Confession time: I live in a rental and my kitchen is the size of a postage stamp. Shelf space is limited, there is no pantry, and it has a weird built-in closet that I can’t even use. But did I let that defeat me? Absolutely not. I’ve compiled a list of 50 tips that you can use to organize your kitchen, with real-life examples from my own space sprinkled throughout.
Kitchen Utensils Organization:
Drawer Dividers: Use drawer dividers to separate utensils and keep them organized.
Utensil Caddies: Place utensil caddies on countertops or inside drawers for easy access.
Hanging Racks: Install hanging racks on walls or inside cabinet doors to hang utensils.
Magnetic Strips: Attach magnetic strips to walls or inside cabinets to hold metal utensils.
Vertical Organizers: Use vertical organizers to store cutting boards, trays, and baking sheets upright.
Drawer Inserts: Use drawer inserts with compartments to keep small utensils organized.
Rotate Seasonal Utensils: Store seasonal utensils in labeled bins and rotate them as needed.
Wall-Mounted Hooks: Install wall-mounted hooks to hang pots, pans, and large utensils.
Shelf Organization:
Tiered Shelves: Use tiered shelves to maximize vertical space in cabinets or on countertops.
Lazy Susans: Place lazy Susans in corner cabinets to easily access items stored in the back.
Stackable Baskets: Use stackable baskets or bins to organize items on shelves.
Adjustable Shelving: Install adjustable shelving to customize the height of shelves based on your needs.
Plate Racks: Use plate racks to stack plates vertically and save space in cabinets.
Under-Shelf Baskets: Hang under-shelf baskets to add extra storage space underneath shelves.
Clear Containers: Use clear containers or jars to store dry goods and keep them visible.
Drawer Organizers: Use drawer organizers to separate and organize small items like spices or packets.
Pegboard: Install pegboard on cabinet doors to hang utensils, cutting boards, and other kitchen items.
Label Everything: Label shelves and containers to easily identify the contents and maintain organization.
Pantry Organization:
Wire Baskets: Use wire baskets to store snacks, produce, and other pantry items.
Over-the-Door Organizers: Hang over-the-door organizers on pantry doors to store small items like spices or snacks.
Pull-Out Shelves: Install pull-out shelves in deep pantry cabinets to easily access items stored in the back.
Canned Food Organizers: Use canned food organizers to stack and store canned goods.
Basket Labels: Label baskets or bins with the contents to easily find what you need.
Tiered Spice Racks: Use tiered spice racks to store spices and keep them organized.
Drawer Baskets: Use drawer baskets to store onions, potatoes, and other produce.
Adjustable Pantry Shelving: Install adjustable shelving to accommodate items of different sizes.
Pantry Door Rack: Install a pantry door rack to store spices, oils, and other frequently used items.
Stackable Storage Bins: Use stackable storage bins to maximize vertical space on pantry shelves.
Meal Prep Containers: Use meal prep containers to store prepped ingredients and meals in the pantry.
Vertical Storage: Utilize vertical space by installing shelves or racks on pantry walls.
Organizing an Oddly Shaped Pantry Area:
Corner Shelves: Install corner shelves to maximize storage in awkward corners.
Custom Shelving: Build custom shelving to fit the unique dimensions of the space.
Roll-Out Drawers: Use roll-out drawers to access items stored in deep or narrow spaces.
Tiered Organizers: Use tiered organizers to make the most of vertical space.
Slimline Storage: Use slimline storage solutions like narrow shelves or baskets to fit tight spaces.
Wall-Mounted Racks: Install wall-mounted racks or pegboards to hang items and free up floor space.
Slide-Out Racks: Install slide-out racks or trays to access items stored in tight spaces.
Overhead Storage: Use overhead storage solutions like hanging racks or hooks to maximize space.
Built-In Shelving: Build built-in shelving units that follow the contours of the space.
Drawer Inserts: Use drawer inserts or dividers to organize items stored in drawers or cabinets.
Miscellaneous:
Cleaning Supply Caddy: Use a cleaning supply caddy to keep cleaning products organized and easily accessible.
Recycling Center: Set up a recycling center with labeled bins for paper, plastic, glass, and other recyclables.
Knife Block: Use a knife block or magnetic knife strip to store knives safely and neatly.
Dish Drying Rack: Use a dish drying rack to air dry dishes and utensils after washing.
Baking Sheet Organizer: Use a baking sheet organizer to store baking sheets, muffin tins, and cooling racks vertically.
Under-Sink Storage: Use under-sink storage solutions like stackable bins or shelves to maximize space.
Vertical Pot Rack: Install a vertical pot rack to hang pots, pans, and lids and save cabinet space.
Plastic Bag Holder: Use a plastic bag holder to store grocery bags for reuse.
Cookbook Stand: Use a cookbook stand to display and organize cookbooks on countertops.
Label Maker: Invest in a label maker to create labels for shelves, bins, and containers for easy identification.
