An organized kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics—it saves time, reduces stress, prevents food waste, and makes cooking feel easier and more enjoyable. Kitchen cabinets, in particular, tend to become cluttered because they hide everything behind closed doors. The good news? With a thoughtful system, you can transform even the messiest cabinets into functional, easy-to-maintain spaces. This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to organize your kitchen cabinets in a way that actually lasts.

If you are new to the blog, welcome! I blog and make videos about cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. You can find my free printables to help you get organized in the drop down menu under the Printables category at the top of this page. Also, check out this post on 10 things people with clean homes do every day. Now, let’s look at some ways to hack your home and make it easy to keep organized.

Also, check out this post on 20 Ways to Hack Your Home to Make It Easy to Keep Organized.

Check out my post on 8 Easy Tips to Organize a Small Kitchen on a Budget here.

How to Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets

Step 1: Empty Everything (Yes, Everything)

It’s tempting to reorganize around what’s already there, but true organization starts with a clean slate.

• Remove every item from your cabinets
• Place items on the counter, table, or floor (grouped loosely by category)
• Wipe down shelves with warm soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner

The photo below shows the items I decluttered from my kitchen.

This step helps you see how much you really own—and how much space you’re working with.

Pro tip: If time is limited, organize one cabinet or one section at a time.

Step 2: Declutter Before You Organize

Organizing clutter only creates organized clutter. Be ruthless (but realistic).

Ask yourself:

• Do I use this regularly?
• Do I own duplicates?
• Is this broken, chipped, or missing parts?
• Have I used this in the last year?

Items to Let Go Of

• Mismatched containers without lids
• Expired food and spices
• Gadgets that only serve one purpose and never get used
• Excess mugs, water bottles, or travel cups

Donate usable items and toss anything damaged or expired.

Step 3: Group Like Items Together

Categories are the backbone of any organized cabinet system. Create clear zones so you always know where things belong.

Common cabinet categories include:

• Everyday dishes
• Glassware and mugs
• Pots and pans
• Food storage containers
• Baking supplies
• Pantry items
• Small appliances

Grouping makes it easier to see what you have—and easier to put things away properly.

Step 4: Decide What Goes Where (Function First)

This is the before cabinet with my pots and pans and lids.

Your cabinet layout should match how you use your kitchen.

Smart Placement Rules

• Everyday items at eye or waist level
• Heavy items (pots, appliances) in lower cabinets
• Rarely used items on higher shelves
• Items near where they’re used (plates near dishwasher, spices near stove)

Below is the After photo of the cabinet pictured above

Avoid placing things based on how they “should” go—focus on what makes your daily routine easier.

Step 5: Use Cabinet Organizers Strategically

Important: You don’t need fancy products, but the right tools can double your storage space. Measure your space before you buy, and make sure you take a tape measure with you to the store to measure the organizers to be sure they will fit!

Measure the height as seen below.

Measure the width as seen below.

Measure the depth as seen below.

Write this down and take your tape measure with you to the store to measure any organizers you plan to buy.

Best Cabinet Organizers

• Shelf risers for dishes and pantry items
• Pull-out drawers or sliding shelves
• Lazy Susans for corner cabinets and condiments
• Vertical dividers for baking sheets and cutting boards
• Stackable bins for snacks or packets

I was able to find all of the organizers in this post at my local Home Goods store.

Start with what you already own before buying anything new. Also, decide how you want your kitchen organizers to look.

Do you prefer clear containers or baskets? I like to buy all of the same matching types of organizers to keep the look cohesive and consistent. In a kitchen where messes are made, you may prefer a container that you can easily wipe down, especially organizers you intend to use to hold food.

Step 6: Organize Specific Cabinet Types

Dish Cabinets

• Stack plates by size
• Use shelf risers to separate everyday and special-occasion dishes
• Store bowls nested together

Glassware and Mugs

• Group by type (everyday glasses, wine glasses, mugs)
• Limit mug collections—keep favorites only
• Use hooks under shelves if space allows

Pots and Pans

• Store vertically with a rack or dividers
• Keep lids in a separate organizer
• Place near the stove for convenience

Food Storage Containers

• Store lids vertically in a bin
• Nest containers by size
• Purge mismatched or warped items

Pantry Cabinets

• Decant dry goods into clear containers if possible
• Group snacks, baking supplies, and canned goods
• Use bins to prevent small items from toppling

Step 7: Label When Helpful

Labels aren’t just for aesthetics—they prevent confusion and help everyone in the household maintain the system.

Label:

• Pantry bins
• Snack zones
• Baking supplies
• Containers with similar contents

Use simple, easy-to-read labels rather than overly decorative ones.

Step 8: Adjust Shelf Heights

Many cabinets allow adjustable shelves, yet they’re rarely optimized.

• Raise shelves for tall cereal boxes or pitchers
• Lower shelves for stacks of dishes
• Eliminate wasted vertical space

Even a one-inch adjustment can dramatically improve storage.

Step 9: Create a “Prime Real Estate” Zone

Your most accessible cabinets should hold your most-used items.

These usually include:

• Plates and bowls
• Everyday glasses
• Cooking utensils
• Staple pantry items

Less-used items should not occupy the best space.

Step 10: Maintain the System

The secret to organized cabinets isn’t perfection—it’s consistency.

Easy Maintenance Habits

• Do a quick monthly reset
• Return items to their designated zone
• Declutter once or twice a year
• Avoid overbuying duplicates

If something repeatedly ends up out of place, adjust the system instead of forcing it.

Common Kitchen Cabinet Organizing Mistakes

• Buying organizers before decluttering
• Buying organizers that don’t fit
• Storing items where they look good instead of where they’re used
• Overstuffing shelves
• Keeping items “just in case” indefinitely

Organization should support your life, not complicate it.

Organizing your kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a clear plan, realistic categories, and functional placement, you can create a kitchen that works for you—not against you.

Remember: the goal isn’t a picture-perfect kitchen, but one that makes daily life easier, calmer, and more enjoyable.

Small changes add up—and once your cabinets are organized, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Happy organizing!