Kitchen Organization Ideas: How to Organize Your Kitchen

An organized kitchen not only looks and feels cleaner, but it's safer and more efficient too.

1. 1. Take inventory. Before you embark on your kitchen organization project, take an inventory of outdated kitchen gadgets, canned goods, and appliances that you no longer use. Recycle or donate old items.
2. 2. Clean up. Once you've decluttered, deep-clean your kitchen so that you can start with a clean slate.
3. 3. Identify your trouble areas. Consider whether your kitchen cabinets need the most organizing, if your pantry could use a clean-up, or if it’s your refrigerator causing the most disarray. Identifying problem areas will help you narrow your focus and act accordingly with the following tips. With a little determination and the right kitchen storage ideas, you'll be well on your way to having a space that is organized, clean, and functional.

No matter the size of your kitchen, there are plenty of kitchen organization ideas to help you declutter and maximize your kitchen storage. Consider a few ideas to help you tackle kitchen cabinet organization.

1. 1. Make the space under the sink efficient. Storing your cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink is a great idea, but it can be difficult to keep organized. One simple hack for freeing up more cabinet space is to install a tension curtain rod for hanging spray bottles. This will make more room for detergents and cleaners to be kept in plastic bins on the bottom of the cabinet. Another great way to add extra storage is to mount a caddy on the back of the cabinet door. This will give you easy access to commonly used items like sponges, dish rags, and scrubber brushes.
2. 2. Maximize vertical space. Large kitchen cabinets often contain unused vertical space on their sides. This is the perfect place for storing cutting boards and baking sheets.
3. 3. Declutter kitchen drawers. Kitchen drawer organizers are for more than separating silverware. Drawer dividers are the perfect way to keep linens, food storage containers, and cooking utensils in their rightful place. Dividers are especially helpful for junk drawers that tend to get cluttered and make items difficult to find.
4. 4. Optimize your kitchen pantry. There are many storage solutions on the market specifically designed for pantry organization. For example, turntables (also known as lazy Susans) make finding oils, vinegars, and condiments a breeze, while shelf risers are the perfect storage idea for keeping a spice rack organized in a small space. Plastic bag dispensers keep grocery bags and trash bags contained until needed. A paper towel holder on the inside of your pantry door makes for convenient clean-up, and labeled food canisters mean never second-guessing which dry good you're reaching for again. If you have a small kitchen without a pantry, consider a DIY solution using the pegboard pantry hack. Hang a pegboard on an open wall and affix shelves for storing dry goods and kitchen miscellany.
5. 5. Consider purchasing storage bins. Place canned goods in removable storage bins so that they're easy to pull out when you need them. This will also prevent items from falling down or getting lost in those awkward corner cabinets.
6. 6. Maximize wall space with open shelving. Free up counter space by installing a shelf for storing cookbooks and kitchen gadgets.
7. 7. Install a hanging pot rack. A hanging pot rack is one of the best ways to organize cookware. Non-stick pots and pans will scratch when stacked together in a cabinet or drawer. Not only will a pot rack help extend the life of your cookware, but it will also increase storage space in your cabinets.
8. 8. Install a magnetic knife strip. Knife blocks take up prime countertop real estate. Instead, install a magnetic knife strip on the wall beneath your upper cabinets. This will keep your cutlery secure and give you more room for cooking. If you have small children, consider installing the magnetic knife strip on the inside of your cabinet door.

Consider some tips for keeping your fridge organized.

1. 1. Invest in stackable storage. Use clear plastic stackable storage bins for drinks, snacks, and produce. One helpful hack is to remove the packaging from fresh foods and label the bins with what's inside. This will save you space and save time when you're ready to get cooking.
2. 2. Separate your fruits and veggies. Most refrigerators come with two crisper drawers. These are designed to keep your food fresh for longer. One smart way to keep the fridge organized is to use one drawer for fruits and the other for veggies.
3. 3. Keep perishables visible. If you’re tired of food going to waste, keep perishable items like produce, dairy, and meats front and center.

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