How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets: A Step-By-Step Guide

Kitchen cabinets are one of the most-used areas in our homes, and without proper systems, they can get messy fast. Follow these 7 simple steps to organize your kitchen cabinets in a way that serves your family well every day.

1. Remove Everything & Sort As You Go

To take realistic inventory and get a fresh start, remove everything from your cabinets and sort items as you go into like groups (this saves a ton of time!). Recommended categories:

Mugs
Glassware
Plates
Utensils
Cooking Utensils
Small appliances
Mixing Bowls
Bakeware

Sorting helps you see exactly what you own—you might be surprised by how many duplicates you have!

how to organize kitchen cabinets with bowls, measuring cups, Tupperware and spices — Organized With Kids

2. Wipe Down Everything

Before you put anything back, give your cabinets a good clean. Your space will feel fresher and more rewarding when you return everything organized.

3. Decide What to Keep, Donate, or Toss

Often, the biggest challenge to organizing is simply owning too much. Keep only what’s necessary, best, and most loved.

When you have multiples, keep only the best or favorite and donate the rest.
Realistically assess how many mugs, cups, and plates your family needs. Keep a matching set and a few favorites, and let go of the rest.
Donate or sell novelty appliances you never use (looking at you, Bread Maker!).

Kitchen cabinet with ceramic dishes and serving ware. — Organized With Kids

4. Create Designated Zones In Your Cabinets

Before restocking your cabinets, think about how you use your kitchen naturally. Here are some zone ideas:

Food Prep: Store cutting boards, knives, strainers, mixing bowls, and Tupperware nearby.
Coffee Station: Keep mugs just above or next to your coffee maker.
Dining Zone: Store plates and bowls close to the kitchen table or sink.
Cooking Zone: Place utensils, spices, oils, pots, and pans near the stove.
Cleaning Zone: Keep dishwasher pods, dish soap, and brushes under the sink.
Kid Zone: Place kids’ cups and cutlery in a low drawer to encourage independence.

stacks of plates inside of kitchen cabinet drawer — Organized With Kids

5. Group Like Items Together

When placing items back, group similar items together so they’re easy to find. Avoid running back and forth while cooking! A few ideas:

a drawer for large cooking utensils
a shelf for all mugs
a tall cabinet to store cutting boards vertically

6. Consider Using Kitchen Organizers

A few smart organizers can make a huge difference in maximizing space and maintaining order:

Store baking pans, cutting boards, and platters vertically with a a bakeware rack.
Use adjustable shelves to separate items in small kitchens.
Add a turntable inside cabinets for easy access to spices, condiments, and oils.
Install large compartment drawer organizers for kitchen tools.
Use Adjustable Drawer Organizers for cups, plates, tea towels, and utensils.
Try a knife drawer organizer to keep counters clear and knives accessible.
Use Peggy Kitchen Drawer Organizers to neatly store Tupperware and bakeware.
Store rarely-used items on high shelves and everyday items within easy reach.

Organized Kitchen Cabinet with Tupperware and a Peggy board organizer — Organized With Kids

7. Keep Your Kitchen Organized For Good

Build a simple habit to maintain your organized kitchen. Each evening, do a “5-minute tidy” with the family:

Set a 10-minute timer, put on your favorite tunes, and make it a fun family routine
Clear and wipe down the table
Rinse dishes and load (and run!) the dishwasher
Return condiments and spices to their homes
Wipe down the sink and counters