25 Kitchen Organization and Storage Tips

Streamline Pantry Ingredients

Store regularly used ingredients like flour and sugar in coordinating clear glass containers, then put the containers on open shelves near the cooking area for easy access. Corral small baking supplies like cookie cutters, cupcake holders, and sprinkles in baskets or nearby drawers.

Add a Storage-Packed Island

See how to turn a ready-to-assemble island into a storage dream.

Try a Pull-Out Pantry

Make the most of the snug space between studs with a pull-out storage unit. At just over 6 inches wide, this slim pantry is perfect for storing dry goods, canned items and everything else you need on hand and within reach.

• Top Pantry Design Ideas

Create Order Under the Sink

Freshen up the cabinet beneath your sink with some quick and easy storage additions. Line the bottom of the cabinet with pretty contact paper, then use clear containers to hold cleaning supplies like sponges, brushes, and dishwasher tablets. Tension rods are a great way to hang bottles and sprays.

Conquer a Cluttered Kitchen Sink

Maximize the storage space under your kitchen sink with these clever organization tips and tricks.

Make a Cookbook Library

Carve out a niche for cookbooks in a sliver of space next to a refrigerator or at the end of your island. Organize cookbooks by category on each shelf, creating sections for the type of cuisine or part of a meal (dinner, dessert, etc.).

Set Up An Appliance Garage

Move an outlet inside a cabinet to create the perfect appliance garage for small gadgets. Consider venting and heat when placing a microwave or toaster oven inside a cabinet, or add extra counter space or a pull-out shelf.

Make Sure To Use Lables

For at-a-glance organizations, rely on clear containers and easy-to-read labels. Store dried goods in clear containers so it's easy to see what you have. Put similar items, like packaged snacks and bread, together and keep them in baskets with labels.

Take Good Notes

Put the inside of a cabinet door to use by hanging a clipboard on the back of the door with a list of what is kept in the cabinet. When you run out of something, it's easy to immediately distinguish what you need to re-up on and make a shopping list.

• Get more ideas like this in our Storage Newsletter!

Corral Extras in Baskets

Lower cabinets can be dark and hard to access, but with baskets, it's easy to corral small items and bring them into view. Plus, by removing the door, reaching what you need is that much faster. Try out this method for items that easily become disorganized, like dish towels or oven mits.

Utilize Drawer Dividers

Make the most of a deep drawer with a sliding insert that divides the space. Use it to keep supplies like sandwich bags, garbage bags, and foil in their place—they're also handy for smaller kid-sized dishware and cutlery.

• See 25 more ways to keep your kitchen drawers organized.

Keep Your Pantry Within Reach

Use a cabinet next to the cooktop to store frequently used cooking spices and oils so they're always handy during prep. To further keep counter space free from clutter, hang spoons, spatulas, and strainers on a bar under the cabinet.

Take Advantage Of Corner Storage

A lazy Susan is a great way to make the most of a snug corner cabinet. Here, the homeowners have removed the corner door to make it easy to see what's in the cabinet. Nearby, a narrow cabinet is a convenient spot for cooking sheets and cutting boards.

Solve Your Common Kitchen Woes

Watch and learn the secret to combating your worst kitchen storage nightmares.

Create Order In The Drawer

Save time looking for cooking utensils with a well-organized drawer. Start by finding a storage insert that fits the space, then label each compartment to make it easy to put things where they belong.

Take Advantage Of Bonus Storage

Turn unused space—like the roomy spot over your refrigerator—into extra storage. These spots can be a great place to store items you don't need every day, like serving dishes or lesser-used small appliances.

Design Built-In Storage

A built-in hutch is a convenient spot to store extra dishes, serving platters, and linens. Shallow drawers keep tablecloths, place mats, and napkins organized.

Work In Savvy Wine Storage

The good news: You don't need a lot of room to add wine storage! Turn a narrow space in a run of cabinets into cubbies for wine bottles.

Focus On Freezer Organization

Never want to dig for the last popsicle or lose a bag of frozen peas again? Organize your freezer like you would a pantry by corraling like items in plastic bins and labeling them for convenience.

Consider a Prep Station

Chopping fruits, vegetables, and bread is easier than ever with a dedicated cutting board. This custom pullout cutting board features built-in knife storage below—locate it near your prep area for easy cleanup.

Plan Out Every Inch

Watch and see how to plan for better storage in your kitchen.

Focus On Easy Access

If cabinet space is limited, keep any dishes you use on a regular basis on the counter. Here, a vintage crate turned on its side holds bowls, plates, and mugs for daily use.

Theme Your Storage Sections

If you do a lot of a certain type of cooking, like baking, keep all your supplies in one spot. Here, cookie sheets, cooling racks, and cutting boards are stored in a cabinet over a wall oven for easy and quick access.

Divide and Conquer

Keep pots and pans in order in a deep drawer under a cooktop. A sliding shelf within keeps the drawer organized and gives you a spot to stash lids.

Make The Most Of Unused Space

Turn the space below a built-in banquette into extra storage. Deep drawers are a convenient spot to stash entertaining essentials like extra table linens, place mats, and cloth napkins.

Install Magnetic Storage

Take advantage of a metal island or refrigerator door by turning the outside into instant storage. Stick a metal shelf to the side and use it to store frequently used items like spices, pot holders, and measuring spoons.

Create a Spice Drawer

One of the best ways to keep your favorite spices at the ready is by keeping them neatly contained in a drawer. You can even arrange the containers in alphabetical order so it's easy to find what you're looking for.

• A DIY Trick For Storing Spices