Everything You Need Within Reach: Simple Tricks for Smart Kitchen Organization

The kitchen is one of the most active areas in the house, and when it isn't organized properly, everyday activities like cooking and baking can become frustrating. Smart organization can turn the kitchen into a comfortable and efficient space, so everything you need is within reach. Here is a detailed guide with simple tricks that will transform your kitchen.

1. Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

Before you start organizing, do a thorough sorting of the kitchen. Get rid of broken dishes, plastic containers without lids, and expired spices.

Tip: Create a rule for yourself – if you haven’t used an item in the past year, you probably don’t need it.

2. Organize by Daily Use

Smart placement of kitchen tools is key to convenience. Store the items you use most often– like pots, pans, and cutlery – in accessible areas, such as drawers or shelves near the stove. Items used rarely can be kept in higher or more distant places.

Tip: Use sliding trays inside cabinets to easily pull out items from deep spaces.

3. Divide the Kitchen Into Functional Areas

Organize the kitchen by zones: a cooking area (pots, pans, and spices), a baking area (bowls, rolling pins, and spatulas), a cutting area (cutting boards, knives), and a cleaning area (soap, cloths). This way, you'll know exactly where everything is.

4. Use Creative Storage Accessories

Simple storage solutions can make a big difference:

Wall Racks:Hang pots, pans, or mugs on racks to save space inside cabinets.

Spice Racks: Narrow shelves for spices can sit on cabinet doors or on walls.

Magnetic Racks: Great for storing knives, pot lids, or even metal spice tins.

Tip: Transparent plastic boxes with labels are perfect for organizing dry ingredients like flour, rice, and sugar.

5. Organize Drawer Wisely

Crowded drawers can be a nightmare when looking for small tools. Use drawer dividers to separate them into categories – cutlery, wooden spoons, openers, and more. If there are no dividers, you can use small boxes or plastic baskets.

Tip: A “miscellaneous” drawer is legitimate, but make sure to empty and sort it every few weeks so it doesn’t become an unnecessary storage.

6. Maximize Shelf Space

Don’t let shelf space go to waste:

Add intermediate shelves to particularly high shelves.

Use hanging baskets for cups, small bowls, or spice jars.

Store items used daily at the front, and everything else behind.

Tip: Store items at eye level according to usage frequency – what is closer to your eyes will be used more frequently.

7. Utilize Kitchen Corners

Kitchen corners can be wasted space, but they don’t have to be:

Add corner shelves for efficient space utilization.

Use rotating shelf units ("Lazy Susan") to facilitate access to items at the back of the cabinet.

Tip: Store dry items like canned goods or large baking tools in corner spaces.

8. Keep Worktops Clear

Cluttered worktops make working in the kitchen difficult. Store appliances not used daily – like mixers or juicers – in bottom cabinets. Keep only items you regularly use, like a kettle or toaster, on the worktop.

Tip: Invest in a hidden storage box for hiding chargers and cables used in the kitchen.

9. Vertical Storage

Make use of the kitchen’s height:

Hang tools like tongs and stirring spoons on a vertical rack.

Store cutting boards and pot lids using vertical partitions.

Tip: Install small shelves above doors or windows for storing decorative items or cookbooks.

10. Use Deep Drawers for Heavy Tools

Deep drawers with smooth rails are an ideal solution for storing pots, pans, or heavy baking tools. This way, you can avoid unwieldy stacks in cabinets.

Tip: Place silicone mats at the bottom of the drawer to prevent scratches and tools from sliding.