When it comes to the kitchen, organizing is no easy feat. Why is it that no kitchen ever seems large enough to fit everything we moms need on a day-to-day basis? In the interest of eliminating clutter and making sure everything has its place, we've gathered some of the best hacks for kitchen organizing that will not only make it easier to find that colander, but help with flow and order, allowing the focus to be on food, cooking, and fun instead of chaos and confusion.
We've gathered dozens of extremely clever ideas to store everything from spices to plastic wrap to those leftover containers that everyone despises but are so essential. By giving every utensil and item a dedicated spot, these hacks help create more space in cabinets and the pantry for other items (or for nothing at all!). Plus, they facilitate a good flow that'll be life changing in the thick of preparing dinner. Clearing countertops means there's more surface area for cutting and chopping, so cooking an elaborate meal will finally feel fun and not stressful. Did we mention that some of these ideas look great, too?
These kitchen goals aren't hard to achieve at all. All that's needed is a bit of time to make it happen and perhaps a small purchase or two. Some of the items might even be hanging around the house already! The inspiration is all here. With these tips, kitchen organizing becomes so much fun!
Wine Rack the Stairs
Want to have a large collection of wine but don't have the space in the kitchen, use a little imagination and look to the stairs. This built-in wine rack under the stairs adds a beautiful focal point while bringing organization to a collection.
Pop Pasta & Oil on the Counter
Not everything needs to be hidden away for it to be organized. Using eye-catching jars for pasta and oil and placing them on the counters is a way to add function and character to a bland kitchen.
Cabinet for Kid Dishes
Organizing the kids' plates, cups, and utensils into one drawer that's easy for kids to reach allows for keeping all their items together while making it accessible for kids to be able to reach, too. Using plastic bins inside to store and organize further is a genius idea.
Rack for Pot Lids
One of the struggles of kitchen pots is finding space for the lids while keeping them accessible. No one likes digging through the pots and dropping them to find the right sized lid, but that problem is no more with this type of rack.
Hang the Pots in the Cupboard
Trying to find space for the bulky pots and pans isn't an easy task, but this organization idea puts them away but easily accessible. Using a pull out bar and hooks, they can easily tuck away when they're not in use.
Junk Drawer Upgrade
Almost every kitchen has a junk drawer filled with random things that we need, like scissors, clips for bags, and everything in between. Organizing a junk drawer to keep all those random items visible and tidy will help it feel like one has their whole life together.
Coffee Moves to Its Own Drawer
Single-cup coffee makers have been a game-changer for many parents, but finding a space to organize the coffee pods isn't always easy. This organization hack puts all the pods in one drawer, leaving the counters free and tidy.
Under the Sink Storage
No one really looks under the kitchen sink, but having that space organized and tidy is a secret that will make the house feel good. Using a curtain rod to hang spray cleaner bottles means it will be much easier to find the correct cleaning product.
Wall Hooks & Shelving for Tea Time
Morning coffee or tea is a routine for many of us, and this cute organization is a smart way to pack more cups into a small area. Using wall hooks and a small shelf, it's easy to turn function into beauty.
Get Rid of the Boxes & Use Organizers
Boxes and other packaging takes up a lot of unnecessary space in cupboards and the pantry. Removing the boxes and using plastic organizers is a smart way to optimize a space.
Hang Brooms on the Fridge
If there isn't a lot of space for a utility closet, there is so much unused space on the sides of our fridges. This simple built-in closet is a perfect place to hang brooms and cleaning supplies.
Spice Labels for Lids
Sometimes spices need to be relegated to a drawer, and to make finding those spices easier, have some fun with a label maker or some simple lettering. Labeling all the spices on the lids helps the cook find exactly what's needed without having to lift and pull out each one.
Gloves Hack
Keeping rubber gloves handy is important, and also key is making sure they aren't wadded up in a moldy ball and ruined. Hanging them inside the under-sink cabinet with a binder clip is genius.
Extra Cabinet Shelf
It may seem simple, but adding extra shelves is an overlooked space-saver. By simply placing a standing shelf inside a cupboard with short items, the space is doubled.
'Hidden' Paper Towel Roll
The question of where to put the paper towels can be a tricky one, especially when design is on the mind. Creating a special place for them as part of the cabinetry is a clever solution.
Vertical Knife & Utensil Storage
No one likes a messy countertop, and here is one solution to declutter. Dedicate a drawer or two for vertical storage of knife blocks and utensils, and those countertops are clear and ready for food prep.
Coffee Mug Wall Hooks
When cabinet space is an issue, take to the wall! Using the most colorful mugs and wall hooks, this display is a space saver and an art piece of sorts. It also allows for some personality to shine through in the kitchen.
Lazy Susan Cabinet Storage
Never underestimate the sheer perfection of the lazy Susan. Using storage that spins allows more spices (or even mugs, glasses, smaller dinnerware) in a smaller space and lets the cook easily see what's available with a spin.
Tray & Cutting Board Divider
Using a file divider isn't just helpful with paperwork; it does wonders for the kitchen. "File" away cutting boards, cookie sheets, and muffin pans to make them easier to get out later. It's a smart way to fix an issue so many people have in their kitchens!
Wood Bins in Pantry
When space is tight and clutter isn't an option, go for stylish wood bins for storage that can be seen. It adds a cute rustic look to the pantry while still providing great organization.
Magnetic Spice Holders
Magnets aren't just for the refrigerator. With addition of a metal sheet, magnetic spice holders neatly attach to the inside of a cabinet, opening up space elsewhere. These can be used to hold the spices used most often or get creative and fill with coffee toppings.
Mason Jar Kitchen Storage
If the kitchen is short on cabinetry, things tend to live on the countertops. But boxes and bags can look messy. To combat countertop clutter, put those items in mason jars for a more stylish look that will help it look less cluttered and more decorated.
Mixer Attachment Storage
Instead of mucking up a drawer with tons of kitchen necessities, hang them inside cabinet door. Never has finding the mixer attachments been so easy. Also, it reduces the frustrations of trying to shut a cabinet drawer with one of these awkward items sticking up.
Kitchen Ceiling Pot Rack
This ceiling rack is just beyond amazing. It's modern and geometric, holds plants, and makes use of the space above for hanging pots and pans. It not only looks amazing and gives people something to focus on, but it's super functional, too.
Basket Solution for Kitchen
Everything looks neater when each item has its own place. A pretty basket can hold a lot of kitchen essentials without overpowering. It's a smart way to help organize certain areas of the kitchen without taking over too much counter space.
Under-Microwave Storage
This hack is key when counter space is limited. By raising the microwave, there is some space underneath to store other items and it makes for a lot more use of the smaller space. Families can store their popcorn under it or use it for storage of cooking spices.
Slide-Out Countertop
This idea just melts our hearts. A slide-out countertop is exactly the solution needed for temporarily converting a small room into one with lots of prep space. It's a creative use that takes some pre-planning but will be one of the highlights of a custom kitchen.
Storage Container Organization
Leftover storage containers often end up in a piling heap of a mess taking up coveted space. With these separation slats, a drawer solution is born and it helps make everything else in the kitchen feel like it's got a home and purpose.
Mail Storage in the Kitchen
We're not sure why, but the kitchen often becomes the catch-all spot for mail and school papers. Instead of having papers here, there, and everywhere, creating a dedicated family command center helps with keeping things neat and easily found.
Pull-Out Trash Bin
Show of hands for those whose garbage bin gets in the way? This pullout cabinet takes care of that and supplies another drawer. A smart way to keep the bin hidden from view but still available when needed, which is often while cooking.
Noodle Board
A noodle board is a clever surface that goes over the sink or stovetop, creating more workspace. It's a brilliant must-have for small kitchens that allows for more work space to bake, cook, or place food down for party time.
Pail Storage for Kitchen Wall
Store fruits and root veggies in hanging pails that have the sweetest rustic appeal. Of course, storing other things in them works just as well, but there's something about adding fruit here that makes it more than functional — it's pretty, too.
Wire Bins on Side of Cabinet
These wire bins are excellent for fruit and vegetable storage and can be affixed to sides or insides of cabinets or doors. It's a smart use of the side of the cabinet that still keeps items out of the way, but makes the most out of smaller spaces.
Wire Holder for Cutting Boards
Imagine all the cutting boards stored together without falling out of the cabinet at the same time! This idea takes solves an age-old problem with ease, allowing them to be accessible when needed, which is every time we go to cook.
Shoe Organizer for Paper Towels
Transform a pantry with a shoe holder. This genius hack holds paper towel rolls individually and makes it an easy decision to purchase the big pack without worrying where to store them all. A smart space-saver that gives the most use of a smaller utility closet.
Water Bottle Storage
A wine rack can double as a water bottle storage! Because all the kids now have at least one of these, they're taking over our kitchens. But, not anymore — we're heading out to buy one of these right now.
Magazine Holder for Foil & Wrap
How perfect that a magazine holder also fits the plastic wraps and foils!? Finally these items have a home that isn't unsightly and they can all fit in the same space.
Clips & Hooks to Store Pantry Items
Making the most of small spaces is what we are all after, and this idea takes the cake. Clips and hooks to hang pantry items the same way we'd hang shirts in a closet? Yes, please.
Rake Holder for Utensils
Suddenly we have the desire to find the coolest (perhaps vintage) rake to recreate this kitchen tool holder. This is a smart way to use kitchen utensils as art on the wall, making the space functional and beautiful.
Cork Board Measuring Cup Storage
Cork boards provide great hanging storage solutions for utensils that can be hung. They can be rearranged easily if storage needs change, thanks to the unfixed hooks inserted into the cork.
Mug Tree
Those short on cabinet space can use a good old-fashioned mug tree on the countertop so as not to sacrifice design. There are some cool-looking cup holders like this one out there — perhaps some vintage finds.
Candy Jars as Pantry Storage
Candy jars aren't just for candy (though candy would be a welcome addition). Store kitchen essentials inside these cool containers, and give cabinets a high-end look at the same time.
Under-Sink Bins
It's not just pots and pans that need organizing in a tiny kitchen; it's also the cleaning supplies that often live under the sink. Tidy them up with bins. Stack them for more space.
Picnic Basket Organization
Some people love the inside of their cabinets to look good, too. Picnic baskets are not only charming and useful to store items, but they can also easily be taken out and used to keep fruit, veggies, bread, and more, or to have an actual picnic.
Peg Board for Coffee Cups
Instead of building more cabinets — whose bulk may overpower a small space — try a peg board. It adds a bit of crafty feel yet is still modern and chic. Plus, it creates enough storage for some often-used essentials.
Jar Storage for Dry Goods
With any storage that is visible, not only do we want function, but we want fashion as well. Removing pasta from boxes and storing it in glass jars is a prettier way to store these dry goods.
Snack Storage for Kitchen Cabinet
Snack boxes can take up a lot of space. Adding simple bins to the cabinet or pantry helps make it easier for the littlest hands to grab their favorite snacks and go, plus it maximizes the space.
Behind-the-Door Shelving for Pantry
We tend to forget all the space that can be utilized on the back of a door. This narrow shelving unit solves a lot of space issues quickly.
Cork Board on Cabinet Door
A cork board is lightweight and can handle measuring cups, favorite recipes, and other kitchen necessities. Storing them inside a cabinet door clears up the space for more bulky items.
Wall Rack for Mugs
Store all the mugs on this vintage-style wall rack. Bonus points if the mugs are as stylish as these because then the space gets utilized while bringing some personality and artistic vision to a smaller space.
Wall Storage & Drying Rack
This small kitchen is so inspiring and makes great use of the space. Super high shelves store items not often used, and even the dish-drying rack is off the counter to allow for more space and less clutter.
