Kitchen cabinets are great; until they’re not. It starts with one extra mug shoved into the wrong shelf, and next thing you know, you’re rummaging through a chaotic mess of mismatched Tupperware, mystery spices, and appliances you forgot you owned. Whether you’re in a rental in Portland, OR, a home in Atlanta, GA or a condo in Chicago, IL knowing how to organize kitchen cabinets can instantly make your space feel bigger, calmer, and way more functional.
This Redfin guide rounds up expert-approved organizing tips for a tidy home, and help you cut the clutter to finally get your cabinets working for you—not against you.
1. Design your cabinet zones like a pro
“For kitchen cabinets, the most important tip is to prioritize function over style,” says Carla Moum of Woodharmonic Custom Cabinets in Los Angeles, CA. “Begin by organizing the layout based on how you use the space. Group cabinets into zones for prep, cooking, cleaning, and storage.”
She also recommends going with full-height cabinets when possible. “They maximize storage and create a custom look,” she adds. And when it comes to finishes, she suggests timeless materials like light wood or white with wood accents.
Photo courtesy of Boxco Studio
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2. Go all in on pull-out drawers and interior storage
“If you love a clean, streamlined look with uniform door faces, we recommend interior drawers and pull-outs,” says Bel Muller of Greenfield, MA-based European-style cabinetmakers, Boxco Studio. “Pull-out trays and drawers make it easy to see everything in your cabinet at a glance, and pull-out trash and recycling cabinets keep waste out of sight.”
Jayme Seppala from Built Cabinets in Rindge, NH agrees, adding, “We suggest installing drawer organizers to declutter and optimize cabinet space. Pull-out shelves and stackable containers enhance tidiness and accessibility. Donate unused items to free up room.”
And if you want a customizable system, Stelian Cotovici of Craft Custom Cabinets, located in Snohomish, WA, recommends the Rev-A-Shelf system. “It lets you install pull-out trays at any height, with the flexibility to adjust over time as your storage needs evolve.”
3. Use cabinet doors for bonus storage
“If you’re living in a rental with cabinets that have doors instead of drawers, you can still maximize your space,” says home design blogger Shuly Anenburg at The Wall Whisperer. “Use the inside of cabinet doors to hang small kitchen tools like measuring spoons, scissors, or peelers using renter-friendly solutions like 3M Command Hooks. You can also tape frequently used printed recipes inside for quick access.”
Professional organizer, Catie Kelly of Sistamatic Organizing adds, “I love to use adhesive hooks to store things like potholders and strainers. Over-the-cabinet-door baskets are perfect for keeping attachments for small appliances from getting lost.”
4. Avoid deep cabinets for pantry storage
“Don’t use the cabinets next to your fridge as your food pantry,” warns Christina Morton DesAuguste, founder of The Organizing Company in Denver, CO. “18–22 inches is too deep for food items. The stuff at the back just goes there to mold.”
She recommends using deep lower cabinets for small appliances (on pull-out shelves if possible), and the top third for cutting boards and trays stored vertically. “For your food, use a freestanding pantry that’s 9–15 inches deep. It’s worth the extra steps to actually be able to see and access what’s in your pantry.”
5. Use lazy susans and risers in tricky spots
“Installing lazy Susan turntables in corner cabinets or deep pantry shelves makes it easy to access oils, spices, and cans,” says Westchester, NY-based professional organizer, Katy’s Organized Home. “They maximize tricky spaces while keeping everything visible and within reach.”
She also suggests using clear risers to create two-tiered displays for plates or mugs. “It keeps items organized and prevents fragile pieces from getting scratched.”
Kathi Burns, CPO at Organized and Energized in San Diego, CA, adds, “Large lazy Susans work great in super deep pantries. You can spin and find what you need, and heavy-duty ones can stack up to three cans high.”