Cook Smarter, Not Harder: Kitchen Organization Hacks

Staying organized can be difficult, especially in the kitchen. However, the kitchen is one of the most helpful places to keep organized; when you can find ingredients and utensils more easily, you have more motivation to cook. Organizing a space like the kitchen can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. From maximizing storage spaces to keeping your counters clean, there are numerous kitchen organization hacks that can help transform your kitchen into a functional and clutter-free space to prepare the meals of your dreams. As you read these hacks, keep in mind that every kitchen is different; you might be in an apartment, you might be in a house, you might be sharing your kitchen with five different people. But rest assured, no matter what your situation, there is a hack for you. 

‍

Maximizing Storage Space

A big limit in many kitchens is storage space, or the lack thereof. The start to overcoming this limit is to assess your kitchen’s layout. Determine how much space you have compared to what you need to fit in said space. If you need to, count the drawers, cabinets and shelves. Once you’ve done that, there are lots of ways to optimize that space:

1. Cabinets and Drawers

When it comes to cabinets and drawers, it's all about maximizing vertical and horizontal space. Consider installing adjustable shelves or adding shelf dividers to make better use of the vertical space within your cabinets. This allows you to stack items neatly and access them easily. Store frequently used items at eye level for convenience, while reserving the lower and upper shelves for less frequently used items.

To optimize drawer space, use drawer organizers or dividers to separate utensils, gadgets, and cutlery. This prevents them from becoming a tangled mess and makes it easier to find what you need. Consider using stackable or collapsible storage containers to make the most of deep drawers.

2. Shelves and Racks

Open shelves and racks provide an opportunity to showcase your kitchen essentials while keeping them within reach. Arrange your items in a visually pleasing manner, grouping similar items together. Use containers or baskets to corral smaller items and prevent them from cluttering the shelves.

If you have a bare wall in your kitchen, consider installing a pegboard or a wall-mounted rack. These versatile storage solutions allow you to hang pots, pans, and frequently used utensils, freeing up valuable cabinet space. Invest in hooks, S-hooks, and hanging baskets to maximize the storage potential of your wall-mounted system.

3. Under-the-Sink Storage

The area under the sink is often used to store cleaning supplies, but it is typically disorganized. There are many ways to keep it organized along with the rest of your kitchen. Install a tension rod to hang cleaning bottles, sprays, and scrub brushes. This not only keeps them organized but also makes them easily accessible. Utilize stackable bins or pull-out drawers to create compartments for sponges, dishcloths, and garbage bags. Consider using a cleaning caddy to keep your most commonly used cleaning supplies in. This makes your regular cleaning more efficient and also helps you keep things tidy. This way, another part of your kitchen is organized—even if it isn’t a part you look at often.

4. Vertical Storage Solutions

If you have limited counter and cabinet space, look to vertical storage solutions. As mentioned before, mount hooks or pegboards on the walls to hang pots, pans, and kitchen utensils. Magnetic strips can hold knives and metal utensils securely while saving drawer space. You can also utilize over-the-door storage by installing racks to hold spices or cutting boards on your cabinet or pantry doors. By using the vertical plane, you can free up valuable horizontal space and create an organized and efficient kitchen.

‍

Decluttering the Counters

Often, small appliances (such as air fryers and coffee makers) will take up a lot of space on the countertops in a kitchen. A major part of clearing these counters is clearing the appliances. Evaluate which ones you use on a regular basis and store the others in a cabinet, donate them, or sell them. If you only use an appliance once in a blue moon, you might consider getting rid of it. There are many tools and utensils you can use this mindset for too. Do you need multiple specialized knives, or can you replace them with one higher quality chef’s knife? Can you use your knife to peel fruit instead of getting a peeler? Specialized tools can be great for tasks that are especially challenging or those which you perform frequently, but make sure to avoid gadget creep to keep your counters and cabinets clutter free. These are just some examples of how you can narrow down your utensils and tools; the less you have, the easier it is to organize. 

‍

Designating specific zones for different tasks or supplies can be a strong kitchen organization hack. Keep one area as your food prep; you can keep the knives and cutting boards near there and leave some counter space clean specifically for that. Have another zone for cooking, for beverages and breakfast, and for clean up. Designating and maintaining these zones will help create a more organized space. 

‍

Smart Food Organization

Food is key to a kitchen—and to its organization. Categorizing and labeling your food helps keep it organized; you know what it is and you know when it will expire. It will also help you identify items quickly (there are a lot of foods that look the same). Another key part is to use the system of “First In, First Out,” or FIFO. This system is exactly what it sounds like: use the foods you buy first… well, first! Put food that you bought more recently near the back so you are more likely to use ingredients before they expire. Not only does this keep your food more organized, it also helps you prevent food waste. 

When organizing your fridge, take into account different temperature zones. The upper shelves and doors are warmer, so reserve them for items that don’t require low temperatures, such as condiments. Keep perishable items like dairy and meat on the lower shelves where the temperature is colder. This arrangement helps maintain food safety and extends the shelf life of your groceries.

‍

Keeping the Kitchen Organization Hacks Going

The hardest part about organizing any space is keeping it organized. It’s much easier to start being organized than it is to stay organized.. Establishing consistent routines and practicing regular maintenance keeps your kitchen organized. Don’t let all your effort go to waste! Create a routine to clean your kitchen that includes wiping down countertops, cleaning appliances, washing dishes, and organizing things. Dedicate a specific time each week (or more daily if you can manage it) to keep everything from piling up. This ensures your kitchen remains tidy and ready for you to use. 

‍

Expired food items and unused ingredients can quickly accumulate and contribute to kitchen clutter. Keep your kitchen tidy by purging expired items regularly. Go through your pantry, fridge, and spice cabinet and discard anything that is no longer safe to consume. Remember to use your senses, since those dates printed on food usually have little to nothing to do with food safety. You can also do a regular “inventory check” to take note of items that are nearing their expiration dates and prioritize them as you plan your meals. This helps avoid waste and also promotes creativity in the kitchen as you find ways to incorporate ingredients that might otherwise go unused. To continue that creativity, designate one day per week as a “Use It Up” day. Dedicate this day to use ingredients that are at risk of expiring. By actively working towards using up perishable items, you’ll minimize waste, save money, and maintain an organized kitchen with fresh ingredients at the forefront. 

‍

Remember, maintaining an organized kitchen requires consistency and commitment. By incorporating these kitchen organization hacks into your daily routine, you can sustain the order and efficiency you worked hard to establish. A well-organized kitchen not only saves you time and stress, but also enhances the joy of cooking so you can fully cultivate your culinary creativity.