"How to Organise Your Kitchen Cupboards"

Kitchen cupboards are the backbone of an organised kitchen. A well-thought-out cupboard system will not only save you time during meal prep but also make your kitchen a pleasure to use. If your cupboards are feeling more chaotic than composed, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this guide I will walk you through the process, step by step, to achieve the kitchen of your dreams.

Step-by-Step Guidance for an Organised Kitchen

Step 1: Empty and Assess

The first step to organising your kitchen cupboards is to take everything out. Yes, every single item! Here’s why:

It gives you a fresh start.
You’ll discover items you had forgotten.
You can figure out what’s worth keeping.

Pro Tip: Lay everything out on a clean surface, like your dining table or countertops, and group similar items together (e.g., plates, spices, baking tools).

Step 2: Declutter Ruthlessly

Once you’ve emptied the cupboards, it’s time to declutter. Ask yourself these questions:

Do I use this regularly?

If not, consider donating or storing it elsewhere.
Is it in good condition?

Broken or damaged items should be discarded or recycled.
Does it add value to my kitchen?

Keep items that are functional or you really love.

Common items to declutter:

Expired pantry goods.
Mismatched containers.
Excess mugs or duplicate utensils.
Lids with no bottom.

Step 3: Clean the Cupboards

Before refilling and organising your kitchen cupboards, give them a good scrub.

Vacuum crumbs and dust. Use a handheld vacuum or a damp cloth.
Wipe down surfaces. Use a gentle, non-toxic cleaner to clean shelves, doors, and corners.
Add liners. Shelf liners can protect your cupboards and make cleaning easier in the future.

Step 4: Create Zones

To keep your kitchen organised and functional. This step is worth taking time to think about now as it will save you time in the future.

Divide your cupboards into zones based on how and where you use items. Here are some ideas:

1. Cooking Zone:

Store pots, pans, and cooking utensils near the cooker.
Use drawer dividers for kitchen utensils.

2. Food Prep Zone:

Place cutting boards, knives, and mixing bowls near your prep area.

3. Pantry Zone:

Keep canned goods, spices, and dry ingredients in one area.
Use clear containers or jars for easy visibility and to prevent spills.

4. Daily Use Zone:

Plates, bowls, and glasses should be easily accessible, ideally close to the dishwasher or sink.

5. Specialty Zone:

Store seasonal holiday dishes, large serving platters, or appliances you rarely use in higher or harder-to-reach cupboard areas.

Step 5: Use Space-Saving Tools

To maximise and organise your cupboard space use these handy organisers:

Shelf risers: Double your shelf space for plates or mugs.
Pull-out baskets: Ideal for deep and those awkward corner cupboards.
Door-mounted racks: Great for lids, spices, or foil/parchment rolls.
Turntables (Lazy Susan's): Perfect for sauces, oils, spices or small jars.
Adjustable dividers: Keep baking trays and chopping boards upright.

Step 6: Label Everything

Labelling is a game-changer for maintaining organisation. You can label:

Shelves (e.g., "Breakfast Items," "Snacks").
Containers (e.g., "Rice," "Pasta").
Bins or baskets (e.g., "Baking Supplies").

Use a label maker or simple sticky notes for a polished look.

Add expiry dates to the bottom, write on a label or just cut the expiry details off the product and tape it to the bottom of your container.

Step 7: Arrange by Frequency of Use

Store frequently used items at eye level or within easy reach. For example:

Everyday plates and glasses should be front and centre.
Items that are used weekly or less, like a slow cooker, can go in less accessible areas.

Step 8: Maintain the Organisation

Your kitchen cupboards are now beautifully organised—but to keep them that way, follow these tips:

Do a weekly tidy-up. Spend a few minutes putting items back in their designated spots.
Adopt a “one in, one out” rule. When you buy something new, remove an old item to prevent overcrowding.
Encourage household members to stick to the system. Share the layout with family or housemates so everyone knows where things belong.

Final Thoughts

Organising your kitchen cupboards is more than just tidying up—it’s about creating a system that works for your lifestyle. With these steps, your kitchen will be more efficient, functional, and a pleasure to use.

If this feels overwhelming or you’d like a professional touch, Organised Living with Dee is here to help! Contact us for personalised kitchen organisation services and let’s transform your space together.

Happy Organising Dee x