Table of Contents
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
You don’t need a professional organizer to come in and organize your cabinets because you can do everything yourself, as you’ll see with this list.
These solutions are great because they all use easily attainable items to help you organize your kitchen items and make it seem like you have more space than before.
Seriously, it’s like magic. Check out these DIY kitchen organization ideas specifically for cabinets! They will clear the chaos and save you so much time while trying to find specific items.
17 DIY Kitchen Cabinet Organization Hacks
1. Hang Oven Mitts and Hot Pads with Adhesive Hooks
It doesn’t matter what you call command hooks or adhesive hooks because they are awesome, and you need them. While most people like to put their oven mitts and hot pads in drawers, you might find a better use for those spaces. Why not hang them up inside a cabinet where they take up minimal space? This is the perfect solution for a small kitchen.
2. Use Sink Caddies for Storage
A sponge holder can store smaller goods within an organized pantry or cabinets. This works especially well for those seasoning packets, kid snacks, sponges, or any small item. I really like them for lids!
3. Use Stackable Mesh Shelves
The better you utilize vertical space, the better you will get at organizing.
Utilizing stackable mesh shelves can double your storage space. You can find them in all sizes and colors. This is a great way to store things in corner cabinets or taller spaces.
4. Hang Up Trash Rolls
Trash bag rolls are always in a weird place. They might be in the corner of your pantry. They might be in the laundry room. Everybody has their own unique place for storing them, and they are always kept in the box they are packaged in.
This pic shows you an awesome technique for storing your trash bags under your sink and making them easily accessible – like a roll of toilet paper! Just use a couple of hooks and a dowel rod.
5. Vertical Baking Pan Storage
While baking pans are usually thin, they take up much surface area when laid flat.
However, what if you were to stack them vertically? Then they wouldn’t take up as much surface area, and you could probably fit more in a smaller space!
You need to get metal file holders and place the sheets in them. This works just as well for a cookie sheet or tray, leaving you with a more organized kitchen.
6. Mount File Holders Inside Your Cabinet
Back-to-back file holder tips. You can use these file holders or magazine holders to store those pesky aluminum foil, wax paper, and plastic wrap boxes.
Keep items like this within easy reach and out of kitchen drawers, where spoons and utensils need to go.
7. Use a Lazy Susan
What’s the point of taking things out of your cabinet so you can reach the back of it?
Put those items on the spin cycle so you can access whatever you want.
In this awesome tutorial, you can learn how to build your own lazy Susan to easily access several things in your cabinet. Or, you can just grab this little Susie from Amazon.
8. Use a Chalkboard for Measuring Hints
Easily my favorite tip on this list. Did you know they make chalkboard contact paper? Are you for reals right now?! Now this is cool. While having a smartphone is great because it provides easy access to measuring equivalents, what if you didn’t need to try or wipe your hands every time to check them?
And, you can make it even better by adding tiny hooks so it will hold all of the measuring cups and spoons.
9. Use Stackable Clear Containers
Do you like to buy your food in bulk? Or feel like the cereal boxes take up too much room? There is no reason why you need to take up a ton of horizontal space to store your bulk food items or dry goods. Utilize all of your cabinet space with clear food storage containers. It’s a great idea for creating a new system of organization. And everyone loves labels, right?!
10. Install a Pull Spice Rack
You don’t need to push all of your good spices to the back of the cabinet. Instead, get a pull spice rack that will allow you to easily slide your spices in and out of place. If you are doing a kitchen remodel, this is a must! It’s perfect for optimal kitchen organization and saves so much space. The pull-out drawers are convenient, simple to set up, and one of the easiest ways to store your spices.
11. DIY Pull Out Shelves
Man, if you are feeling really crafty and are willing to put in the time, you can make your own pull-out kitchen cabinet shelves with The Navage Patch. These are great for small appliances or items that are a little heavy. You could basically create your own appliance garage and everything is easily accessible!
12. Tiered Cupboard Shelves
I love these. I use them for my cans and some other spices and sauces. It lets you see everything you have so you don’t forget about anything.
13. Magnetic Cabinet Door
Check out this Magnet Board that you can put on the inside of your cupboard. You can use it to put on little jars of spices, metal cooking utensils, or maybe even big awkward silverware.
14. Coat Rack For Cutting Boards
So, this one you can actually hang on the outside of your last kitchen cabinet if you want. I’ve seen lots of people use homemade wall-mounted coat racks just made out of wood to hang their cutting boards on. They always have holes on the end where you can tie a string or twine so you can hang them up.
15. Coat Rack or Hooks For Coffee Mugs
Or, instead of cutting boards, use them underneath the cabinet and hang coffee mugs. That will free up precious kitchen cabinet space if you need extra room.
16. Functional Items As Decor
Another way to take the cutting boards out of your cabinets and drawers is to use them as part of the decor in your kitchen. Find other items that are functional and also pretty that you can pull out from hiding (of course, this only applies if you have the counter space to do so).
17. Over The Door Organizers
Hang an over-the-door organizer under your kitchen sink cabinet door. You can store cleaning sprays, towels, spray bottles, and other supplies that always seem to clutter that area.
How do I organize my kitchen cabinets?
Organizing your kitchen cabinets can be a satisfying task that improves the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you organize your kitchen cabinets effectively:
- Empty and clean: Start by emptying your cabinets and giving them a thorough cleaning. Wipe down the shelves, doors, and handles with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.
- Sort and declutter: Go through all your items and sort them into categories like cookware, bakeware, utensils, dinnerware, glassware, and so on. Get rid of any duplicates, damaged items, or things you no longer use. Donate, recycle, or dispose of these items as appropriate.
- Plan and prioritize: Consider the layout of your kitchen and the frequency of use for each item. Prioritize frequently used items for easy accessibility. Think about the best locations for each category of items. For example, store pots and pans near the stove, and dishes and glassware near the dishwasher or sink.
- Use organizers and dividers: Utilize shelf dividers, lazy Susans, drawer organizers, and other storage solutions to help maximize space and keep items orderly. Adjustable shelves can also be helpful to accommodate items of varying heights.
- Stack and nest items: Maximize space by stacking and nesting items where possible. Stack plates, bowls, and cups, and nest mixing bowls and storage containers.
- Label and categorize: Label shelves or containers to make it easier to find and put away items. This can be especially helpful for items that aren’t used frequently or for large families with multiple users.
- Store items logically: Place heavier items, like pots and pans, on lower shelves for safety and ease of access. Store lighter items, like plastic containers and baking sheets, on higher shelves. Keep items in their designated categories to maintain organization.
- Maintain the organization: Periodically revisit your kitchen organization to ensure it still meets your needs. Make adjustments as needed, and take the time to declutter and clean your cabinets at least once a year.
What are the 10 steps for organizing kitchen cabinets?
1. Empty your cabinets.
2. Sort and declutter items.
3. Clean the cabinets.
4. Measure and plan organization.
5. Select organizers.
6. Organize by frequency of use.
7. Group like items together.
8. Label shelves or containers.
9. Utilize cabinet doors for storage.
10. Maintain the organization periodically.
How do you organize kitchen cabinets that don’t have shelves?
To organize kitchen cabinets without shelves, use stackable containers, bins, and baskets to create vertical storage. Implement drawer dividers, lazy Susans, or tension rods to keep items separated and accessible. Prioritize frequently-used items at the front, and consider adding hooks or magnetic strips to cabinet doors for additional storage.
How to organize kitchen cabinets without pantry?
To organize kitchen cabinets without a pantry, categorize items by type or frequency of use. Use shelf dividers, stackable containers, and lazy Susans for efficient storage. Prioritize frequently used items at eye level, store heavy items lower, and use top shelves for seldom-used items. Label containers and shelves for easy identification and maintain order by returning items to their designated spots.
What should not be stored in kitchen cabinets?
Avoid storing hazardous materials, chemicals, or cleaning supplies in kitchen cabinets to prevent contamination. Keep perishable items like fresh produce and bread out of cabinets for proper air circulation. Don’t store flammable items near heat sources or appliances. Also, avoid storing heavy or bulky items on high shelves to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure cabinet stability.
How do you decide where to put things in kitchen cabinets?
To decide where to put things in kitchen cabinets, first categorize your items. Place frequently used items at eye level, store heavy items on lower shelves, group like items together, and utilize vertical space wisely. Consider using organizational tools like shelf risers, lazy Susans, and door racks for optimal efficiency and accessibility.
How do I add more shelves to my kitchen cabinets?
To add more shelves to your kitchen cabinets, measure the cabinet’s interior dimensions and purchase or cut plywood or melamine shelves to fit. Use shelf brackets or adjustable shelf pegs for support. Alternatively, use shelf risers or tension rods to create additional storage space without permanently altering your cabinets, making it a suitable solution for renters or temporary needs.