Kitchen Storage & Organization Guide
From overflowing cabinets to cluttered countertops, kitchen storage is a universal challenge. Learn how to organize every inch of your kitchen for maximum efficiency.
Quick Answer
The key to kitchen organization is zones and visibility. Create zones for cooking, prep, and storage. Use clear containers so you can see what you have. Add risers, lazy Susans, and pull-out organizers to access items in deep cabinets.
In This Guide
1. Create Kitchen Zones
Professional kitchens are organized into stations. Apply the same principle at home:
🍳 Cooking Zone
Near stove: pots, pans, cooking utensils, oils, spices
🔪 Prep Zone
Near counter: cutting boards, knives, mixing bowls, measuring cups
🍽️ Serving Zone
Near dining: plates, glasses, silverware, napkins
🧹 Cleaning Zone
Near sink: dish soap, sponges, trash, recycling
2. Cabinet Organization
Most cabinet space is wasted because we only use the front. Here's how to access everything:
Upper Cabinets
- Shelf risers: Double your shelf space for plates and bowls
- Under-shelf baskets: Hang below shelves for extra storage
- Turntables: Access items in corners easily
- Store by frequency: Daily items at eye level, rarely-used up high
Lower Cabinets
- Pull-out drawers: Retrofit deep cabinets with sliding shelves
- Pot lid organizers: Store lids vertically to save space
- Pan organizers: Stack pans vertically instead of nesting
- Lazy Susans: Essential for corner cabinets
3. Pantry Storage Systems
A well-organized pantry saves money (no duplicate purchases) and reduces food waste:
Clear Container System
Transfer dry goods to uniform containers for a clean look and easy visibility:
- Flour, sugar, rice, pasta, cereal, snacks
- Label everything with contents and expiration date
- Square containers maximize shelf space vs. round
Zone Your Pantry
- Baking zone: Flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla
- Breakfast zone: Cereal, oatmeal, coffee, tea
- Snack zone: Crackers, chips, nuts, dried fruit
- Canned goods: Grouped by type (vegetables, soups, beans)
- Spices: Alphabetized or grouped by cuisine
4. Drawer Organization
Drawers become junk drawers without proper dividers:
- Utensil trays: Expandable bamboo or plastic dividers
- Knife blocks: In-drawer knife organizers protect blades
- Spice drawer inserts: Store spices flat for easy reading
- Deep drawer dividers: For pots, pans, or food storage containers
Pro tip: Store food storage containers with their lids attached. It takes more space but eliminates the lid-matching frustration.
5. Countertop Solutions
Clear countertops make kitchens feel larger and cleaner. Only keep daily-use items out:
- Keep out: Coffee maker, toaster, knife block, fruit bowl
- Store away: Blender, mixer, bread maker, air fryer (unless used daily)
- Appliance garage: Cabinet with a roll-up door hides appliances
- Wall-mounted: Magnetic knife strips, hanging utensil rails
6. Under-Sink Storage
The awkward space under the sink is often wasted. Maximize it with:
- Tension rods: Hang spray bottles from a rod
- Stackable bins: Work around pipes
- Pull-out caddies: Sliding organizers for cleaning supplies
- Door-mounted racks: Store sponges, brushes, trash bags
7. Small Kitchen Strategies
Limited square footage requires creative solutions:
- Use walls: Pegboards, magnetic strips, hanging rails
- Over-fridge storage: Add a shelf or cabinet above the refrigerator
- Rolling cart: Mobile island for prep space and storage
- Inside cabinet doors: Mount racks for lids, cutting boards, wrap
- Nesting cookware: Stackable pots and bowls save space
- Magnetic spice jars: Mount on fridge or wall
Downsizing Your Kitchen?
Store seasonal cookware and entertaining items in a storage unit.
Find Storage Units Near You