How to Organize Small Kitchen Cabinets

Canisters to store flour, coffee, pasta and more can help organize cabinets.

Utilizing every inch of space is crucial in a small kitchen, and as home-improvement and decorating television shows become more popular, organizational tools are becoming more diverse and affordable. Using shelving, canisters, baskets and trays in small kitchen cabinets affords versatility and cleanliness, as well as easier location of spices and food items. From storing bulk food items in glass or plastic containers to simply arranging your cabinets by item type, this simple renovation can save you time and trouble.

Things You'll Need

• Shelves
• Containers
• Baskets
• Trays
• Canisters
• Jars
• Label maker
• Label tape
• Permanent marker
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Determine the flow of the kitchen cabinets. Will you be using some for pots, pans and dishes and others for nonperishable food items? If so, decide how you will distribute the items according to the placement of your appliances and the way you use your counter space for cooking and prep work.

2. Purchase plastic storage containers or shelving for the cabinets, allowing you to stack items in the cabinets instead of losing a level of space. Measure the width, height and depth of your cabinets so you can maximize the space. Shallow cabinets will be better served with shelves, while deep but short cabinets may benefit from drawers or bins.

3. Organize your grocery items by type and in order of how frequently you use them. Spices that are only used occasionally can be pushed to the back of a cabinet, while spices that are used daily are better in the front. Spice racks that install on the door of a cabinet can add storage, as can magnetized spice racks and spice canisters that stack, giving you vertical as well as horizontal storage. Likewise, grocery items that are infrequently used can be tucked away, while daily-use items positioned front and center can save time when cooking.

4. Further arrange your cabinets according to item size and type as a way to maximize the space within the cabinets. Fitting all canned goods in one cabinet and boxed items in another allows organization by shape, which lets items fit closer together and gives you the opportunity to stack, utilizing vertical space.

5. Label items in your cupboards, particularly if you have transferred them to smaller containers or canisters. Use labeling tape and a label maker, or simply write directly on the canisters. You can also use labels on the shelves themselves, so other people using the kitchen can return items to their proper places.

6. Use shelves to store extra cups, saucers and bowls in small cabinets. Sturdy metal or plastic shelving can provide better storage and protect glass or ceramic dishware. Using trays and drawers may also work, but can prove problematic if dishes are not completely dry when returned to the cabinets.

References

• Ruby Glen: Organize Your Kitchen
• Online Organizing: Expert Advice Tip Sheet
• Real Simple: How to Organize Your Kitchen