Tidy Up Your Kitchen: Clever Storage Ideas to Get Rid of Clutter
April 8, 2025
7 min read
Hey there! If your kitchen feels more like chaos than the heart of the home, trust me, I get it. I’ve been there too. It’s where the dishes pile up, the pantry becomes a black hole of expired snacks, and every countertop seems to magically attract clutter. But I’ve got good news for you. A few simple changes can completely transform your space, no major renovations required. I’ve tried these hacks firsthand, and the difference is incredible—not just in how my kitchen looks, but how it feels. Are you ready to turn your kitchen into a sanctuary of calm? Let’s do this!
Reclaim Hidden Spaces You Didn’t Know You Had
According to Organized Interiors, 47% of Americans report that worrying about a disorganized home is a common stress trigger. I can absolutely relate. Tackling my mess of a kitchen felt overwhelming, but the payoff was huge.
Not only did decluttering help clear my mind, but it also revealed so many hidden storage opportunities I never thought to use. Cabinets, walls, and even the backs of doors could all work harder for me. Here’s how I unlocked their potential.
1. Use cabinet doors for surprise storage.
I used to roll my eyes at the dead space behind my cabinet doors, but then I had a lightbulb moment. I attached a spice rack to the inside of my pantry door, and wow, it freed up two whole shelves. Next, I added small adhesive hooks for measuring cups and oven mitts so I could grab them in a pinch. It’s one of those small adjustments that makes a big impact.
2. Install shelves for underutilized walls.
One Saturday, I grabbed some inexpensive floating shelves and popped them onto an empty wall. Now, it’s my go-to spot for cute jars filled with pasta, rice, and beans. Not only is it super functional, but it also gives the space a cozy vibe.
3. Hang hooks under cabinets.
Here’s a game-changer I wasn’t expecting to love as much as I do. I screwed hooks under a cabinet shelf to hang my mugs. It cleared out an entire cabinet! Plus, it gives my kitchen a “cool café” look. Who doesn’t love that?
Handy Tip: Add stick-on magnetic strips inside cabinet doors for metal items like knives or scissors. It keeps your counters clear and your tools within reach.
Master the Art of Smart Pantry Organization
Raise your hand if your pantry’s a mix of random boxes, half-open bags, and rogue spice bottles. Mine was too, and it drove me nuts! But when I tried a few storage tricks, it felt like magic.
1. Try a corner pull-out rack.
Hands down, the biggest problem with corner cabinets is the “out of sight, out of mind” phenomenon. That’s why I invested in a corner pull-out rack. Picture this—shelves that glide right out into the open, letting you grab whatever you need in seconds. Mine has two tiers, so I use one for my go-to mixing bowls and the other for baking essentials like sugar and flour canisters. I honestly can’t believe how much space it freed up while keeping my things accessible. Bonus? No more awkward crouching or digging around in the dark corners!
2. Label, label, label!
Between work chaos and keeping up with two hungry kids, labels have saved my sanity. I whip out my trusty label maker to mark bins with stuff like “Baking Supplies” or “School Snacks.” Now I hear fewer “Mom, where’s the…?” questions!
3. Add risers for extra layers.
Shelf risers are my secret weapon for hard-to-see spots. They’re perfect for creating levels for jars or cans, so nothing gets lost in the back.
Handy Tip: Keep a “use soon” bin for pantry items nearing expiration. It’ll help you avoid waste and organize your meal planning better.
Clear Countertops with Clever Storage Hacks
There was a time my countertops looked like a permanent war zone. Small appliances, cutting boards, and random gadgets were everywhere. But I found a few solutions that worked wonders.
1. Use a lazy Susan for convenience.
I love a good lazy Susan. It’s great for organizing oils and spices near the stove for quick access. I even put one in the fridge for sauces and condiments! No more hunting; everything’s just one spin away.
2. Designate a coffee station.
I live for my morning coffee, so creating a dedicated coffee nook really elevated my mornings. A small tray now holds my coffee maker, mugs, and sugar bowl. It feels fancy but keeps everything contained.
3. Store cutting boards vertically.
Instead of shoving cutting boards into a drawer, I use a magazine holder to store them vertically inside a cabinet. It’s a small shift that freed up tons of space for other items.
Tidy Drawers for Utensils and Gadgets
Ah, the drawers. There’s something about them that seems to invite pure chaos. But once I tamed mine, my cooking routine became so much smoother.
1. Add dividers.
Before dividers, my drawers were a black hole of whisks, pizza cutters, and who-knows-what else. Now, with adjustable bamboo dividers, everything has a place. My spatulas don’t mingle with my can openers, and I couldn’t be happier.
2. Create a tech drawer.
This one’s a bit unconventional, but hear me out. I repurposed a junk drawer for charging cords, small appliances, and recipe booklets. It’s now a tech home base that keeps the counters free from clutter.
3. Organize food storage lids.
My food container lids used to drive me crazy. They were always scattered everywhere! Adding a small basket just for lids made all the difference.
Handy Tip: Use silicone drawer liners to keep dividers from slipping. Plus, they make cleaning up spills a breeze.
Maximize Hard-to-Reach Corners
If your corner cabinets are where things go to get lost, you’re not alone. My corner cabinets were such a headache, but I finally found ways to make them work.
1. Use diagonal corner shelving.
One day, I came across diagonal corner shelving, and I was instantly intrigued. These shelves fit perfectly into the angled space of a corner cabinet, creating roomy, layered storage areas. I tried it out, and now I keep my most-used items like measuring cups on the front edges and backup pantry staples toward the back. The diagonal design makes everything feel so much more accessible, and I’m no longer losing things in the abyss of the corner!
2. Consider pull-out shelves.
I took the plunge and had some sliding shelves installed in my deeper cabinets. Total game-changer. No more awkward yoga poses to grab a pot in the back!
3. Store lightweight bulky items.
I keep lighter items like mixing bowls or colanders in my corner cabinets. They’re easier to pull out without causing an avalanche.
Vertical Storage Is Your Best Friend
If horizontal storage fills up fast in your kitchen, go vertical! Once I embraced the idea of using my walls and higher spaces, I unlocked so much potential.
1. Add a pegboard.
I installed a pegboard on one wall, and it transformed my kitchen. Pots, pans, and utensils now hang neatly in plain view. When I rearrange my setup (which happens often), tweaking the hooks is super simple.
2. Hang a ceiling rack.
If you’re short on cabinet space, a ceiling rack for pots and pans might do the trick. That’s what I did, and not only is it functional, but it makes your kitchen look full of personality.
3. Use tension rods for flexibility.
For under-the-sink chaos, tension rods work like a charm. Spray bottles now hang neatly, freeing up space for bins of sponges and gloves.
Handy Tip: Don’t forget about the insides of higher cabinet doors. Add small hooks or adhesive holders to store lightweight items like plastic wrap or foil.
Enjoy Your Organized Kitchen Bliss!
There you have it, my favorite strategies for turning a cluttered kitchen into an organized oasis. These ideas aren’t just things I read about; I’ve done nearly every single one myself. Some changes took just a few minutes, while others transformed my space overnight. The best advice I can give? Start small. Pick one or two hacks that can make an immediate difference. Once you see the payoff, you’ll be itching to tackle more.
Your kitchen isn’t just where food gets made. It’s where life happens, whether you’re making pancakes with your kids on a Saturday morning or sipping tea with a friend after a long day. When your space feels calm and functional, it makes all the difference. Together, we’ve got this!
