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Kitchen Cabinets a Mess? Try These 15 Game-Changing Fixes
You’re not alone if you’re often searching through mismatched Tupperware, looking for missing spices, or simply getting tired of the mess every time you open a cabinet. Having worked in enough kitchens, I can say with certainty that most of us have plenty of space. Our strategy is lacking.
In actuality, a disorganized cabinet does more than just make cooking more difficult. It disrupts your mental state. You feel unorganized in other aspects of your life as well. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money or stay up late to organize your kitchen cabinets.
I’m providing 15 tried-and-true tips in this post that both actual professionals and real people rely on. These aren’t superficial suggestions like “get a basket.” These are practical, intelligent adjustments that truly make a difference, whether you’re managing a large home or a little apartment.
Expert organizers have provided some of these suggestions. I’ve witnessed folks using some of these tricks in their houses for years. In any case, they are all based on the same idea: to make your kitchen much more livable and less disorganized.
By the conclusion, I want you to have at least three ideas that you are prepared to try today. Let’s get started.
Which kitchen cabinet causes you the most anxiety?Send me a little photo or let me know in the comments. I would be happy to assist.)
1. Start With a Ruthless Declutter Session
Let’s face it, most kitchens don’t have a problem with space. They have an issue with stuff.
Take everything out of your cabinets before you even consider purchasing organizers or labeling bins. Next, examine closely. Something most likely shouldn’t be there if it hasn’t been used in the previous two weeks. I refer to this as the “Two-Week Use Rule.”It’s time to give, throw away, or move if it’s merely gathering dust (looking at you, single-use devices, and souvenir mugs).
What is beneficial?Create three boxes: Donate, Toss, and Keep. It makes decision-making quick and easy.
Moving rubbish from one shelf to another is all that organizing clutter is, I promise you. An organized kitchen starts with a thorough decluttering effort.
2. Divide Cabinets Into Functional Zones
One of the most important tips that most people overlook is this one. Like a chef, everything should be located close to its intended function.
Functional zoning looks like this:
-
Prep zone
: cutting boards, knives, mixing bowls near the counter -
Cooking zone
: spices, oils, pans near the stove -
Baking zone
: measuring cups, baking sheets together -
Coffee station
: mugs, sugar, filters near the coffee maker
You’re saving steps in addition to having things seem nice. A smoother flow (and less mess) results from fewer back-and-forth trips.
3. Use Stackable Shelf Risers to Double Your Space
Despite being tall, most cabinet shelves are rarely used. Before you realize it, there will be clutter from stacking bowls and mugs on top of one another.
Stackable shelf risers can help with that. Simply place one on your shelf, and you’ll have two levels instead of just one. No equipment. Not a drama. They are ideal for snacks, canned food, and dishes. Dealing with outdated cabinetry designs? You can still give items a new appearance.Here’s how to use honey oak cabinets to update a kitchen without doing a complete makeover.
I’ve used $4 risers from Dollar Tree and $6 versions from Amazon Basics, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money. They are equally effective as The Container Store’s more upscale offerings.
For good reason, these were even suggested in The Kitchen’s expert-backed cabinet organizing guide.
4. Install Roll-Out Shelves or Sliding Baskets
Deep cabinets are like black holes, let’s face it. As you grab for a saucepan, you accidentally knock over three pots and a neglected cracker box. For this reason, I always suggest sliding baskets or roll-out shelves. You don’t have to squat or empty half of your cabinet to view and get what you need thanks to these pull-out trays.
They are especially beneficial for elderly people or those who have trouble moving about. Families have installed them for the sole purpose of making life easier for children as well.
I completely agree that adding pull-outs was the most worthwhile addition for 42% of kitchen renovators surveyed by Redfin. This update is well worth the investment, regardless of whether you choose to create your own system or use a pre-made one like Rev-A-Shelf. Make sure you avoid typical pitfalls when planning a more extensive kitchen makeover.If you’re not attentive, these renovation errors might blow your budget.
5. Put Lazy Susans in Corners & Spice Racks
Corner cabinets may appear roomy, but unless you make good use of them, the majority of that space is wasted. uncomfortable Susanspins turns that uncomfortable area into valuable storage space.
Ideal for oils, condiments, and spices Instead of buying five bottles of cumin by accident, you’ll be able to see what you own at last.
The double-tier ones work well in larger cabinets, and if you’re feeling particularly frugal, you can even use them in the refrigerator.
6. Use Cabinet Doors: Hooks, Clips & Racks
A cabinet door’s back is like hidden storage riches. Most individuals don’t pay attention to it.
Add a few smart tools like:
-
Adhesive clips
for measuring spoons -
Pan lid holders
-
A
magazine file
turned on its side to hold foil or cling wrap
Command hooks are a reliable option if you’re renting or don’t want to drill. I’ve even hung potholders, scissors, and tiny cleaning supplies on them.
To avoid chaos, keep it simple—just one or two things per door. It s a small upgrade with a big impact on your daily flow.
7. Add Pull-Out Trash & Recycling Bins
Bins of trash left out in the open? It is simply a waste of floor space.
Instead, use a pull-out dual-bin system to conceal them inside a lower cabinet. It looks cleaner, smells better, and encourages proper sorting of trash and recyclables especially if you label them clearly.
Systems like IKEA sUTRUSTA bin kitsor simple two-bin setups from Amazon make it easy to install in most standard cabinets. It s one of those upgrades that instantly makes your kitchen feel more modern and more hygienic.
8. Label Everything for Visual Clarity
Let s be honest labels aren t just cute. They keep your whole household on the same page.
Labeling containers and shelves makes it easier to find what you need and to put things back in the right place. It s especially helpful if you live with roommates, kids, or a partner who doesn t instinctively know where the brown sugar goes.
I use a mix oflabel makers,chalkboard tape, and sometimes just a Sharpie and masking tape (no shame in that game). Bonus: if you love a good Pinterest-style aesthetic, this step brings the visual magic.
9. Use Clear Bins to Group Similar Items
This is one of those tips that sounds obvious, but most people skip it:group like with likeusingclear storage bins.
When snacks, baking ingredients, or tea bags are spread out across shelves, they get lost and you end up rebuying what you already have. Clear bins give you a quick visual inventory at a glance.
Keep bins open-top for easy access, and label them by category: Snacks, Baking, Kids Lunches, etc.
10. Hang Mugs & Utensils Using Under-Shelf Hooks
You know that gap between your shelf and the stuff on it? That s prime space going to waste.
Withunder-shelf hooks, you can hang coffee mugs, spatulas, measuring cups even small pots right below a shelf. It s a neat trick that opens up an entire air zone of storage, especially helpful if your kitchen lacks deep cabinets.
All you need areclip-onorscrew-in hooks. I ve used cheap ones from IKEA and Amazon (under $10), and they ve held up just fine.
This hack is especially golden insmall kitchensor apartments where every square inch counts. Suddenly, your shelves aren t just surfaces they re systems.
11. Create a Built-In Recycling Zone (Sustainability FTW)
Organizing isn t just about looking tidy it s about making everyday habits easier. And that includesrecycling.
Set up a built-inrecycling stationunder your sink or inside a lower cabinet. Usedual pull-out bins,labeled jute baskets, or even just a simplecompost caddyon the counter for food scraps. Once the system is there, sorting waste becomes second nature.
I found this idea fromBetter Homes & Gardens, and their take oncabinet-based recycling zonestotally changed how I manage kitchen waste:
You re not just making your kitchen more organized you re making it part of a cleaner lifestyle. One that feels good to live in.
12. Design a Drop Zone Cabinet for Daily Essentials
You walk into the kitchen, toss your keys on the counter, drop your sunglasses next to the bananas, and yeah. It builds up fast.
Instead, create adrop zone cabineta dedicated space for the stuff that always ends up scattered. Use a small cabinet or drawer to stash:
- Keys
- Chargers
- Notepads
- Vitamins or meds
- Daily mail
I love the family-friendly version too:assign one shelf or basket per person. Everyone gets their own tiny command center, and the rest of your kitchen stays blissfully clutter-free.
13. Group Items by Use, Not Just Type
We re used to storing like with like mugs with mugs, snacks with snacks. But in real life, it s often smarter to group things byhow you use them.
For example: instead of putting tea bags in one cabinet and honey in another, build atea station. Keep your favorite mug, tea bags, honey, and spoon all together right near the kettle. It saves steps and just feels more natural.
Think morning routines, baking moments, kid lunches. When your storage matches your habits, your kitchen works with you not against you.
14. Use Tension Rods as Dividers
If you ve ever had a cabinet full of collapsing cookie sheets or cutting boards, this hack s for you.
Tension rodsyes, the kind used for curtains make incredible vertical dividers. Just pop a few in a lower cabinet or deep drawer to stand up:
- Baking sheets
- Pan lids
- Trays
- Cutting boards
What s great? No tools. No screws. Just press-to-fit.
All you need is 15 minutes and about $8. Instant upgrade.
15. Set a Monthly 15-Minute Cabinet Reset Ritual
Even the best organizing systems fall apart without upkeep. That s why I started doing amonthly cabinet resetand it s a total game-changer.
Here s the formula:
-
Pick a day (I do the
first Sunday
) - Set a 15-minute timer
- Toss anything expired or empty
- Restock essentials
- Reorganize anything that s drifted
That s it. No big haul-outs or Marie Kondo drama just light maintenance. I got the idea from aminimalist bloggerwho said it keeps her from ever deep cleaning again.
Trust me: you ll be shocked what a difference this tiny monthly reset makes.
Customize, Apply, Repeat
Let s be real no two kitchens (or lives) are the same. You might not need all 15 tricks right now, and that s okay.
What matters is this:start small, pick 2 3 hacks that match how you live, and build from there. Maybe that s a Lazy Susan today, a pull-out bin next week, and a monthly reset a few Sundays from now.
The goal isn t perfection it s flow. A kitchen that works for you, not against you. Once your cabinets are organized, you ll love how much calmer your kitchen feelstry adding one or two kitchen-friendly houseplants to complete the vibe.
And hey, I d love to see your progress.
Tried one of these? Share your before/after photos or favorite hack with us!Tag us or drop your tip in the comments your smart solution might inspire someone else s sanity.
Happy organizing!
Want more practical home tips like these?Visit Build Like Newfor smart, doable ideas that make everyday living easier.
Disclaimer:The information shared in this article is for general home organization and lifestyle purposes only. Product recommendations and tips are based on expert opinions, user experiences, and publicly available resources. Always assess what works best for your specific kitchen layout, household needs, and safety considerations. Build Like New is not responsible for individual outcomes or third-party product performance.
Table of Contents
-
1. Start With a Ruthless Declutter Session
-
2. Divide Cabinets Into Functional Zones
-
3. Use Stackable Shelf Risers to Double Your Space
-
4. Install Roll-Out Shelves or Sliding Baskets
-
5. Put Lazy Susans in Corners & Spice Racks
-
6. Use Cabinet Doors: Hooks, Clips & Racks
-
7. Add Pull-Out Trash & Recycling Bins
-
8. Label Everything for Visual Clarity
-
9. Use Clear Bins to Group Similar Items
-
10. Hang Mugs & Utensils Using Under-Shelf Hooks
-
11. Create a Built-In Recycling Zone (Sustainability FTW)
-
12. Design a Drop Zone Cabinet for Daily Essentials
-
13. Group Items by Use, Not Just Type
-
14. Use Tension Rods as Dividers
-
15. Set a Monthly 15-Minute Cabinet Reset Ritual
-
Customize, Apply, Repeat
