How to Organize Kitchen Effectively (In 7 Simple Steps)

An unorganized kitchen has dishes piled up, spices hidden in random spots, and expired foods cluttering shelves. Cooking or cleaning takes forever because you can’t find what you need. However, everything can change with an organized kitchen. It makes cooking easier and cleanup faster.

So, how do you organize a kitchen? Start by decluttering unused items, then group similar tools (e.g., cooking, baking, cleaning) and store them where they’re used most (like spices near the stove). Use shelves, bins, and labels to maximize space, create zones for tasks (prep, cooking), and keep items accessible.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to organize kitchen in 7 easy steps. We’ll show you how to tidy shelves, group items by their job (like cooking or cleaning), and use smart spots to store things. 

Questions to Ask Before Organizing

Before organizing your kitchen, take a moment to think about how you can use it. Ask yourself some common questions to make your process more effective: 

What is the most frequently used area in your kitchen? It could be your countertop, stove, or snack shelf. Knowing this information helps you prioritize storage and placement. 

Who uses the kitchen regularly? Think of the needs of family members, roommates, or kids (like child-friendly storage or shared appliance access).

What problem areas frustrate you daily? You might want to organize messy drawers, expired snacks, or cluttered counters first for quick wins.

What tasks do you want to simplify? Whether it’s meal prep, baking, or clean up, organize spaces for these tasks first (e.g., group baking tools near the oven). 

Do you have storage limitations or goals? If you have small cabinets or want open shelves, plan solutions like vertical storage or under-shelf bins to maximize space.

Answering these questions will help you prioritize the problem areas and help you organize the kitchen. You can avoid mess and create an organized space that works for you. 

How to Organize Kitchen Effectively: 7 Simple Steps 

Your kitchen is the most used space in your home, but it can quickly become a mess if not organized properly. Follow these 7 steps to easily transform your messy kitchen into a well-organized space.

Step 1: Declutter Everything First

Start organizing your kitchen by taking everything out of cabinets, drawers, and counters. This means pulling out everything from pots, pans, spices, dishes, and snacks. Once everything is out, sort them into three piles: things to keep, donate, or throw away.

Keep only what you use regularly. Ask yourself: When was the last time I used this? If an item hasn’t been touched in months, consider letting it go. For example, you might have a blender collecting dust or a set of fancy dishes from a gift for months.

Keep everyday essentials that you use daily, like your favorite coffee mug, everyday plates, or a knife.

Donate what you no longer need. Broken items, expired food (check dates on spices and canned goods), or duplicates (do you really need five ladles?) should go. Pack donations into boxes right away so you don’t re-clutter your kitchen.

Trash or recycle broken dishes, old takeout containers, or single-use plastics. This step might feel tough, but it’s the foundation of a functional, stress-free kitchen.

Step 2: Group Items by Task or Use

After decluttering, the next step is to organize items based on their use. This makes cooking, eating, and cleaning faster because everything you need for a task lives in one spot.

Cooking Tools

Cooking tools like pots, pans, spices, and knives go together. For example, store all your frying pans in one cabinet and keep spices on a rack near the stove. Group baking supplies (mixing bowls, measuring cups) in another spot.

This way, you’ll never waste time hunting for a spoon or a grater when making dinner. Common cooking tools to organize: 

• Pots and pans

• Spatulas, spoons, and ladles

• Spices (salt, pepper, herbs)

• Knives and cutting boards

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Baking sheets and mixing bowls

 

Eating essentials: should be grouped in their area. Stack plates and bowls in cabinets near the dishwasher, and store cups where it’s easy to grab them for morning coffee.

If you have kids, keep their cups and snacks on lower shelves for easy access. Common eating essentials to organize:

• Plates, bowls, and cups

• Forks, knives, and spoons

• Mugs and coffee/tea accessories

• Snack containers (for leftovers or takeout)

• Napkins or paper towels

 

Cleaning Supplies: There are lots of cleaning supplies like sponges, scrubbers, trash bags and dish soap belong in a single zone. A drawer or under-sink cabinet works best. This way, wiping counters or emptying the trash won’t involve a scavenger hunt for the right tool. Common cleaning supplies to organize: 

• Sponge or scrubber

• Dish soap and hand soap

• Trash bags and recycling bins

• Microfiber cloths or sponges

• Swedish dishcloths (for drying counters or wiping spills).

 

Pro tip: You should try Swedish dishcloth to replace single-use paper towels. Store them in a labeled bin or hook near the sink for quick access. It helps everyone in your household know where to find and put back supplies they need. 

Step 3: Create Zones for Kitchen Areas

Divide your space into zones for prep, cooking, and storage. This cuts down on walking back and forth to make every task faster. Start by imagining your kitchen as three main areas:

First, create a prep zone near your counter. Here, you’ll chop veggies, mix ingredients, or assemble sandwiches. Keep everything you need for meal prep here, like cutting boards, mixing bowls, measuring cups, knives, and a colander. Store these items in a drawer or shelf close to your counter so you can grab them instantly.

Next, set up a cooking zone near the stove. This holds tools you’ll use while cooking, such as pots, frying pans, an oven mitt, spices, and a can opener. Hang pots from a rack above the stove to save cabinet space. Also, keep spices in a magnetic strip or rack nearby so you can sprinkle them easily.

Finally, reserve a storage zone for rarely used items. Use upper shelves or the pantry for things you only use once a year. This can be the holiday dishes, extra canned goods, or baking supplies. Store these in clear bins or labeled containers so you can spot what you need. A lazy Susan in the pantry helps rotate snacks and keeps older items visible.

Why This Works: Zones turn your kitchen into a “work triangle” (refrigerator, sink, stove) that flows logically. For example, prep veggies at the counter, cook them on the stove and toss scraps into the trash by the sink. Try this step, and cooking will feel like a breeze.

Step 4: Maximize Vertical Space

Most kitchens waste vertical room, but shelves, hooks, and clever storage can turn empty spots into useful space. Start by adding floating shelves above counters for cookbooks or small appliances.

Hang pots and pans from a rack under upper cabinets, so they’re easy to reach without digging through drawers. Over-the-door hooks are magic for storing dish towels, aprons, or even reusable grocery bags.

Stackable containers are a lifesaver for upper shelves. Use them to store snacks like cereal or chips so they stack neatly without falling over.

Tall bins in the pantry can hold bulky items like paper towels or seasonal dishes. It keeps lower shelves clear for daily essentials. Even the back of cabinet doors can hold spice racks or magnetic knife strips.  

Step 5: Store Items Where They’re Used 

Store items where you actually use them, and you’ll never waste time searching for essentials again. Start by placing spices and oils near the stove so you can grab them while cooking.

Keep dishes and glasses close to the dishwasher or sink. These tiny changes can make putting them away easier.

Appliances like spatulas or tongs should be kept near the cooktop so they’re ready when you need them.

Snacks can be stored on a low shelf near where your family eats, like the kitchen island. 

A jar of coffee beans goes next to the coffee maker, and baking supplies live near the oven.

Pro Tip: Use a Lazy Susan in hard-to-reach corners (like a corner pantry) to rotate items so nothing gets lost in the back. 

Step 6: Use Organizers for Small Items

Tiny items like rubber bands, bottle caps, or loose spices can turn drawers into a junk drawer fast. Using organizers can help you tame the tiny stuff.

Start with drawer dividers for silverware. These plastic or metal separators keep forks, knives, and spoons in their spots. This way, you won’t need to search through the metal forest every morning.

Use small bins or baskets to corral rubber bands and wrist ties. You can also use plastic wrap for pantry or cabinet chaos. Stick a label on the bin (like “plastic wrap” or “baking extras”) so everyone knows what’s what. Clear jars are great for storing spices or baking supplies.

Just pour them into glass containers so you can see instead of searching through a dark cabinet.

Pro Tip: Over-the-door hooks or shelves can hold organizers, too. Just hang a rack on the back of a cabinet door for foil, parchment paper, or even kids’ snacks. 

Step 7: Label and Face Items Forward

Write names on shelves, containers, or bins so everyone knows exactly where things go. For example, you could tape a “snacks” sign on a pantry shelf, label a bin “baking tools,” or jot “olive oil” on a jar. Labeling prevents the need to open five cabinets to find what you need.

Another awesome way to keep things organized is by facing them forward. Store cereal boxes, jars, and cans so their labels face outward, just like in grocery stores. So, you don’t need to dig though tiny words on the side of a soup can.

Stack plates and pans vertically so you can see all of them instead of a tower of mystery dishes.

Tips for Keeping Your Kitchen Organized

After organizing the kitchen, it’s important to keep it organized so you don’t end up with a messy kitchen like before. Here are some easy tips to keep things tidy:

First, wipe counters and put dishes in the sink while you’re cooking. It’s faster than cleaning up later, and your kitchen stays usable for the next task.

Another tip is to move older items to the front of shelves so you use them first. This stops snacks from expiring in the back and keeps your pantry fresh.

Use lazy susans to place a rotating tray in deep cabinets or pantries This will allow you to see and reach everything, even if it’s in the corner.

Seasonal storage swaps are also great for keeping dishes organized. Store holiday dishes or summer grilling tools in upper cabinets during off-seasons. This keeps your everyday essentials front and center.

Lastly, do a weekly 10-minute tidy. Set a timer for 10 minutes each weekend to straighten shelves and toss expired items. It’s a tiny effort with a significant result.

Common Frequently Asked Questions

Organizing your kitchen can make cooking and cleaning faster and easier. Here are some common questions and answers related to kitchen organization for making your organization process smoother. 

How do I organize pet food and supplies in the kitchen?

Use a dedicated cabinet or bin labeled “Pet Supplies.” Store bowls, treats, and bags of food together. Place the bin on a lower shelf or use a lazy Susan in the pantry for easy access. Keep a small trash bag holder nearby for cleanup.  

How do I organize a kitchen with no counter space? 

Use wall-mounted racks for pots, magnetic knife strips, and drawer organizers for utensils. Store rarely used items (like baking supplies) in upper cabinets. Keep only essentials (coffee maker, toaster) on the counter. 

How do I organize a shared kitchen in an apartment or dorm?  

Use labeled bins for each person’s snacks and dishes. Keep communal items (like spices) in a central zone. Agree on rules, like “return items to their spot after use.” Over-the-door racks can divide personal supplies.  

What if my kitchen has an awkward nook or unused space?

Turn it into a “miscellaneous zone” for small appliances or snacks. Use a rolling cart for items you rarely use. A pegboard on the wall can hold tools like can openers or oven mitts.

Final Words

How to organize kitchen? You’ve got this. Follow these 7 simple steps to declutter, group items by task, and use smart storage.

Remember: spices near the stove, dishes by the sink, and labels on shelves make cooking and cleaning easier. An organized kitchen means less time searching for utensils and more time for baking cookies or eating snacks.

Ready to try? Grab a trash bag and start decluttering. Your future self will thank you for a kitchen that works like a dream.