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Bettesworth Construction
Cabinet Organizers

How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets, According to Pros

A practical cabinet-by-cabinet method: edit what you own, group items by task, make everyday essentials easy to reach, and choose organizers only for real access problems.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 4 min read
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Organize kitchen cabinets by clearing one cabinet at a time, grouping items by task, and putting everyday essentials where they are easiest to reach. Then address specific access problems—such as buried items or wasted shelf height—with a fitting organizer only if rearranging the space is not enough.

How to plan a cabinet layout that works

Start with the way your household uses the kitchen, not with a set of storage products. A useful layout keeps the tools and supplies for a task near the place where you do it, while leaving frequently used items within comfortable reach.

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1. Edit one cabinet at a time

Take everything out of a single cabinet before sorting it. Set aside duplicates, broken items, worn-out tools, and things no one uses. Donate functional items when appropriate. Reducing the number of belongings first makes it easier to see what storage the cabinet actually needs.

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2. Group belongings by task and work zone

Keep preparation tools near the counter where you prep, cookware close to the range, and cups or coffee supplies near the sink or coffee maker. Group related items into practical categories such as baking, breakfast, and everyday cooking. Adapt the arrangement to your kitchen’s layout and your household’s routines rather than following a universal map.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
SONGMICS Cabinet Organizer Shelf, Set of 4 Spice Rack, Kitchen Storage
  • [Flexible Storage Solutions] Whether you place them on the countertop as a convenient spice rack, stack them to maximize cabinet space, or bring order to your pantry, these racks offer versatile storage options for every need
  • [Contemporary Charm] The combination of engineered wood tops and white metal frames exudes a sense of refined simplicity, making them a perfect addition to any modern home
  • [Small Shelf, Giant Power] Though small and a simple structure, the kitchen organizers are powerful enough to hold up to 33 lb each; leave the coffee gear or panini press to them—they can handle it
  • [Up, Down, Left, Right] Place the 4 shelves stacked, nested, side by side, or in an L shape to fit your space; with a clever customisable design, your imagination is the only limiting factor
  • [Helpful Tip] Please note that this set of 4 kitchen cupboard organizers comes in two different sizes: two small shelves measuring 7.7"D x 11.7"W x 6.2"H and two large shelves measuring 7.3"D x 11.7"W x 5.4"H

3. Put everyday and heavy items where they are easiest to reach

Reserve convenient locations for the dishes, glasses, and tools you use most often. Move occasional serving pieces or holiday items to less accessible storage. Heavy cookware, including cast iron, and heavy appliances such as stand mixers are generally easier and safer to retrieve from lower cabinets than from high shelves.

How to make shelves and stacks easier to use

Once categories have a home, arrange them so you can see and retrieve items without dismantling a stack. Group similar items together, stack similarly sized dishes, and nest pots and bowls when doing so remains practical for your routine.

Rank #2
Sevenblue 3-Pack 2-Tier Under Sink Organizers with Sliding Drawers
  • [Extra Accessories, Endless Uses]: Say goodbye to messy cabinets and cluttered counters. Sevenblue under-sink organizers are a fan favorite—and for good reason. We’ve taken your feedback and made them even better with handy add-ons like hanging cup, C-hooks, and non-slip feet. And they’re not just for under the sink! Use them in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, cabinets—you name it. Wherever you need a little extra organization, these shelves have your back
  • [Sliding Storage Drawer]: Tired of reaching way back just to grab one thing? We got you. The bottom shelf of under sink organizers and storage slides out smoothly so you can get to your stuff without the hassle. You can even adjust how far it pulls out to fit your setup—no need to take the whole thing out of the cabinet
  • [Super Easy Setup]: No tools? No problem. These undersink organizers are a breeze to put together—just follow the step-by-step guide or check out the quick how-to video. You’ll have everything set up in about 3 minutes. Seriously, it’s that easy
  • [Strong & Sturdy]: Built tough to handle the heavy stuff. Our shelf support rods are made from reinforced metal—not plastic—and have been tested to hold up to 40 pounds. Whether you're storing cleaning supplies or kitchen gear, this organizer can take the weight without breaking a sweat
  • [Attention]: Under bathroom and kitchen sink organizer comes in two sizes. The large size is 15.6inch×8.5inch×14.2inch(L*W*H), the other size is 12.1inch×6.3inch×14.2inch(L*W*H). Please take measurement of the storage room where you intend to use our product for . When you encounter any problems in the process of using the cabinet organizer products.Please feel free to contact us. We promise to solve the problem for you within 24 hours
  • Use shelf height deliberately. If the shelf is adjustable, change its position to suit the items stored there.
  • Add a second level only where it helps. A shelf riser can use otherwise empty vertical space. Professional organizer Nikki Bell describes the idea simply: “Risers allow you to make two shelves in one space.” Martha Stewart’s expert guide also discusses cabinet organization advice from Nikki Bell, Darla DeMorrow, and Jamie Hord.
  • Store trays and boards vertically when they fit. A divider can keep baking sheets and cutting boards upright, provided the cabinet dimensions allow the items to slide in and out easily.

Which organizer helps with a specific cabinet problem?

Choose an organizer to solve an observed access or storage problem, not simply because an accessory is available. Options described in cabinet-organization guides include shelf risers, adjustable drawer dividers, vertical dividers, clear bins, turntables, and pull-out organizers. The guides offer category advice, not comparative product testing or endorsements of particular models.

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Problem Possible approach Check before choosing
Small items are hard to reach in a deep cabinet A turntable can bring items toward the front. Measure the cabinet interior and make sure the turntable can rotate without hitting the door or other contents.
Lower-cabinet contents are buried or difficult to retrieve A pull-out organizer may improve access. Check the product’s dimensions, installation requirements, and compatibility with the cabinet and its load.
Unused space above stacked items A shelf riser may create a second storage level. Measure the available height and confirm that items still fit and can be lifted out.
Trays and boards fall into a pile A vertical divider may keep them separated. Check that the cabinet is wide and tall enough for the items to stand and be removed.
Tools shift around in a drawer Adjustable drawer dividers can separate categories. Measure the drawer interior and confirm the dividers stay secure in its configuration.
Food packages are difficult to see Clear bins can group items and improve visibility. Choose sizes that fit the shelf and allow you to remove items without blocking access.

Before buying any organizer, measure the cabinet’s interior width, depth, and height, as well as shelf and door clearance. Match the product to the problem, check installation and load requirements, and consider whether moving a shelf or rearranging existing containers would do the job without a purchase. An over-door rack needs extra clearance: verify that the door closes and that the rack hardware does not hit the cabinet interior.

Rank #3
Sale
SONGMICS Cabinet Organizer Shelf, Set of 2 Spice Rack, Kitchen Storage
  • [Plenty of Storage] Keep your cooking essentials, such as spice jars, containers, cans, cutlery, and cookbooks organized, easily visible, and quick to find with these kitchen organizers and storage. They can also serve as a small food table for cats
  • [Sturdy and Durable] Made of high-quality engineered wood and metal, each spice rack organizer can hold a maximum weight of 33 lb, so you can store loads of supplies on them
  • [Adjustable] With their unique design, with one slightly smaller than the other, these shelf organizers can be stacked on top of one another, nested, used separately, or even in an L-shape. Adjust them how you want to perfectly fit your kitchen space
  • [Versatile] They can be used in more than just the kitchen! Use them in the dining room as a way to elevate your table centerpieces, on your bedroom desk to organize your items, or even in your bathroom to neatly store your bathroom essentials
  • [Easy to Assemble] With their simple structure and included instructions, these kitchen cabinet organizers are easy to set up and use

Some pull-down or other built-in storage systems are decisions to make during cabinet design, not necessarily universal retrofit accessories. If a layout requires cabinet modification or integrated hardware, check the installation requirements before choosing a solution. Lowe’s outlines accessory and accessibility options in its cabinet accessory guide.

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How to store food in cabinets

Choose a cool, dark, dry storage location away from heat-producing appliances. When restocking, check expiration dates and move older food forward so it is easier to use first. Clear containers or bins may make contents easier to see, but decanting every food item is not necessary for an organized cabinet. Whirlpool provides additional cabinet placement and food-storage guidance.

Rank #4
LARGER Compartment - Stackable Water Bottle Organizer Holder - for Stanley & Others' Large Tumbler - Clear Wine Rack, Cup Bottle Holder for Cabinet Home Countertop Fridge Pantry Shelf, 3 Tier Hold 9
  • ★Large Compartment Fits Large Bottles or Tumblers - Unlike most water bottle storage products, we gathered customer complaints that what they have bought doesn't fit common large size water bottles. We improved it so that each compartment grid measures 4" wide and 4 " high, perfectly fitting some large water cups or bottles up to 40 OZ.
  • ★For Example - for YETI or STANLEY Brand 30oz insulated tumbler; for Nalgenes Brand 32oz wide mouth water bottle; for Hydro Flask Brand 32oz/40oz wide mouth bottle; for STANLEY Brand 40oz insulated tumbler with handle, etc.
  • ★Quick Assembly and Stacking - No tools required, just 1 minute to assemble. The water bottle storage holder rack are easily stackble and can be freely split and combined, you can assemble any tiers you want to maximize the space, such as 1 tier, 2 tiers, 3 tiers, 4 tiers, 5 tiers, 6 tiers and more.
  • ★Simple 3-Tier Bottle Storage Holder Rack - Size: 13.5" L x 7.8" W x 9.5" H, hold 9 bottles. Modern, stylish and chic design complements any interior. Fits most household water bottles or tumblers, like glass or plastic water bottles, sport bottles, insulated travel mugs or tumblers, baby bottles, kids sippy cups and many more. Ridges on both sides prevent bottles from rolling and give each bottle a room.
  • ★High Quality Clear Material and Solid Construction - Each shelf is made of thick clear plastic. Each tier is tightly connected by 4 sturdy solid posts. The 3 tier water bottle holder can hold up to 30 lbs each tier without wobble or crack. (Note: not dishwaher safe)

Putting the plan into practice

  1. Choose one cabinet. Empty it, remove items that are broken or no longer used, and group what remains by task.
  2. Assign locations. Keep everyday items convenient, heavy cookware in lower storage, and occasional items in less accessible spaces.
  3. Arrange for visibility. Group similar items, use shelf height efficiently, and try vertical storage for trays or boards when the cabinet fits.
  4. Test the arrangement. Put items away and retrieve them as you normally would. Notice what remains buried, unstable, or difficult to reach.
  5. Fix only the problem you found. Rearrange first; if that is not enough, measure the space and check fit, clearance, accessibility, and installation before selecting an organizer.

For another practical sequence and storage ideas, see The Home Depot’s kitchen cabinet guide, last updated September 7, 2023, and IKEA US’s suggestions for organizing kitchen cabinets and drawers.

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