How to Organize Cupboards and Drawers

Americans follow blithely along with ads and commercials exhorting
us to buy, buy, buy. If your kitchen is a showcase of Home Shopping
Network excess, follow these tips to give it some breathing space.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Clear out cupboards and drawers, and wipe them down. Throw out anything that is broken or chipped. Donate duplicates, duds or unused gadgets. See 12 Get Rid of What You Don't Want and 49 Deal with a Pack Rat.

2. Store pieces you rarely use, such as china, chafing pans, seasonal serving platters or underused appliances, outside the kitchen. See 138 Store China and Family Heirlooms.

3. Group remaining items in like piles. Serving platters can be stacked (place a paper towel in between to cushion); bowls or pots and pans can be nested within each other. Keep loose items such as tea bags in clear containers or tins to keep them fresh.

4. Install under-shelf hooks for mugs, with plates directly underneath.

5. Use lazy Susans or shelf organizers to keep all items in sight and within reach.

Tips & Warnings

• Sort through the plastic storage containers and throw out incomplete sets. Store the lids in a basket and nest the containers.
• Mount Peg-Board to hang pots, pans, baking equipment and utensils. Paint it to match your walls. See 311 Stow Pots and Pans.
• Get stacking drawer organizers. Store rarely used utensils-- apple corers and pastry blenders--on the lower level.