How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets Once and for All

There are many small items stored in the kitchen, about which you may not even remember. Let's find out how to organize cabinets and keep them tidy all the time.

Why is it better not to delay cleaning?

• You will save money. Often we buy a third measuring cup only because we don't remember about the existence of two previous ones. Now you will always know what and where is stored.
• Time. You no longer need to spend time looking for the necessary items. This will also make cooking easier.
• It is convenient for the whole family. Nobody will ask where large pans or cutting boards are stored. Also, it is much easier to clean up when each item has its own place.

Step 1: Clear the cabinets

Take all items out of the cabinets and immediately prepare two containers: one for trash and another for things you can give away or sell. Sort all dishes and accessories right away and leave only those items you plan to use.

Step 2: Sort items

Before placing items in their places, think carefully about everything. Here are several tips to help you define categories and storage logic.

Place items where you use them most often

For example, if you always add spices to dishes, place them as close to the stove as possible. If you don't want to constantly take crackers for children out of their place, store them on the lower shelf so that all family members can reach them (but here you need to trust their honesty and believe they won't eat everything at once).

Do not store food and dishes in the same place

Storage should have logic that you set for yourself. For example, food will be stored in the left cabinet, and dishes - in the right one. Or you can place food on top and dishes at the bottom.

If your kitchen is small and there is only one cabinet, you can create separate sections for storage inside it.

Divide items into categories

There are many options: for example, one shelf with food can be for canned goods, and another - for grains. Or you can stack frequently used products separately and keep rarely used ones on another shelf. It is also convenient to divide products into healthy and less healthy ones.

Dishes can be sorted by type, material or color - as you find convenient. Choose categories that suit you and nothing will disrupt the order in your cabinets.

Designate a shelf for items you use daily

These can be your favorite mugs, plates or serving trays that you use every day to serve food - place them as close as possible. As for the glasses you drink from only during holidays, you can store them higher or further away.

Be careful

Arrange items so that everything is visible and easy to reach. Bowls and plates are better arranged by size: the largest ones at the bottom, and then in descending order.

Do not try to fit all items into one cabinet: if the shelves are completely full, you definitely won't be able to maintain order. Part of the items can be moved to another location.

Step 3: Place everything in its proper place

What to store in upper cabinets?

• Food. Group all necessary items for cooking (spices, sauces, oils, grains) in cabinets above the work surface so they are always within reach.
• Plates and cups. Place all dishes you use frequently above the dishwasher or drying rack - this is convenient.
• Containers. Store them above the work surface where you usually unpack groceries or sort products.
• Cookbooks. You can make a separate shelf if you like using recipes from books rather than from the Internet.

What to store in lower cabinets?

• Household appliances. It will be convenient to get them during cooking. Items you use very often can be moved to the countertop.
• Pots, pans and baking sheets. Pans are better stored vertically on the side to minimize space. The same applies to lids. You can buy a special container for them.
• Bowls, dishes and cutting boards. Store them near the sink or dishwasher.
• Cleaning products. You can stack them in a cabinet under the sink and preferably on the lower shelf - just in case something spills. Try not to store chemicals near dishes or food - it's dangerous.

Step 4: Maintain order

Agree with family members to stick to the order. Explain or write down on paper what and where is stored. For the first time, you can hang it on the refrigerator so no one forgets anything.

During cleaning, always check that everything is in order on the shelves. It is much easier to fix small issues occasionally than to reorganize everything from scratch.

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