I used to forget about half my pantry items until I switched to clear bins.

Now, I know exactly what I have, which saves me money and prevents duplicate purchases. Small changes make a big impact!

See, 21 Easy Corner Pantry Organization Ideas You Need to Try

5. Use Vertical and Hidden Storage

I used to think I had no more space left—until I started using my vertical space. Installing hooks, hanging racks, and adhesive shelves instantly freed up 20–30% more room in my cabinets.

I now hang my mugs under shelves, store cutting boards vertically, and use a wall-mounted spice rack instead of stuffing jars into an overcrowded drawer.

The inside of cabinet doors is prime real estate that often gets overlooked. I attached a small rack for lids and mounted a holder for measuring spoons, which saved me from digging through cluttered drawers every day.

A simple tension rod inside a cabinet also works wonders for storing baking sheets and trays upright instead of stacking them in a messy pile.

For deep cabinets, I added pull-out baskets and sliding drawers so nothing gets lost in the back. Before, I’d completely forget about half my pantry items until they expired.

Now, everything is visible and easy to grab, making cooking and meal prep way more enjoyable.

If you think you’ve run out of storage, look up, inside, and behind—there’s always more space than you think!

Imagine opening your cabinets and instantly finding exactly what you need—no more digging, no more frustration.

After organizing my kitchen, cooking became easier, faster, and way less stressful. Now, instead of battling clutter, I actually enjoy spending time in my kitchen.

Which of these steps do you need to tackle first? Start small, even if it’s just one shelf or one drawer, and see how much of a difference it makes.

Also watch, 25 Creative Above Kitchen Cabinet Decor Ideas

Trust me, once you experience the ease of an organized kitchen, you’ll never go back!

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