How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro

A well-organized kitchen makes cooking easier and keeps everything within reach. Whether your kitchen is large or small, organizing your cabinets can help you find things quickly and use your space better. A clutter-free kitchen saves time and reduces stress.

Custom cabinets make it even easier to create the perfect storage system. When cabinets are designed for your needs, you won’t need extra organizers or makeshift storage solutions. Quality Custom Cabinetry helps homeowners create kitchens that are both stylish and functional.

Step 1: Declutter Before You Organize

Before organizing your kitchen cabinets, take everything out. This will help you see what you have and get rid of things you don’t need. Decluttering makes it easier to organize because you won’t be storing unnecessary items.

Why Decluttering is Important

• It clears up cabinet space for the things you use regularly
• It helps you keep track of what you have so you don’t buy duplicates
• It makes your kitchen look cleaner and more organized

Decluttering Steps

1. Empty your cabinets – Take everything out and place it on the counter
2. Sort your items – Put similar items together, such as plates, glasses, and dry goods
3. Get rid of what you don’t need – Throw away expired food, donate extra dishes, and remove anything that is broken
4. Wipe down your cabinets – Clean the inside of your cabinets before putting things back
5. Group items by use – Store baking supplies together, keep cooking oils near the stove, and organize snacks in one area
6. Assess your storage needs – If items don’t fit well, consider custom cabinetry solutions designed for your space

Sustainable Disposal Options

• Donate gently used kitchenware to charities or shelters
• Recycle glass jars, plastic containers, and old packaging
• Repurpose old kitchen items for storage or crafts

Quick Tips for Organizing: If you haven’t used an item in over a year, consider donating it.

Step 2: Work with a Designer to Customize Your Storage

Instead of using store-bought organizers, consider custom cabinets designed just for you. A kitchen designer can create storage solutions that fit your lifestyle and cooking habits. Custom cabinets maximize space and improve organization without cluttering your kitchen with extra bins and shelves.

Benefits of Custom Cabinets

• Built-in storage means you don’t need extra shelves or racks
• Tailored design fits your kitchen’s exact layout
• Durability ensures cabinets last longer than temporary storage solutions
• Better organization keeps everything in its place and makes cooking easier

Custom Cabinet Storage Solutions

• Deep drawers for pots, pans, and mixing bowls
• Pull-out shelves for easy access to items in the back
• Vertical dividers for baking sheets and cutting boards
• Built-in spice racks to keep seasonings organized
• Hidden compartments for small appliances, keeping countertops clutter-free
• Adjustable shelving to accommodate changing storage needs

Quick Tips for Organizing: Talk to a designer about your cooking habits to create a storage system that works best for you

Step 3: Maximize Cabinet Space with Thoughtful Design

Custom kitchen cabinets allow you to use every inch of space in your kitchen. With smart design choices, you can store everything neatly and access items quickly.

Smart Cabinet Features

• Adjustable shelves to fit different-sized items
• Corner cabinet pull-outs to avoid wasted space
• Soft-close drawers to keep your kitchen quiet
• Built-in lighting to improve visibility inside cabinets
• Lazy Susans for storing condiments, oils, and sauces
• Appliance garages to keep coffee makers, toasters, and blenders hidden but accessible

Organizing Inside Cabinets

• Use stackable plates and bowls to save space
• Keep frequently used items in lower cabinets for easy reach
• Store seasonal or rarely used items in higher cabinets
• Install drawer dividers to separate utensils, gadgets, and cutlery

Quick Tips for Organizing: If you have deep cabinets, pull-out shelves make it easier to reach things at the back.

Step 4: Organize by Cabinet Type

Upper Cabinets: Everyday Essentials

Upper cabinets should store items you use often, such as plates, glasses, and mugs. Custom shelving solutions can ensure that your dishware fits perfectly, reducing wasted space.

Lower Cabinets: Heavy and Bulky Items

Store pots, pans, and small appliances in lower cabinets. Custom pull-out drawers make it easier to access these heavier items without bending or reaching too far.

Under the Kitchen Sink: Smart Storage

The space under the kitchen sink is great for storing cleaning supplies and dish soap. Custom cabinetry can include pull-out racks and built-in organizers to keep everything tidy.

Pantry Organization

• Use labeled containers for dry goods food storage such as flour, rice, and cereal
• Add pull-out shelves to reach canned goods and spices easily
• Store snacks and frequently used items at eye level
• Designate sections for grains, snacks, and condiments to make meal prep easier
• Install hooks inside the pantry door for hanging lightweight items like measuring cups

Quick Tips for Organizing: Store baking ingredients together in one section for quick access when cooking

Step 5: Utilize Cabinet Doors for Extra Storage

Cabinet doors provide extra storage when designed properly. Custom-built solutions allow you to make use of this often-overlooked space.

Custom Cabinet Door Storage Options

• Knife racks to safely store sharp tools
• Built-in spice shelves for easy access to seasonings
• Hanging racks for lids and cutting boards
• Chalkboard or whiteboard panels for writing grocery lists or meal plans
• Mounted utensil holders to free up drawer space
• Pull-out towel racks for dish towels and hand towels

Quick Tips for Organizing: Keep measuring cups on hooks inside a cabinet door to save drawer space.

Step 6: Maintain Your Custom Organization System

Once your kitchen is organized, keeping it that way is simple. Regularly review your cabinets and adjust as needed.

Easy Maintenance Tips

• Declutter seasonally to remove unused items
• Adjust shelves to accommodate new kitchen tools
• Use labels to help family members put things back in their proper place
• Schedule a cabinetry check-up to ensure everything is in top condition
• Rotate pantry stock so older food items are used first
• Keep a donation bin nearby for kitchen items you no longer need

Quick Tips for Organizing: Set a reminder every three months to reorganize and declutter your kitchen

Ready to Elevate Your Kitchen Organization?

At Quality Custom Cabinetry, we create kitchens that are as beautiful as they are functional. Our designers work with you to build custom cabinets that fit your space, with cabinet organization ideas that make the organization effortless. With tailored storage spaces, you can keep your kitchen tidy and clutter-free for years to come.