New Year, Renewed You: Decluttering and Organizing Your Kitchen – Day 2 & 3
Welcome back! After tackling your countertops yesterday, it’s time to dive into two areas that often get neglected: drawers and cabinets. These are the spaces that can quickly turn into chaos, making meal prep a little more stressful than it needs to be. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Today and tomorrow, we’ll focus on organizing those tricky spaces. Day 4, we’ll dive into the pantry (that’s a separate day for a reason—trust me, it deserves its own attention!).
Let’s jump in!
Day 2 & 3: Organize Your Drawers and Cabinets
Focus: Declutter, clean, and maximize storage in your drawers and cabinets.
Task: Empty and Sort Your Drawers and Cabinets
Start by tackling one drawer or cabinet at a time. I recommend focusing on one space to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Empty everything out and take stock of what you have. From there, create three piles:
Keep – Items you use regularly.
Donate/Discard – Things that are broken, duplicated, or unused.
Relocate – Items that belong elsewhere in the home.
Take your time—this step is about simplifying and making sure only what truly serves you is left behind.
Clean: Wipe Down the Interior of Your Drawers and Cabinets
Once everything is out, give the inside of each drawer and cabinet a good wipe down. I like to use a damp cloth to remove crumbs, dust, and spills. If your kitchen storage areas are looking a little grimy, this is your chance to refresh them.
Pro Tip: Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to clear crumbs from deep corners before wiping down the interior.
Organize and Maximize Space
Now that your drawers and cabinets are clean, it’s time to get organized! Here are some strategies to maximize your kitchen storage:
Drawer Organizers: If you have utensils, gadgets, or small tools that tend to jumble together, drawer dividers are a great solution. They help keep everything separated and easy to find.
Pull-Out Shelves: Install pull-out baskets or shelves for cabinets that are hard to reach. These are fantastic for organizing pots, pans, and even cleaning supplies.
Vertical Storage: Utilize vertical space in your cabinets by stacking items in bins or baskets. For example, stack your Tupperware or dry goods in clear, labeled bins for easy access.
Labeling: If you’re using bins or baskets, labels are a must. Label your shelves for easy identification of where items go. Trust me—this saves so much time when you're trying to quickly grab what you need!
Maximizing Small Kitchen Storage
If your kitchen is on the smaller side like mine, you probably have to get creative to maximize space. Here are some bonus tips:
Use Cabinet Doors: Add hooks or small baskets to the inside of cabinet doors. It’s a great way to store kitchen tools like measuring spoons, spices, or oven mitts.
Hang Pots and Pans: If you’re short on cabinet space, consider hanging pots and pans from the ceiling or using a wall-mounted rack. It’ll free up cabinet space and give your kitchen a professional look.
Group Similar Items: As you put things back, group them by type—canned goods, grains, snacks, spices, etc. This will make it easier to locate what you need next time you’re cooking.
Utilize Storage Bins: Use clear storage bins to group similar items, such as pasta or baking ingredients. This will save you time when grabbing what you need.
Use Shelf Risers: To maximize vertical space, add a shelf riser for cans or jars. This allows you to stack items and still see everything clearly.
How do you organize your drawers and cabinets? Drop your tips in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you! Share your photos also
See you tomorrow!