Kitchen Cabinet Organization

written by Ashleigh Garris
last updated: April 23, 2021

How to Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets

Being efficient is most often the greatest asset a cook has in the kitchen and being organized is the easiest way to accomplish that. Many homeowners just do not know where to begin. Selecting a location for each item is integral in deciding how to organize kitchen cabinets but Kitchen cabinet ideas vary based on your space and needs.

organized kitchen cabinet pantry

What Are the First Steps to Organize Kitchen Cabinets?

1. Declutter and Clean

When approaching a task like organization, purging items that are duplicates or infrequently used is your first step. Open space for organizing is much like a prime real estate location and is worth more than its weight in gold. Empty out your shelves and drawers and wipe everything down. Starting with a clean and empty cabinet or drawer makes the task at hand much easier. Use a household cleaner on appliances and clean countertops with an appropriate cleaner. Be careful when cleaning your cabinets! Refer to our Cabinet Care guide for information on how to properly clean your cabinets without damaging the finish.

2. Come Up with Categories or Zones to Organize Kitchen Cabinets

The next step in the process begins by grouping tools, dishes, pots and pans, and other like items together. You will need to see what you have and determine where it can be stored. Kitchen counter items should be kept to a minimum to increase your countertop work area. Kitchen drawers are great for storing items and tools that are normally on the countertop.  While it may decrease your storage space, it will increase your ability to work in a clutter-free zone.

utensil pullout kitchen cabinet organizer

3. Gather Any Materials You May Need

Before starting any task like this, planning is key to success.  It is important to have the necessary supplies to complete the process of making the heart of your home more functional.  Anything from labels, markers, label makers, storage caddies, or bins are just a few of the items that could be useful. Gathering them together before you start means you will finish sooner and with better results.

The Best Ways to Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets

Keeping dishes, utensils, and tools near the workspace where they will be needed is key to prevent breaking things or misplacing them. Organizing food items that are alike will help keep you productive and save both your time and energy because everything has a place. However, placement and planning depend on what makes the most sense for your space. Use color-coordinated baskets for items such as baked goods or pre-packaged snacks.

utensil and knife organizer drawer

How do you decide where to put things in kitchen cabinets?

When choosing where to place your kitchenware, you should consider where each item will be used the most.  Placing an in-drawer spice rack next to the stove is perfect for keeping spices right at hand. Glasses and mugs situated near the refrigerator make sense because they are within arm’s reach.  Cleaning supplies stored in a pull-out shelf under the kitchen sink keep them out of the way and ready to use. Store pots and pans near the stove, whether in a cabinet or a sliding shelf, organizing them properly keeps them easy to find and scratch-free. These few tips on storage and the location of your kitchenware will make your kitchen space easier to navigate.

Kitchen Cabinet Organization Ideas

Making the most of your space is often tricky.  Being creative with your space by using storage solutions like tiered racks and sliding shelves make the most of your kitchen. Organization hacks like carefully placed drawers, dividers, and shelves keep your kitchen accessories in place.

1. File Baking Sheets and Cutting Boards Using Vertical Separators

Baking sheets and cutting boards often get scratched and misplaced.  Using a vertical divider keeps each pan, baking sheet, and cutting board visible and ready to use.

cutting board kitchen cabinet organizer

2. Use a Turntable or Lazy Susan in Corner Cabinets for Easy Access

Most kitchens have a corner cabinet where food or dishes get pushed to the back and lost forever.  A turntable or lazy susan turns those blind spots into corner storage cabinets instead where everything is right at hand.

3. Use Slide Out Shelves

Slide out shelves or pull out storage are another creative way to make the most of your deeper cabinets and pantries. Having the ability to pull the shelf out brings all your dishes or pantry items to light without having to dig deep into the cupboard blindly.

4. Display your dishes in Glass Cabinets

Designing a useful and efficient kitchen is not limited to functionality.  Beautify your work area by using glass cabinets to show off your plates, bowls, and glassware.  They are not only a necessity but can also be part of your décor.

island storage

5. Use Stackable Shelves for Extra Storage

Drawer organizers can be used to keep plates and bowls in place. They are also useful in keeping cutlery, utensils, and knives in their proper place.  This makes dinner preparation, cooking, and setting your dinner table much quicker.

6. Use Drawer Organizers & Spice Racks

Tiered spice racks placed in a drawer keep each spice within view and prevent the need for a search and rescue mission for the paprika in the middle of preparing a dish.

For more information on these products and more ideas on how to maximize and innovate your kitchen cabinet organization, locate a Wellborn Cabinet dealer or request a catalog.  

 

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