How to Declutter Your Kitchen Cabinets: A Step-by-Step Guide

Kitchen cabinets often become cluttered catch-alls for gadgets, expired items, and rarely used tools. A well-organized kitchen not only saves time but also reduces stress. Follow these steps to transform your cabinets into functional, tidy spaces. 

1. Empty Everything Out

Start by removing all items from your cabinets. Place them on your countertop, table, or floor. This allows you to see exactly what you own and assess the cabinet’s layout.

Pro tip: Work on one cabinet at a time to avoid overwhelming yourself.

2. Sort Items into Categories

Group items into four categories:

• Keep: Daily essentials (plates, glasses, spices) or seasonal tools you use regularly.

• Donate/Sell: Unused appliances, duplicate tools, or dishes in good condition.

• Toss: Expired food, broken utensils, or chipped containers.

• Relocate: Items that belong elsewhere (e.g., holiday platters to a storage closet).

Ask yourself:

• Have I used this in the past year?

• Does it serve a purpose?

• Do I own duplicates?

3. Clean the Cabinets

While empty, wipe down shelves and walls with a mild cleaner. Remove crumbs, grease, or spills to create a fresh foundation.

Bonus: Line shelves with adhesive liner to protect surfaces and simplify future cleanups.

4. Organize Strategically

Return items to cabinets with purpose:

• Zone by function: Group baking tools, cooking utensils, or food storage together.

• Prioritize accessibility: Place daily-use items (mugs, plates) at eye level. Store rarely used appliances (waffle makers, specialty tools) on higher or lower shelves.

• Use organizers:

  • Lazy Susans for spices or oils.

  • Tiered shelves to maximize vertical space.

  • Bins or baskets for snacks, packets, or small items.

Avoid overcrowding: Leave 20% of space empty for easy access.

5. Label & Maintain

• Label containers or bins for quick identification.

• Schedule a monthly check-in to reassess clutter and toss expired items.

Final Tips

• Don’t buy organizers first: Declutter before purchasing storage solutions.

• Think “one in, one out”: When adding a new item, remove an old one to prevent re-cluttering.

A decluttered kitchen saves time, reduces frustration, and makes cooking enjoyable. Tackle one cabinet at a time, and soon you’ll have a kitchen that works as hard as you do!