How to organise kitchen cabinets
Knowing how to organise kitchen cabinets is the key to a smooth-running kitchen. When it comes to kitchen storage ideas a combination of cupboards, drawers and standard-sized shelves will cover the basics, but fine-tuning the interiors to solve specific storage needs will make the world of difference.
Kitchen cabinets end up storing anything and everything, from our most reached-for cupboard essentials to dinnerware and cooking aids, to larger electrical appliances. As a result, they can very quickly become messy, and though the cabinet doors do a good job of hiding their contents, we know that chaos is reigning behind them.
‘Organising your kitchen cabinets can be very satisfying and it can make a huge difference in how you use your kitchen,’ says Melissa Klink, Creative Director, Harvey Jones (opens in new tab) .
‘Whether you have a large space or a smaller kitchen, getting creative with your storage solutions will make sure your kitchen always feels clutter-free,’ agrees Al Bruce, Founder, Olive & Barr (opens in new tab).
So if you’re fed up with having to rummage through your cupboard contents as you look for a specific utensil, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve come up with 22 ideas that will teach you how to organise kitchen cabinets and transform the hectic into the satisfying.
How to organise kitchen cabinets
‘My rule of thumb is to only bring in extra storage if really necessary,’ says professional organiser, Vicky Silverthorn, You Need A Vicky (opens in new tab). ‘You’ll be surprised after a good declutter at just how well your kitchen stores things without much help.’
‘Go through drawers and cupboards to see what you have, what you actually use and how many repeats you have. Then think about where everything belongs before putting it away again.’
Once you’ve had a good declutter in the kitchen and said goodbye to the things you don’t need, you can start to incorporate some of the organising ideas from our list.
Whether you’re looking for ways to re-organise crowded kitchen cabinets, tips to tackle untidy drawers or clever kitchen shelving ideas , our rundown will have you covered.
Organise hard-to-reach corner cabinets
Corner cabinets can be notoriously difficult to access, with blind corners making it tricky to see or reach what’s inside. A three-quarter carousel unit is a great way of tackling the problem in a tight corner spot. Half-width doors fold out, with swivel interior shelves that make it easy to grab what’s inside. A perfect solution for a full-height larder unit.
Downsize with slimline larder storage
While a traditional full-sized larder or pantry is the dream, if your kitchen is on the small side, it might not be possible, but there are alternative kitchen pantry ideas that might work instead. Compromise with a slimline version that can be squeezed into a 40cm cm deep cupboard.
‘Try an innovative larder system that moves the contents of the cupboard out to you,’ says Graeme Smith, Second Nature Kitchens (opens in new tab). ‘It’ll make the contents easier to see and access so packets and cartons don’t get left at the back of cupboards.’
Store non-essentials lower down
Larger appliances that are used every day are fine living out on work surfaces, but for those used less frequently or for bulky items that eat up space, try storing them out of the way in lower-down cupboards so they can be pulled out when needed.
A rotating half-sized carousel will give easy access to hard-to-reach corners in base cabinets which are ideal for storing saucepans and bakeware.
Set up a tea and coffee station
Group kitchen kit and supplies together in a place that makes sense, so that your kitchen flows better,’ says Vicky Silverthorn. ‘Tea and coffee should live next to mugs, cups and kettle.’
Consider devoting one cabinet to a drinks station with tea and coffee-making essentials stored close to the kettle or coffee machine so everything can be accessed easily. Include mugs, cups, tea spoons and extras like flavoured syrups and milk frother.
Use slot-in racks to organise cookware
Flat items like baking trays, lids and chopping boards often get shoved in a drawer or cupboard, but un-stacking them every time you want to use something is a pain. Organiser racks – similar to a toast rack – let you slot items in individually for easier access.
Hang cleaning supplies on a rail
This neat trick is inexpensive and perfect for organising under sink ideas . Use a length of curtain tension rod, available from Amazon from £7 (opens in new tab) – the spring-action kind – fixed in place just below the sink. Then simply hook cleaning spray bottles up out of the way and tidy the rest of the cupboard’s contents into neat plastic baskets at the bottom.
This will make your cleaning essentials easier to grab and go, plus you’ll also be impressed at how organised your under-sink cabinet looks whenever you open it.
Label your containers
If storing your items in containers, labelling these will further organise them so you know where to keep what. You’ll be more likely to stick to the system when unpacking the groceries every week, maintaining your cabinet organisation consistently. Labels are especially helpful if your containers aren’t see-through.
