An organised pantry with glass jars of supplies

How to Declutter Kitchen Cupboards

In every home, the kitchen is the heart of the house. It’s where we cook, eat, gather, and often store a wide array of items. Over time, kitchen cupboards can become cluttered, making it challenging to find what you need and creating a sense of chaos in the heart of your home. However, with a well-organized and clutter-free kitchen, you can enhance your cooking experience and make meal preparation a breeze. In this guide, I’ll show you through the process of how to declutter kitchen cupboards, providing you with practical tips to create an organized and efficient kitchen space.

Why Declutter Your Kitchen Cupboards?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore why decluttering your kitchen cupboards is essential:

Efficiency: An organized kitchen allows you to find utensils, ingredients, and cookware quickly, saving you time during meal preparation.
Space Optimization: Decluttering creates additional storage space and maximizes the use of available cabinet space.
Cleanliness: A clutter-free kitchen is easier to clean and maintain, ensuring a hygienic cooking environment.

Stress Reduction: An organized kitchen reduces stress and frustration when cooking, helping you enjoy the process more.

How to Start Decluttering Your Kitchen Cupboards:

Let’s begin the process of decluttering your kitchen cupboards!

1. Empty the Cupboards

The first step is to remove all items from your kitchen cupboards. This allows you to assess what you have and provides a clean slate to work with. Put everything on the kitchen island or table, so you can see what you have.

2. Sort and Categorize

Once everything is out in the open, sort items into categories. Common categories may include pots and pans, utensils, bakeware, dishes, glassware, spices, canned goods, and small appliances.

3. Purge Expired or Unused Items

Go through each category and identify items that are expired, damaged, or no longer needed. Dispose of expired food items and any kitchenware that’s beyond repair or use. That bread thermometer that your husband’s gran gave you? If you don’t use it, get rid of it. Your home isn’t a storage container!

4. Consolidate Duplicate Items

You may discover duplicates of certain kitchen tools or utensils. Consolidate these duplicates to free up space and avoid clutter.

5. Prioritize Essential Items

Identify the essential kitchen items you use regularly. These are the items that should be easily accessible within your kitchen cupboards.

6. Relocate Items

Consider if any items would be better stored elsewhere in your kitchen or in a different part of the house. For example, you might relocate baking supplies to a pantry or a dedicated baking cabinet.

7. Invest in Organizational Tools

To keep things orderly, invest in some organizational tools such as shelf dividers, pull-out trays, drawer organizers, and stackable storage containers.

8. Label Containers and Shelves

Label containers, shelves, or drawers to make it easy to identify what’s stored in each space. This will help you and your family members maintain the organization over time.

9. Clean the Cupboards

Before putting items back into your kitchen cupboards, take the opportunity to clean the interior of the cabinets. Wipe down shelves, check for any spills or crumbs, and address any lingering odors.

10. Establish Zones

Assign specific zones within your kitchen cupboards for different categories of items. For instance, designate one area for baking supplies, another for cookware, and a separate space for spices.

Tips for Organizing Kitchen Cupboards:

Now that you’ve decluttered, let’s explore some tips for effectively organizing your kitchen cupboards:

1. Use Adjustable Shelving

Consider installing adjustable shelves within your cupboards. These shelves can be customized to fit the height of your items, maximizing storage space.

2. Group Like Items

Group similar items together to create a sense of order. For instance, keep all your baking supplies, including flour, sugar, and baking powder, in one designated area.

3. Store Frequently Used Items at Eye Level

Place items you use frequently, such as pots and pans or everyday dishes, at eye level or within easy reach. This makes them more accessible and prevents the need to bend or stretch to retrieve them.

4. Utilize Drawer Organizers

Drawer organizers are excellent for keeping utensils, cutlery, and small kitchen tools neatly arranged and easily accessible.

5. Install Hooks or Racks

Consider installing hooks or racks inside cupboard doors or on the sides of cabinets to hang items like pot lids, oven mitts, or measuring cups.

6. Stack Pots and Pans Wisely

When stacking pots and pans, consider placing a layer of felt or silicone between them to prevent scratches. Store lids separately or use lid organizers to keep them tidy.

7. Keep Spices Accessible

Use spice racks or tiered organizers to keep your spices easily visible and accessible, making seasoning your dishes a breeze.

8. Use Transparent Containers

Transparent storage containers or bins allow you to see the contents at a glance, making it easier to find what you need.

9. Store Glassware Safely

Stack glassware neatly and use shelf liners or non-slip mats to prevent items from sliding or clinking together.

10. Periodic Maintenance

Set aside time every few months to review your kitchen cupboards and make adjustments as needed. Over time, your needs may change, and you may acquire new kitchen items.

Creating An Organized and Efficient Kitchen

Decluttering and organizing your kitchen cupboards can significantly enhance your daily cooking experience. An organized and efficient kitchen not only saves you time but also contributes to a more enjoyable and stress-free cooking environment. By following these decluttering and organizing tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a clutter-free and functional kitchen that supports your culinary adventures. So, roll up your sleeves, declutter your kitchen cupboards, and take the first step toward a more organized and efficient kitchen space.