Pro's Tip! Declutter and Organize Kitchen Cabinets

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The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it can quickly become a chaotic space when the counters are filled and the cabinets are cluttered and disorganized. Where to start? The first step is to declutter and organize the kitchen cabinets.

With the right strategies, you can transform your kitchen into a well-organized, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing environment. This guide will walk you through practical tips for decluttering, organizing, optimizing space, and cleaning your kitchen cabinets.

Declutter Your Cabinets

• Empty Everything Out: Start by removing all items from your cabinets. This gives you a clear view of what you have and allows you to assess what you truly need. Lay everything out on your countertops or a table so you can see everything at once.
• Sort and Categorize: Group similar items together—baking supplies, cooking tools, spices, etc. This will help you see if you have duplicates or items that serve the same purpose. Ask yourself if you really need multiples of the same item. Sort, sort, sort!
• Discard or Donate: Be ruthless in your decluttering. If you haven't used something in the past year, it's time to let it go. Donate items in good condition to your local charitable organization, and discard anything that's broken or expired.
• Prioritize Your Essentials: Only keep items you use regularly. Consider how often you use each item and store the most frequently used items at eye level for easy access.

Photo byMarj Bates

Organize Your Cabinets

• Use Clear Storage Containers: Invest in clear, airtight containers for dry goods like pasta, rice, and cereal. Not only do they keep food fresh, but they also make it easy to see what you have at a glance.
• Label Everything: Labeling containers, jars, and bins can make it easier to find what you need and keep your cabinets organized. You can use a label maker or simply write on masking tape with a marker.
• Utilize Vertical Space: Make the most of your cabinet space by using shelf risers or stackable shelves. These tools help maximize vertical space, allowing you to store more items without cluttering the area.
• Install Cabinet Organizers: Consider installing pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, or door-mounted organizers to increase accessibility and make the most of your space. These organizers can be game-changers, especially in deep or hard-to-reach cabinets.
• Group Similar Items: Store items by category, such as all baking supplies together or all pots and pans in one area. This makes it easier to find what you need and keeps your cabinets orderly.
• Arrange Items by Frequency of Use: Place the most frequently used items at the front of your cabinets and less-used items toward the back. This will save you time and effort when you're cooking or baking.

Photo byMarj Bates

Optimize Kitchen Space

• Use Under-Cabinet Storage: If you're short on space, consider using the area underneath your cabinets. Install hooks for hanging mugs, small baskets for spices, or a magnetic strip for knives.
• Declutter Countertops: Keep countertops clear by storing small appliances, like toasters and blenders, inside cabinets when not in use. This not only frees up space but also gives your kitchen a cleaner, more organized look.
• Read here for more tips and tricks for your for Clutter-Free Kitchen Countertops
• Maximize Drawer Space: Use drawer dividers to organize utensils, cutlery, and small gadgets. This prevents items from becoming tangled and makes it easier to find what you need.
• Consider a Pegboard: If you have wall space, a pegboard can be a versatile storage solution for pots, pans, and utensils. It's an excellent way to keep frequently used items within arm's reach while freeing up cabinet space.
• Create Zones: Designate specific areas of your kitchen for certain tasks, such as a baking zone, a prep area, or a coffee station. This helps streamline your workflow and keeps related items together.

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Cabinet Cleaning Hacks

• Use a Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This natural solution is perfect for cutting through grease and grime that can build up inside and outside of your cabinets. Spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
• Try Baking Soda Paste: For stubborn stains or residue, mix baking soda with a little water to create a paste. Apply it to the affected areas, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a sponge before wiping clean.
• Line Your Cabinets: Use shelf liners to protect your cabinets from spills and stains. They make it easier to clean up messes and can be easily replaced when they get dirty.
• Polish with Olive Oil: For wooden cabinets, a small amount of olive oil on a soft cloth can help restore their shine. Wipe down the wood in the direction of the grain to bring out its natural beauty.
• Deodorize with Lemons: If your cabinets have a lingering odor, place a few lemon slices inside for a day or two. The natural oils in the lemon will help neutralize any unpleasant smells.

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Donate

Donating is such a neat thing to do when decluttering. You get a renewed clean space and someone gets something they may otherwise be unable to afford. This is what I call a win-win!

For a I researched how to donate almost any household items. In this free Resource Guide you will find easy and free ways to donate so many of your unwanted goods.

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Just start!

Don't wait for motivation to strike because it seldom appears for tasks we don't necessarily want to do.

Decluttering and organizing your kitchen cabinets does not have to be a big nasty task. Start with one cabinet. If a whole cabinet is too much for you to tackle start with one shelf in the cabinet.

By cleaning only one cabinet shelf a day in a few days the cabinet will be decluttered and organized. Rinse and repeat and in no time you will have completed your task in a very manageable way.

With these tips, you can create a functional and tidy space that makes cooking and meal prep a breeze. By focusing on decluttering, organizing, optimizing space, and maintaining cleanliness, your kitchen can become a place of efficiency and enjoyment.

Photo byMarj Bates

Marj Bates is a life long ridiculously organized declutter-er and artist. Less is more are words Marj lives by in everything she does except collecting dogs. “Dogs are like potato chips! Can’t have just one.” says Marj. Marj wonders if growing up with a fanatically clean Jewish mom means her decluttering and organizational skills are in her blood.

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