Expert Advice on Organizing Your Kitchen Cabinets and Maintaining Order

Does it seem like your kitchen cabinets descend into disarray almost instantly? Without consistent upkeep, chaos reigns. A comprehensive decluttering and organizing effort can prevent messes from taking over. Ashley Hines, a professional organizer and founder of Thee Tailored Life, shares her step-by-step approach to organizing kitchen cabinets for long-lasting tidiness.

Begin with a Fresh Start

Wondering if you need to empty your cabinets entirely? The answer is a resounding yes. While it might seem daunting, the effort pays off. “Organizing your space also means cleaning it thoroughly. Remove everything and give those cabinets a good wipe!” advises Hines.

Declutter

With everything out of your cabinets, it’s the ideal moment to assess what you own. (Do you truly need three rolling pins or that cracked platter gathering dust?) While each home and cabinet setup varies, here are some key points to consider during the decluttering process.

• Dispose or donate. Eliminate empty containers, trash, or expired goods. You’ll be surprised by how much is no longer usable or hidden in the depths of your cabinets. Donate unopened, good-condition items you no longer need.
• Discard items that are damaged, broken, or incomplete. “Food storage containers with heat damage, a nonstick pan that’s lost its coating, or a small appliance with a missing power cord,” Hines suggests. “It’s fine to part with them!”
• Let’s address mugs. Hines notes that most people own far more mugs than they’ll ever use. Donate the ones you never reach for—someone else might cherish them.

Plan the Layout

Every kitchen layout is unique. Start by considering your specific needs, then determine the best placement for your items.

• Store everyday items within easy reach, while placing rarely used dishes and appliances in less accessible spots. “Position items where they’ll be most useful. For instance, keep coffee, tea, and related supplies near the coffee maker, spices and oils close to the stove (but away from direct heat), and frequently used dishes near the sink or dishwasher,” advises Hines.
• Use a corner turntable for small appliances and store infrequently used items like serving platters in high, hard-to-reach cabinets above the oven or fridge.
• Remember to create designated spaces for kids and pets! Making snacks and meal prep items accessible to children encourages independence. Store their items at a height they can easily reach.

Add Organizers

Avoid feeling overwhelmed by the idea of needing more items to stay organized. Emptying your cabinets allows you to evaluate your storage needs. Identify what you need to store before purchasing containers. Here are some fantastic cabinet organizers to consider:

• Turntables are perfect for organizing bottles and condiments. Categorize them to make locating sauces, oils, or vinegar effortless.
• Pan and lid organizers revolutionize cabinet storage! “They bring immediate order and make accessing cookware simple,” Hines notes. They’re especially useful if your cabinets lack built-in organization.
• Small, shallow bins are excellent for grouping items like sauce packets, rice, and other small essentials.
• Pull-out shelves or drawers provide easy access to items stored at the back of cabinets. Consider labeling for better visibility.
• Expandable spice racks and shelf risers are ideal for canned goods. “They maximize vertical space, allow you to see everything at a glance, and help reduce overbuying and food waste,” Hines explains.

To Label or Not to Label...

The decision to label depends on the space and the individual. “I often label extensively in pantries or cabinets functioning as pantries, as well as bins or baskets in kitchens. For some clients, I’ve even labeled shelves to suit their specific needs,” Hines explains. “Labels serve as reminders of your organizational goals and help maintain the system. Some organizers call them maintenance instructions, and I agree! They also make it easier for others in the household—or even visitors like family, friends, or babysitters—to follow the system.”

Keep Ingredients in Original Packaging vs. Decanting

While this suggestion may not suit everyone, it’s hard to ignore those stunning Pinterest-perfect pantries with decanted items. They look amazing, but are they practical? “As with all organizing strategies, decanting isn’t universal, but I often decant frequently used items for clients and in my own home,” Hines shares. “It simplifies access and helps track when supplies are running low. If you choose to decant, use painter’s tape to note cooking instructions and expiration dates on the back or bottom of containers. This is particularly crucial for spices.”

Maintain Organized Kitchen Cabinets

While there’s no magical solution, consistent upkeep is key. Spend a moment wiping down bottles before returning them to the cabinet. Recycle empty food containers promptly. Wipe shelves as needed and review older items when restocking after grocery trips. Dedicate just ten minutes weekly to avoid a major cleanup down the line!