Do your kitchen cabinets turn into a mess every time you try to find something? Then you are not alone. This is the most common struggle that every homeowner faces.
Often items fall out and get lost at the back of the cabinets. Or sometimes it becomes frustrating to spend a lot of time every day accessing basic essential things from the cabinets.
A cluttered kitchen not only wastes time but also makes cooking a stressful experience instead of an enjoyable one. But you can keep your kitchen cabinets well-organized by following some simple steps.
In this blog, you will learn 10 easy steps on how to organize kitchen cabinets to create a clutter-free and easy-to-use kitchen space.
10 Simple Steps to Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets
Here’s the breakdown of a step-by-step guide to help you organize your kitchen cabinets in the easiest and most efficient way.
1. Start by Emptying All Your Cabinets
It’s obvious that you will be able to organize things in a much better way when the cabinets are completely empty.
This is why the very first thing that you need to do is to empty all your cabinets. Place everything stored in your cabinets either on a table or a countertop. Emptying kitchen cabinets beforehand will help you:
- See what things you have
- Identify duplicate things
- Know expired or broken things
- Will let you know the exact storage space you have
Once your cabinets are emptied, wipe them clean with a mild soap cleaner so that all stains and dust are removed perfectly.
2. Declutter and Keep Only What You Need
Most cabinets look messy, not because they are small. But they actually become messy because of the too many unnecessary items stored in them.
Such cluttered kitchen cabinets will make it difficult to access things that you actually use every day. So, it becomes essential to declutter the kitchen cabinets. To prevent clutter in your cabinets, ask yourself a few basic questions like:
- Do I need these things daily?
- Do I have duplicates of the same things?
- Is this particular thing expired or broken?
Asking such questions will help you declutter the cabinets efficiently and keep only things that you actually need.
3. Group Similar Items Together
Accessing daily essentials from cabinets becomes much easier when things are organized efficiently. For this grouping, similar items in one place become much easier.
You can sort items into different categories like spices and seasonings, glasses and cups, and storage containers, which will make it easier to find the things you need daily with ease. Moreover, grouping also keeps your kitchen cabinets organized.
4. Store Items Based on Frequency of Use
There will be things stored in your kitchen cabinets that you will hardly need very often. At the same time, there will be things that you will need every day. Now imagine how difficult it will be to access everyday essentials when they are placed at the very end of the cabinets.
That’s why it becomes a smarter way to keep everyday essentials where they are easiest to reach. For instance, storing plates and drinking glasses near the dishwasher will make it convenient for you to unload them easily.
Also, you can place special-occasion items like serving trays, which you need for minimal times, at the top-most cabinets. Storing items based on frequency of usage will save you a lot of time while cooking.
5. Use Organizers and Shelf Risers
Although cabinets are meant for storage purposes, using organizers and shelf risers inside the cabinets helps you keep them neat instead of cluttered. But this does not mean that you need fancy and expensive storage options. Affordable organizers are enough as they are meant for storage only.
You can have pull-out trays or baskets that will help you prevent stretching yourself into the back of the kitchen to access things. Also, shelf risers help in enhancing the cabinet’s vertical space, where you can easily store plates and cups.
This will eventually enhance the overall storage space of your cabinets. Moreover, you will be able to store more things inside your cabinets without making them cluttered. And if you are planning to have a more functional layout for the kitchen, then you should
6. Label Every Item
Labelling different items might seem to be a basic thing, but this proves to be very helpful when your kitchen is used by multiple people. Without labelling, people would place items wrongly anywhere in the cabinets, which would eventually make them cluttered.
Labelling, on the contrary, helps in placing the items in their dedicated places. It becomes useful for items like pantry, spices, baskets, and food storage containers. When every item is labelled perfectly, kitchen cabinets stay organized always.
7. Make Use of Cabinet Doors
“Cabinet doors are only meant to open and close for a purpose.” This is the most common belief among major homeowners. But is it really true? Definitely not. Cabinet doors can provide extra storage space if used creatively. You might wonder how. By installing things like:
- Adhesive hooks to hang oven gloves or measuring cups.
- Shallow door racks to store things like spices and plastic foil.
- Magnetic strips for storing knives or metal lids.
So, this way, by making use of cabinet doors, you can keep your cabinets less crowded.
8. Stack Items Smartly
Most glass items, like storage containers, break often inside the cabinets. The reason behind it is that homeowners mistakenly stack heavy items on top of such delicate items. This eventually leads to unwanted breakage and spillage inside the cabinets.
That’s why it will be better to stack items of the same shape and purpose together. For instance, in the case of food containers, you can store them vertically in a small bin inside the cabinets.
This will prevent breaking or spillage. Also, nesting mixing bowls and pots inside each other helps you save a significant amount of space inside the cabinets.
9. Keep the Pantry Cabinets Organized
You will find many kitchens with at least one cabinet fully dedicated to pantry items. And this proves to be a smarter tactic to keep kitchen cabinets well-organized.
However, it becomes useful only when everything is kept properly in its desired place. You can keep it clean by placing frequently used pantry items in an easy-to-reach place.
Moreover, using transparent jars or containers for pasta, rice, and cereals makes them visible, which ensures quick access. Well-organized pantry cabinets make grocery shopping much easier and cost-efficient by preventing duplicate purchases.
10. Maintain Your Organized Cabinetry Daily
Just organizing the kitchen cabinets will not help you keep them clutter-free. It will be possible only when you maintain them on a daily basis. However, maintaining kitchen cabinets daily can become difficult, especially for busy homeowners.
So you should spend a few minutes each week to place misplaced items in their correct spots. Moreover, you should also keep a habit of checking for expired items while reorganizing. Doing this will allow you to keep your cabinets free from unnecessary items and clutter.
2-Tier Cabinet Pull Out Shelves (20″ W x 22″ D)
Optimize your kitchen storage with this 2-Tier Cabinet Pull-Out Shelf, designed to bring order and accessibility to deep, cluttered cabinets. Crafted from heavy-duty metal with smooth full-extension ball-bearing slides, each tier glides out independently—making it effortless to reach pots, pans, appliances, cans, or cleaning supplies. With three adjustable height settings and a sturdy 100 lb weight capacity, this organizer adapts to your storage needs while maximizing space. The upgraded Easy-Align design ensures faster, smoother installation with precise bracket placement. Perfect for 20.5″ or wider cabinet openings, this sliding shelf system transforms your under-cabinet area into a neatly organized, easily accessible space.
Product Features
➡️ Independent dual-tier pull-out shelves for easy access
➡️ Adjustable height (3 levels) to fit tall or bulky items
➡️ Full-extension smooth ball-bearing slides
➡️ Durable heavy-gauge metal construction supports up to 100 lbs
➡️ Easy-align U-bracket installation for quicker setup
➡️ Fits cabinets 20.5″ wide or larger
Pros
✅ Smooth, quiet sliding mechanism
✅ Excellent for deep and cluttered cabinets
✅ Adjustable height adds flexibility
✅ Very sturdy and durable build
✅ Easy to install with upgraded alignment system
Cons
❌ Requires specific cabinet width (20.5″+)
❌ Installation may still take time for beginners
❌ Wire design may need liners for small items
❌ Not ideal for very narrow cabinets
❌ Full load may feel slightly heavy to pull for some users
STORKING 2-Tier Pull Out Cabinet Organizer (15″ W x 22″ D)
Upgrade your kitchen, pantry, or bathroom storage with the STORKING 2-Tier Pull-Out Cabinet Organizer, expertly engineered to maximize space and keep essentials within easy reach. Built from durable chrome-plated alloy steel, this heavy-duty sliding shelf system supports up to 100 lbs and features smooth full-extension ball-bearing slides for quiet, effortless operation—even when loaded with pots, pans, mixers, cleaning supplies, or pantry items. Each tier slides out independently, making organization simple and convenient. With adjustable height (12.4″–15.4″) and a deep 22″ frame, this organizer fits cabinets 15″ or wider and provides generous storage capacity. Designed for quick installation with minimal tools, it offers a sturdy, stylish, and space-saving solution for modern kitchens and bathrooms.
Product Features
➡️ Independent 2-tier pull-out shelves for better accessibility
➡️ Heavy-duty alloy steel construction with chrome plating
➡️ Full-extension ball-bearing slides for smooth, quiet operation
➡️ Adjustable height (12.4″–15.4″) to fit tall items
➡️ 100 lb weight capacity supported by reinforced crossbars
➡️ Fits cabinet openings 15″ wide or larger
➡️ Easy, quick installation with included hardware
Pros
✅ Slides smoothly and quietly
✅ Very sturdy—supports heavy kitchen appliances
✅ Height-adjustable for flexible storage
✅ Chrome finish is durable and easy to clean
✅ Independently sliding tiers improve accessibility
Cons
❌ Requires at least a 15″ cabinet opening
❌ Wire mesh may require liners for small items
❌ Installation may take time for beginners
❌ Heavier unit compared to single-tier organizers
❌ Not suitable for very shallow cabinets
HOLDN’ STORAGE Pull Out Cabinet Organizer (14″ W x 21″ D)
The HOLDN’ STORAGE Pull-Out Cabinet Organizer is a durable, space-saving solution designed to make everyday kitchen organization effortless. Crafted from heavy-duty steel with a chrome-plated finish, this sliding drawer fits cabinets with at least a 15-1/4″ opening and supports up to 50 lbs of cookware, pantry items, baking sheets, or cleaning supplies. The full-extension glide system provides ultra-smooth, quiet operation, allowing the drawer to slide completely out for quick and easy access. With a low-profile 3.15″ height and open wire design, this organizer keeps items neatly visible and easy to reach. Installation is simple, requiring just a few screws and the included hardware. Built to last and backed by a lifetime limited warranty, it’s a reliable and stylish upgrade for any kitchen, pantry, or utility cabinet.
Product Features
➡️ Smooth full-extension sliding system for easy access
➡️ Heavy-duty steel construction with chrome finish
➡️ Supports up to 50 lbs of cookware and pantry essentials
➡️ Fits cabinet openings 15-1/4″ wide or larger
➡️ Simple screw-in installation with included hardware
➡️ Low-profile design keeps items visible and organized
➡️ Lifetime limited warranty for long-term reliability
Pros
✅ Ultra-smooth sliding mechanism
✅ Strong, durable metal construction
✅ Easy installation with provided hardware
✅ Stable and sturdy even under load
✅ Lifetime warranty for peace of mind
Cons
❌ Only one tier—less storage than 2-tier systems
❌ Requires at least a 15-1/4″ cabinet opening
❌ 50 lb capacity lower than some heavy-duty models
❌ Open wire design may need liners for small items
❌ Not suitable for very shallow cabinets
MUDEELA Expandable Pots & Pans Organizer
Declutter your kitchen cabinets with the MUDEELA Expandable Pots and Pans Organizer, designed for flexible, heavy-duty storage. Crafted with durable iron and featuring a DeepFit snap-on structure, this organizer securely holds cookware of all sizes—pots, pans, lids, skillets, cutting boards, and bakeware—without dividers shifting or popping out. Its expandable design stretches from 11.81″ to 22.85″, giving you two setup options: use it as one long adjustable rack or divide it into two separate organizers. With 10 adjustable dividers, you can customize each compartment for cookware ranging from 6″ to 12″. Anti-damage strips protect your pans from scratches, while upgraded anti-slip tubing keeps the unit firmly in place. Assembly is tool-free and takes just 1 minute, offering a fast, convenient way to maximize cabinet, drawer, or countertop space
Product Features
➡️ Expandable design (11.81″–22.85″) for customizable storage
➡️ DeepFit snap-on structure for added strength and stability
➡️ 10 adjustable dividers for flexible pot, pan, and lid organization
➡️Anti-damage protective strips prevent scratching
➡️Anti-slip rubber tubing keeps organizer stable
➡️ Tool-free, 1-minute assembly
➡️ Holds 6″–12″ cookware of various shapes and sizes
Pros
✅ Very strong and stable—dividers stay locked in place
✅ Expandable size fits different cabinets
✅ Scratch-resistant protection for cookware
✅ Quick, tool-free assembly
✅ Customizable layout for all pot and pan shapes
Cons
❌ May be too wide for narrow cabinets
❌ Not ideal for extremely heavy cast-iron collections
❌ Dividers require adjusting to fit large pans
❌ Works best when fully expanded in roomy spaces
❌ Open-wire design may not suit extremely small lids
Rev-A-Shelf 2-Tier Pullout Organizer (5WB2-2422-CR-1)
Maximize your kitchen storage and accessibility with the Rev-A-Shelf 2-Tier Pullout Cabinet Organizer, engineered for heavy-duty performance and long-lasting durability. Designed with premium chrome-plated alloy steel, this dual-basket system slides out smoothly on full-extension ball-bearing glides—each basket rated to support up to 110 lbs. The spacious 22″ depth and sturdy wire construction make it ideal for storing pots, pans, small appliances, and pantry essentials. Perfect for cabinet openings between 20.5″ and 23″, this organizer comes fully assembled and installs easily with only four screws. With its reliable build quality, smooth operation, and thoughtful design, Rev-A-Shelf delivers a superior storage solution trusted in kitchens for over 40 years.
Product Features
➡️ Heavy-duty 2-tier pullout system with 110 lb capacity per basket
➡️ Full-extension ball-bearing slides for smooth, complete access
➡️ Durable chrome-plated alloy steel construction
➡️ Fits cabinet openings 20.5″–23″
➡️ Preassembled design for fast 4-screw installation
➡️ Optional door-mount kit available (sold separately)
➡️ Ideal 22″ depth for maximizing storage space
Pros
✅ Extremely strong with high weight capacity
✅ Smooth and quiet full-extension gliding
✅ Comes preassembled for quick installation
✅ Fits both face-frame and frameless cabinets
✅ Excellent for pots, pans, and heavy appliances
Cons
❌ Optional door-mount kit costs extra
❌ Heavy unit may require careful handling during install
❌ Requires a fairly wide cabinet opening
❌ Wire design may need liners for small items
❌ Premium quality comes at a higher price point
REALINN Under Sink Organizer (2-Tier Layout)
The REALINN Under Sink Organizer is a smart and space-saving solution designed to simplify cabinet storage in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Featuring an L-shaped 2-tier layout, the organizer leaves ample room for plumbing, garbage disposals, and tall bottles while maximizing vertical space. The bottom pull-out drawer glides smoothly, allowing easy access to items stored in the back, while sturdy alloy-steel construction supports up to 50 lbs. With rust-proof painted coating, anti-slip suction cups, and adhesive strips, this organizer installs in seconds—no tools or drilling required. Ideal for holding toiletries, cleaning supplies, spices, sprays, and more, it keeps clutter under control while maintaining a clean, modern look.
Product Features
➡️ L-shaped 2-tier design accommodates plumbing and tall bottles
➡️ Smooth sliding bottom drawer with easy-grip handles
➡️ No-tool installation with suction cups + adhesive tape
➡️ Rust-proof alloy steel with durable painted finish
➡️ Grid-style shelves prevent water buildup
➡️ Removable pads keep small items from falling
➡️ Supports up to 50 lbs for versatile storage
Pros
✅ Fits easily around pipes and disposals
✅ Quick, tool-free setup
✅ Smooth sliding access to bottom items
✅ Strong and rust-resistant steel build
✅ Great for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas
Cons
❌ Adhesive mount may not suit textured surfaces
❌ Not ideal for very heavy or oversized cleaners
❌ Bottom drawer height limited to 8″ bottles
❌ Only one sliding tier (top tier fixed)
❌ Requires precise measurements before buying
FAQs:
🙋Q1- Where to put things in kitchen cabinets and drawers
📝! Organizing kitchen cabinets and drawers helps make cooking easier and faster. Keep everyday dishes like plates, bowls, and glasses in upper cabinets near the sink or dishwasher. Store pots, pans, and lids in lower cabinets close to the stove. Use top drawers for cutlery and cooking utensils, while deeper drawers can hold mixing bowls or small appliances.
Place spices and oils near the cooking area, and store pantry items like cans and snacks grouped together on shelves. Keep cleaning supplies under the sink using baskets or organizers. Finally, store food containers in one cabinet, keeping lids separated for easy access.
🙋Q2- How to organize kitchen cabinets in a small kitchen
📝! In a small kitchen, every inch counts. Start by decluttering—remove items you rarely use. Group similar items together: plates, bowls, glasses, and mugs in one section, pots and pans near the stove, and food containers in a single cabinet. Use vertical space with shelf risers, stacking shelves, or hanging racks to store more without crowding. Install pull-out organizers or baskets for easy access to deep cabinets.
Door-mounted racks can hold spices, lids, or cutting boards. Keep frequently used items at eye level and heavier, less-used items in lower cabinets. Optimize corners with lazy Susans or rotating trays to maximize storage efficiently.
🙋Q3- How to organize kitchen cabinets in an apartment
📝! Apartment kitchens often have limited space, so smart organization is key. Start by decluttering—remove duplicate or unused items to free up space. Group similar items together: plates, bowls, and glasses in one cabinet; pots, pans, and lids near the stove; and pantry items like canned goods and spices in a dedicated section. Use vertical storage with shelf risers or stacking organizers to maximize cabinet height.
Pull-out baskets or drawer organizers make deep cabinets easier to access. Door-mounted racks or hooks are perfect for spices, lids, or cutting boards. Keep everyday items at eye level and store seasonal or rarely used items in higher cabinets. This setup keeps your kitchen tidy and functional.
Final Say of How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets:
Organizing kitchen cabinets should not be overwhelming. By following the above-mentioned simple steps, you can easily keep your kitchen cabinets clutter-free for longer.
Grouping similar items, using smart storage systems, and maintaining organization daily will make a big difference in your kitchen. And in today’s digital era, sometimes even browsing through the latest kitchen cabinets for sale online can give you new ideas for organizing your cabinets in a modern way. But in any case, keeping kitchen cabinets decluttered is essential.
A kitchen with well-organized cabinets saves time in accessing everyday essentials and also makes cooking fun.
