How to Organize a Kitchen - Cabinets
Organizing a kitchen can be a big task. Break it down into sections to make it more manageable.
If you don't have a lot of time but need to get your kitchen organized it's much easier if you do it section by section. There are 4 sections to focus on: drawers, cabinets, under the sink, and the fridge/freezer. We are going to focus on the cabinets in this article. Let's get started.
1. Empty all cabinets & create groups.
As you empty each cabinet put the items into groups. Use your counter or even your floor to create your groups. Common groups: dishes, pots & pans, baking, mixing bowls, appliances etc.
2. Time to purge.
Look over every group and every single item and make some decisions. Will you keep it, throw it away, donate it or rehome it?
- Throw away any broken items.
- Test the appliances to make sure they work. If they don't, trash them.
- Donate duplicate items if you do not routinely use them.
- Donate anything you no longer need, never use, or don't like.
- If an item does not belong in a kitchen cabinet, rehome it.
4. Gather organizers.
I really do not use a lot of organizers in the cabinets as things tend to be big and bulky. Many things are meant to be stacked like plates, bowls, cups, pots etc. Sometimes there are a couple groups that do need baskets. I recommend our Classic Market Baskets.
4. Consider the layout.
Lower cabinets are usually much deeper than upper. Do you have more of one type?
Lower cabinets tend to be best for: pots, pans, baking sheets, large appliances ( ex. crock pots), and large food storage containers. Upper cabinets tend to be best for: plates, bowls, cups & mugs, mixing bowls, and small appliances (ex. waffle makers & toasters).
Look around at where your appliances are. If your coffee pot is on the counter, designate a cabinet near it for mugs. If your fridge has a built in water & ice dispenser designate a cabinet near it for your cups & glasses.
4. Start filling.
Make sure you are keeping everything in their groups as you refill your cabinets.
The things that you use the most are the things that should be easiest to reach. If your everyday dishes are in an upper cabinet put them on the bottom shelf. If they are in a lower put them on the top shelf. Put things you rarely use, like seasonal items, on the very top shelves.
4. Finishing up.
Label any bin or basket used. If your cabinets are full but you still have more items, DO NOT keep stuffing and overfill the cabinets. Do another round of purging. Remember, typically we only use 20% of everything we own.
Find items that are rarely used but you want to keep. Consider putting them in another container and find a home for that container. Possibly in a pantry or storage room.
Give yourself a time limit for those items. Like if you have not used them in a year you will donate them.
Your cabinets should now be in top shape. You know where everything is and everything is in a place that makes sense. Congrats!
You are now ready to organize another section of your kitchen!
If you are needing a complete kitchen organizing solution check out our kitchen organizing packs.
This post is part of the kitchen organizing series: drawers, cabinets, under the sink, and the fridge/freezer.
Happy organizing!
