Real talk—keeping a kitchen organized can feel like a never-ending battle, especially when you’re juggling groceries, meal prep, and the last thing you want to worry about is all those mismatched Tupperware lids. But it doesn’t have to feel like a full-time job. With a system in place and some tips from organization pros, you can create a space that’s functional and tidy! Below are some expert-approved tips to make your kitchen work for you, not against you.
It has to spark joy
Best-selling author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”, Marie Kondo’s, mantra is all about sparking joy, and the kitchen is no exception. Keep only what you use and love. That bread maker you haven’t touched since 2019? Thank it and donate it. Creating space for items you actually use makes everything more accessible and enjoyable.
Think zones
Any kitchen designer will tell you to treat your kitchen like a map and divide it into zones. Group items by their purpose — cooking tools near the stove, cutting boards by the prep area, and plates close to the dining table. Having everything in its logical place cuts down on time spent hunting for that one spatula!
Maximize Vertical Space
The Home Edit gurus swear by using vertical storage to declutter countertops. Add shelf risers, hanging racks, or magnetic strips for knives and tools. This keeps your essentials within reach while freeing up space for other tasks.
Maximize Cabinet Space
We all have that deep, dark cabinet where kitchen things go to disappear and to never be used again. Meet your besties aka pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and vertical dividers. Clear bins are best to make everything visible. Take it from The Home Edit: clear bins and lazy Susans make it easy to see what you have, so nothing expires at the back of the shelf.
Prioritize Drawer Dividers
Let’s face it: a drawer full of loose utensils is just asking for chaos. Add dividers or compartments to organize utensils, gadgets, and measuring cups. According to organizing expert Clea Shearer, “Everything looks better in a drawer if it’s not free-floating.”
An open shelf that works
You got the idea from Pinterest but can’t seem to make it look like the inspo? Martha Stewart suggests reserving them for dishes and glasses that you use most often. To keep open shelving from looking cluttered, stick to a theme and limit what you display. Group items like mugs or plates together for a clean look, and leave some shelves with just a few well-placed pieces. If you want to add a pop, try a few decorative items like a plant or a stylish jar, but avoid overcrowding.
Give Every Item a Home
Another tip for organizing expert, Marie Kondo— give everything its own home. When each item has a designated spot to “rest” when not in use, you will have less of the “Where does this go?” stress. Install hooks for mugs, a spice rack for seasonings, and a drawer for reusable bags. Have a designated basket or container for the little kitchen parts.
Label Like a Pro
Image from The Everyday Home
It’s not just practical, it’s how the pros do it, in fact, a standard in restaurant kitchens. Label your jars, bins, and containers so no one will mistake the salt for sugar again! Bonus: it looks Instagram-worthy!
Light It Up
Designers agree: good lighting isn’t just for aesthetics, it helps you see what you’re doing! Under-cabinet lighting makes countertops functional and highlights your organization skills. Plus, it adds that cozy glow for late-night snack raids.
Keep Counters Clutter-Free
Take it from interior designers: less is more on countertops. Store bulky appliances like mixers in lower cabinets and keep the surfaces clean for prep work. If the budget allows for it, go for an appliance garage.
Organizing your kitchen doesn’t always mean you need to buy new storage solutions! You can repurpose boxes, containers, or whatever you already have at home. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can achieve an organized kitchen without breaking the bank.
Considering the tips from the experts above, feel free to design it to match your habits and lifestyle. Remember, a tidy kitchen is a happy kitchen—and a happy kitchen makes for a happy home!