9 Practical Kitchen Organizing Tips to Transform Your Cooking Space

1. Clean out Your Fridge

For starters, one of the most important steps is to deep clean your refrigerator. You should start at the top and work towards the bottom, so that when you remove foods and wipe down your shelves, debris doesn’t fall onto surfaces you’ve already cleaned. I suggest removing all the foods one shelf at a time, so nothing stays out of the cold for too long. Check out The Spruce's guide to fridge organization for more detailed shelf-by-shelf strategies. Prepare a bucket with equal parts baking soda and water, and a touch of white vinegar. Then, take a hot cloth and wipe down your shelves, being sure to clean in between all the grooves. Place your foods back in your fridge, organized by category, and enjoy the fresh look. You’ll be more inspired to stock healthy ingredients when you know your space is clean. Aim to do this at least once a month for the best results.

2. Store in the Freezer

A fantastic way to save space is to utilize your freezer more effectively. Items such as breads, grains, nuts, seeds, and flours should be kept there anyway, as it prevents spoilage and keeps them fresh longer. This is especially helpful if you're cooking for one and don't go through these items quickly. Moving these to the freezer will also help you with your pantry purge, which is our next step!

3. Pantry Purge

Purging your pantry can do wonders for your mental clarity. Check for expired items, anything that looks questionable, and be sure to wipe down containers that might have become sticky. Organize your baskets and shelves so that every item has a designated home. Keep canned foods together, spices together, and baking supplies in their own section. This prevents you from buying duplicates at the store because you can finally see exactly what you have on hand. For more ideas on how to manage your dry goods, check out these pantry organization hacks.

4. Labeling Love

It’s not hard to start a little labeling project! Label your shelves with categories like “spices” or “baking goods.” Consider using clear containers for staples like oats or flour to keep them visible and airtight. This helps you feel more in control of your kitchen and makes the cooking experience much more seamless.

5. Designating Drawers

It’s also important to designate specific drawers for all your cooking supplies. Avoid letting your utensils get mixed together in a chaotic jumble. Dedicate one drawer for silverware and keep it neat with a divider. Have another drawer for measuring cups, spatulas, and tongs, and a separate one for dish rags and oven mitts. When everything has a place, you spend less time searching and more time creating.

6. Eliminating Tupperware

Most of us have a cabinet full of mismatched plastic containers that we dread opening. If you can, try to eliminate the clutter by switching to reusable, eco-friendly glass storage. Pyrex glass containers are a fantastic investment; they last indefinitely, are much easier to organize, and are better for your health.

They won’t fall out all over the place when you open the cabinet, and they make your leftovers look much more appetizing!

7. Have Only One Junk Drawer

There is nothing wrong with having a junk drawer, but the key is to limit yourself to just one. This prevents miscellaneous items from taking over your entire kitchen. Establish a rule: if an item doesn't have a specific home, it goes in the designated junk drawer. Once a month, take five minutes to go through it and purge anything you no longer need.

8. Make Your Counters Count

Whether you have a tiny kitchen or sprawling counters, every inch matters. Your countertop should only hold the items you use daily. That slow cooker you only pull out for potlucks or the juicer you rarely use should be stored in a cabinet. Keep your coffee pot, blender, or food processor within easy reach if they are part of your daily routine. Keeping counters clear makes the whole room feel larger and more inviting.

9. Clean as You Go

The absolute best organizing tip is to clean as you go while you prepare food. Leaving a sink full of dirty dishes is the fastest way to make a kitchen feel chaotic. Plus, you won’t have to face a mountain of chores after you’ve finished your meal.

Waking up to a clean kitchen in the morning is a gift to your future self!

Now, I want to hear from you. What is your favorite tip for keeping your kitchen in order? Share your secrets in the comments below!