7 Easy Kitchen Organisation Tips.
Having a kitchen where every area is functional and thoughtfully set up is key to creating a space that flows and feels good to be in. The last thing you need midweek, while trying to cook dinner with hungry kids at your feet, is cluttered surfaces and disorganised cupboards that slow you down.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to get organised. With a few simple changes, you can create a kitchen that supports your daily routine, reduces stress, and feels calm and easy to use. Here are some practical tips to help you organise your kitchen in a way that works with your life, not against it.
1. Declutter First
Before organizing your kitchen, start with decluttering. Take it slow and tackle just one cupboard or drawer at a time. Take everything out and assess what you actually use. Be honest about these items, are there items you’ve forgotten you even had? If they’re rarely (or never) used, consider donating them.
Check expiry dates and toss anything that’s past its prime or that you know you won’t use. Let go of mugs that sit at the back of the cupboard gathering dust - you probably reach for the same few anyway!
Remember: empty space isn’t wasted space. Just because you have an unused drawer or shelf doesn’t mean it needs to be filled. Having breathing room in your kitchen makes it feel calmer and easier to navigate.
2. Create Zones That Reflect Your Routine
One of the easiest ways to create flow and function is by organising your kitchen into zones that match how you use the space. This saves time and reduces mess.
Here are some simple zone ideas to get you started:
Prep & Cooking Zone – Store knives, cutting boards, mixing bowls, and utensils close to where you prep and cook.
Baking Zone – Keep baking trays, measuring cups, flour, sugar, and mixing tools near your oven or mixer.
Spices & Oils Zone – Place commonly used ingredients like herbs, spices, oils, and salt near the stovetop or food prep area.
Cleaning Zone – Store cleaning supplies under the sink. Move any toxic chemicals to a high cupboard or consider placing them in the laundry if you have young children.
Drinks Station – Create a designated area for tea, coffee, mugs, and glasses. A drinks station makes mornings smoother and adds a special touch.
3. Use Drawer Dividers
Drawer dividers bring structure and order to your kitchen. They make a huge difference in keeping things tidy and easy to find—especially during busy mornings or hectic dinner prep.
Group similar items together and give everything a home that’s easy to access. Consider dividers for utensils, cutlery, baking paper, cling wrap, tea towels, and more.
4. Use Clear Storage Containers And Labels.
Clear containers not only look aesthetically pleasing, but they also make it much easier to see exactly what you have. No more forgotten ingredients hiding in the back of the cupboard or doubling up on items. This simple switch helps prevent waste, makes food shopping more efficient, and keeps your pantry looking neat and streamlined.
Label all containers and decant items straight from their packaging when you get home. Clear containers are especially helpful for pantry staples like pasta, rice, cereal, flour, and snacks. Start small—choose your most-used ingredients first and gradually upgrade as your budget allows.
5. Maximise Vertical Space
Using vertical space is a fantastic way to maximise storage while keeping everything easily accessible and visible. Think beyond just cupboards - look at your walls, backs of doors, and under shelves.
Install over-the-door storage racks, stackable shelves, or wall-mounted racks to store items like cleaning supplies, utensils, fruit and veg, or mugs. In your pantry, use shelf risers to make canned goods, jars, and crockery more visible. Wall-mounted magnetic knife racks are also a great solution - they free up drawer space and keep sharp items out of reach of children.
6. Keep Benchtops Clear for Functionality
A clear benchtop is crucial for a functional kitchen, especially when it comes to meal prep. The more space you have on your counters, the easier it will be to work efficiently without distractions or clutter.
Store appliances in cupboards, with your most-used items within easy reach. For less frequently used or occasional items, reserve higher cupboards or deeper storage spaces. Keep only the essentials close by - items you use daily should be in easy-to-reach drawers or cabinets, while everything else can go higher or in harder-to-access spots.
Final Thoughts…
These tips will not only help you declutter but also create a functional kitchen that works for your family.
