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Let’s face it: the kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also where clutter can quickly pile up. Between pots, pans, spices, and snacks, kitchen cabinets can easily turn into a messy jumble. But with the right strategies, you can transform your cabinets into an organised, stress-free zone that makes cooking and cleaning a breeze.
Here are my top 10 smart solutions to achieve clutter-free kitchen cabinets!
1. Sort and Declutter First
Before diving into organisation, start by taking everything out of your cabinets and giving it a good look. Ask yourself, “Do I actually use this?” Often, we keep items we rarely (or never) use, which only adds to clutter. Donate or recycle items you don’t need, and set aside anything that doesn’t belong in the kitchen.
- When you clear out unused or unnecessary items, you’re left with only what you actually use, making it easier to organise and find things.
- Staying clutter-free: Schedule a quick “cabinet cleanout” every few months to remove any items that have accumulated. This keeps clutter from building up over time.
2. Use Clear Containers for Dry Goods
Invest in clear, airtight containers for items like pasta, rice, and flour. searching.
- Clear containers allow you to see exactly what you have, so you’re less likely to end up with duplicates or mystery items buried in the back.
- Staying clutter-free: Check them regularly. When you see you’re running low on something, it’s easy to add it to your shopping list without overbuying.
3. Maximise Vertical Space with Shelf Risers
Many kitchen cabinets have a lot of wasted vertical space, but shelf risers can double your storage instantly. Use them to create a second layer within each cabinet, making it easier to see and access everything.
- Adding vertical storage allows you to keep items in view rather than stacking them, which can lead to messy piles.
- Staying clutter-free: Use risers consistently for items like plates, bowls, or pantry cans. By keeping everything visible, you’ll avoid the urge to pile things up, which keeps your cabinets looking tidy.
4. Add Pull-Out Baskets
If your cabinets are deep, items can get lost at the back, leading to clutter. Pull-out baskets solve this problem beautifully! They bring everything to the front with a simple pull, so you can easily reach what you need without having to dig through piles.
- With pull-out baskets, nothing gets lost at the back. They’re especially helpful for deep cabinets where items are usually hard to reach.
- Staying clutter-free: Use these for commonly used items or foods with expiration dates, like spices or snacks, so you’ll regularly check through and avoid waste and build-up.
5. Store Lids and Pans Separately
Pans and their lids tend to take up a lot of cabinet space and often end up as a cluttered mess.
By keeping pans and lids in different places, you reduce cabinet chaos.
- Stacking pans with their lids makes it difficult to pull out the exact piece you need.
- Staying clutter-free: A lid organiser keeps lids upright and easy to reach, while a separate pan rack allows you to store pans by size or type, keeping the cabinet organised and reducing the frustration of rummaging.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Clutter?
If your kitchen cabinets are overflowing or you’re not sure where to start, my 30-Day Decluttering Challenge can help. It’s a step-by-step guide to tackle clutter throughout your home, with easy, manageable tasks each day. Start your journey to a clutter-free home today! Join the challenge here.
6. Group Similar Items Together
Designate specific zones for different types of items. For instance, dedicate a cabinet to spices and seasonings, another for baking essentials, and one for everyday items like plates and glasses.
- Grouping items (such as baking tools, snacks, or everyday dishes) keeps everything in one spot, so you know exactly where each type of item belongs.
- Staying clutter-free: Make it a rule that items can only go back in their “zone.” This prevents items from moving around the kitchen, creating pockets of clutter.
7. Use Inside Cabinet Doors for Extra Storage
The inside of cabinet doors is an often-overlooked space that can be transformed into a functional storage area. You can attach adhesive hooks, magnetic strips, small baskets, or even racks to create a clever solution for storing various items. For example, use small wire baskets to hold spice jars or packets of seasoning, or attach a magnetic strip to store metal kitchen tools like knives or scissors.
Tips for Using This Space Effectively:
- Choose storage solutions that are slim and won’t interfere with the cabinet’s ability to close properly.
- Use adhesive or screw-in options, depending on the weight of the items you plan to store.
- Keep frequently used items, such as measuring spoons or food bag clips, here for easy access.
- For a tidy look, ensure the storage system complements the interior of your cabinets.
Utilising the inside of cabinet doors creates additional storage without taking up valuable shelf space. It keeps small, easily misplaced items visible and organised, reducing the chance of clutter building up inside your cabinets.
8. Use Lazy Susans for Bottles and Jars
If you struggle with organising bottles, sauces, or jars, a lazy Susan can be a lifesaver! Place one in your cabinet, and with a simple spin, you can instantly see all your items. This works wonders in corner cabinets where things often get lost at the back.
Lazy Susans are brilliant for grouping small items that are easily lost in cabinets.
- A quick spin and you can see all your jars and bottles without pulling everything out or losing things in the back.
- Staying clutter-free: Designate specific types of items for your lazy Susan, like sauces or oils, and avoid crowding it with items that don’t fit. This keeps everything visible and prevents clutter from building up around it.
9. Label Everything for Consistency
Labelling it’s a game-changer for staying organised. Whether it’s food containers, baskets, or spice jars, labels help everyone in the household know where things go. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in keeping cabinets clutter-free long-term.
Labels create consistency and ensure everyone knows where things belong.
- Labels serve as a reminder of each item’s “home,” making it easier to keep your cabinet organised even on busy days.
- Staying clutter-free: Label both containers and shelves so there’s no excuse for misplacing items. For a streamlined look, choose a uniform labelling style.
10. Rotate Items Based on Use
Frequently used items should always be the easiest to reach.
- Placing everyday items within easy reach prevents over-crowding and keeps your cabinet layout functional.
- Staying clutter-free: Move things around seasonally or as your habits change. For example, keep holiday-specific baking dishes stored away in other seasons, so your cabinets stay focused on what you actually use.
By putting these tips into action, you’ll not only create a more functional kitchen, but you’ll also have a system in place to keep it organised. The best part? These smart solutions make it simple to maintain a clutter-free kitchen without constant effort.