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Where to Put Things in Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers: Expert Tips
If your kitchen feels messy or you can’t find what you need, this article will help. We’ll show you simple ways to arrange your stuff so cooking is fun and stress-free. With simple steps and easy tips, you’ll turn your kitchen into a neat, happy space. Whether you have a big or small kitchen, these ideas work for everyone. Let’s dive in and make your kitchen organized and awesome!
Planning Your Kitchen Storage for Maximum Space
Before you start putting things in cabinets and drawers, make a plan. A good plan saves time and keeps your kitchen tidy. Think about how you use your kitchen every day. Do you cook a lot? Do you need quick access to certain tools? Planning helps you decide where everything should go.
Assess Your Kitchen Needs
First, look at what you have in your kitchen. Take everything out of your cabinets and drawers. Yes, everything! This helps you see what you own. Group similar items together, like pots, plates, and utensils. Throw away or donate things you don’t use, like old pans or chipped mugs. Ask yourself: “Do I use this?” If not, let it go. This step makes sure you only keep what you need, leaving more space for important stuff.
Next, think about your cooking habits. If you bake a lot, keep baking tools like measuring cups near your work area. If you make smoothies daily, store the blender in an easy spot. Knowing your habits helps you decide what goes where. For example, everyday items should be in easy-to-reach places, while things you use less often can go higher up or in back corners.
Measure Your Cabinets and Drawers
Now, measure your cabinets and drawers. This sounds boring, but it’s super helpful. Use a tape measure to check the height, width, and depth of each space. Write it down. This helps you know what fits where. For example, tall cereal boxes might not fit in short cabinets, but they could work in a deep drawer. If you have small items like spices, think about using organizers to keep them neat.
Also, check for wasted space. Sometimes cabinets have high shelves that leave empty gaps. You can add stackable shelves or baskets to use that space better. Drawers can hold dividers to keep forks and spoons separate. Measuring helps you buy the right organizers and avoid clutter.
Create Storage Zones
Think of your kitchen like a map with zones. Each zone is for a specific task, like cooking, baking, or cleaning. For example, keep pots and pans near the stove for easy cooking. Store plates and bowls near the dishwasher or sink for quick unloading. This makes your kitchen flow smoothly.
Make a list of your zones and what goes in each one. For example:
- Cooking zone: Pots, pans, spatulas, and oils.
- Baking zone: Mixing bowls, flour, and baking sheets.
- Cleaning zone: Sponges, dish soap, and trash bags.
Put everyday items in lower cabinets or drawers for easy access. Less-used items, like holiday platters, can go in higher cabinets. Planning zones keeps your kitchen organized and saves you time when cooking.
Storing Everyday Items for Easy Access
Now that you have a plan, let’s talk about storing everyday items. These are things you use all the time, like plates, glasses, and spoons. You want them in spots that are easy to reach so you’re not stretching or digging around.
Organize Plates, Bowls, and Glasses
Start with your dishes. Plates and bowls go in lower cabinets near the dishwasher or dining area. This makes it easy to put them away or grab them for meals. Stack them neatly by size—big plates on the bottom, smaller ones on top. If you have kids, put their plastic plates in a low drawer so they can help themselves.
Glasses and mugs should also be easy to reach. A lower cabinet near the sink or fridge works great. If you have too many glasses, keep only what you use daily and store extras higher up. Use shelf risers to double your space if your cabinet is tall. This lets you stack glasses without them tipping over.
Arrange Utensils and Cutlery
Utensils like forks, spoons, and knives belong in drawers near the dining area or dishwasher. Use drawer dividers to keep them separate and neat. Nobody likes digging through a messy drawer for a spoon! Put everyday utensils in the front of the drawer and less-used ones, like serving spoons, in the back.
For cooking tools like spatulas and whisks, use a drawer near the stove. If you don’t have drawer space, try a countertop canister for your most-used tools. Keep only a few in the canister to avoid clutter. Store extra tools in a drawer or cabinet to keep your counter clean.
Keep Food Storage Containers Handy
Food storage containers can be tricky to organize. Match lids to containers and toss any without a pair. Store them in a deep drawer or lower cabinet near the fridge. Stack containers by size to save space. Keep lids in a separate basket or divider so they’re easy to find. If you use containers daily, put them in an easy spot. Extras can go in a higher cabinet.
This setup makes grabbing everyday items quick and keeps your kitchen functional. You’ll love how easy it is to find what you need!
Keeping Food and Spices Organized
Food and spices can make or break your kitchen’s organization. If cans and jars are scattered, it’s hard to cook. Let’s make your pantry and spice storage simple and neat.
Organize Your Pantry Items
Start with pantry items like canned goods, pasta, and snacks. Group them by type—cans together, boxes together, and so on. Use clear bins or baskets to hold small items like sauce packets or snack bars. Label the bins so you know what’s inside. This keeps everything visible and tidy.
Put heavy items, like canned soups, on lower shelves to avoid accidents. Lighter items, like cereal, can go higher. If your pantry is small, use stackable shelves or a lazy Susan to fit more. Keep everyday foods, like breakfast items, at eye level for quick access. Less-used items, like bulk rice, can go in back corners.
Check expiration dates and toss anything old. Rotate items so older ones are in front and get used first. This saves money and keeps your pantry fresh.
Store Spices for Easy Cooking
Spices are small but can create big messes. Store them near the stove for easy cooking. A shallow drawer is perfect—lay spice jars flat so you can see labels. Use a drawer organizer to keep them in rows. If you don’t have drawer space, try a cabinet shelf with a tiered spice rack. This lets you see every jar without digging.
Only keep spices you use. Toss old ones—they lose flavor over time. Group spices by type, like baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) and cooking spices (paprika, cumin). If you have duplicates, combine them into one jar. Label jars clearly to avoid mistakes while cooking.
For extra organization, use matching spice jars with labels. This looks nice and makes finding spices faster. A well-organized spice setup saves time and makes cooking fun.
Store Snacks and Kids’ Items
If you have kids, keep their snacks in a low cabinet or drawer. Use a basket to hold granola bars, fruit snacks, or crackers. This lets kids grab their own snacks without making a mess. For adults’ snacks, use a higher shelf or bin to keep them separate.
If you buy in bulk, store extras in a less-accessible spot, like a high cabinet. Only keep a small amount in your main pantry for daily use. This prevents clutter and keeps your pantry neat.
Storing Pots, Pans, and Appliances Neatly
Pots, pans, and appliances can take up a lot of space. Storing them neatly makes cooking easier and keeps your kitchen looking great. Let’s tackle these bulky items.
Organize Pots and Pans
Store pots and pans near the stove for easy cooking. A deep lower cabinet works best. Stack them by size—big pots on the bottom, smaller ones on top. If you have lids, store them separately in a drawer or use a lid rack inside the cabinet door. This saves space and keeps lids handy.
If your cabinets are small, use a pot rack to hang pots and pans. This looks cool and frees up cabinet space. Just make sure the rack is sturdy and easy to reach. For less-used pots, like a roasting pan, store them in a higher cabinet or even under the oven if there’s space.
Store Small Appliances
Small appliances, like blenders or toasters, can clutter counters. Only keep appliances you use daily on the counter. Store others in a lower cabinet near an outlet for easy access. For example, if you make coffee every morning, keep the coffee maker out. But a waffle maker you use once a month can go in a cabinet.
Use appliance cords to keep things tidy. Wrap cords neatly or use cord organizers to avoid tangles. If you have a big appliance, like a stand mixer, store it in a corner cabinet with a pull-out shelf for easy access. This keeps your counters clear and your kitchen looking neat.
Use Vertical Space for Baking Sheets
Baking sheets, cutting boards, and trays are flat and tricky to store. Use a vertical organizer in a cabinet to keep them upright. This saves space and makes grabbing one easy. Store them near the oven for baking convenience. If you don’t have an organizer, lean them against the cabinet wall in a narrow space.
For extra organization, group similar items together. Keep cookie sheets with baking trays and cutting boards with pizza pans. This makes finding what you need faster and keeps your cabinets tidy.
I hope this article helped you organize your kitchen cabinets and drawers! With these simple tips, your kitchen will feel neat, functional, and fun to use. Start small, plan your zones, and keep everyday items handy. Soon, cooking will be a breeze. Enjoy your tidy kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to store food in plastic containers?
Yes, storing food in plastic containers is fine if they’re food-safe and BPA-free. Check that containers have tight lids to keep food fresh. Store them in a cool, dry cabinet away from heat sources like the stove. Clean containers regularly to avoid odors. If you’re worried about plastic, glass containers are a great alternative. They’re durable, don’t stain, and are safe for the microwave or freezer. Always label containers with dates to track freshness and avoid spoilage.
Can I store cleaning supplies in kitchen cabinets?
You can store cleaning supplies in kitchen cabinets, but be careful. Keep them in a high or locked cabinet, especially if you have kids or pets. Use a basket to hold sponges, soaps, and sprays so they don’t spill. Store them away from food and dishes to avoid contamination. A cabinet under the sink works well if it’s sealed and dry. Check for leaks to prevent damage. If space is tight, use a caddy to move supplies easily.
Do I need to label everything in my kitchen?
Labeling isn’t a must, but it helps a lot. Labels make it easy to find spices, pantry items, or containers, especially in a busy kitchen. Use simple labels for bins, jars, or baskets to keep things clear. If you share the kitchen, labels help everyone know where things go. You don’t need to label obvious items like plates. Use removable labels for flexibility. Labeling saves time and keeps your kitchen neat, but skip it if you prefer a simpler look.
Is it safe to store heavy items in high cabinets?
Storing heavy items in high cabinets can be risky. Heavy pots or appliances could fall and cause injury. If you must use high cabinets, place heavy items on the lowest shelf and secure them with a cabinet lock. Use lower cabinets or drawers for heavy stuff whenever possible. If you’re short, avoid high shelves altogether—use a step stool for safety. Check that cabinets are sturdy and not wobbly. Safety comes first, so keep heavy items low and accessible.
Can I store appliances on top of cabinets?
Yes, you can store appliances on top of cabinets if you’re short on space. Use this spot for rarely used items, like a popcorn maker or holiday roaster. Dust can collect up there, so cover appliances with a cloth or store them in boxes. Make sure the cabinets are strong enough to hold the weight. Use a sturdy step stool to reach them safely. If you have kids, avoid this spot—they might climb. Keep it tidy to avoid a cluttered look.
Do I need to organize my kitchen every week?
You don’t need to organize your kitchen weekly, but a quick check helps. Spend 10 minutes every week to tidy drawers or wipe down shelves. This prevents messes from piling up. Do a deep organization every few months—check for expired food, rearrange items, or toss broken tools. If your kitchen gets messy fast, set a monthly tidy-up day. Small habits, like putting things back right away, keep your kitchen neat without needing a big weekly overhaul.
Is it okay to mix different types of items in one drawer?
Mixing items in one drawer is okay if you use dividers or organizers. For example, you can keep utensils and small gadgets in the same drawer if they’re separated by sections. Without dividers, it gets messy fast. Group similar items together, like all spoons in one spot. If you mix items, make sure the drawer isn’t too full—it’s harder to find things. For a neat kitchen, try to dedicate drawers to one type of item, like cutlery or cooking tools.
Can I use baskets for everything in my cabinets?
Baskets are great for organizing, but don’t use them for everything. They’re perfect for pantry items, snacks, or small tools, keeping things tidy and easy to grab. However, heavy items like pots or stacks of plates are better on shelves—they’re too bulky for baskets. Use baskets for light, loose items like spices or cleaning supplies. Make sure baskets fit your cabinet size to avoid wasted space. Mix baskets with shelves or racks for a balanced setup that keeps your kitchen functional and neat. Discover simple tips to organize your kitchen cabinets and drawers! This ultimate guide makes cooking easy with neat storage ideas for every kitchen.
