10 Kitchen Cabinet Organization Ideas: Smart and Stylish Storage Tricks from My 10 Years in Interior DesignLena MorrisSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Pull-Out Shelves2. Vertical Dividers3. Lazy Susans4. Clear Containers5. Under-Shelf Baskets6. Pull-Out Trash and Recycling7. Drawer Peg Systems8. Door-Mounted Racks9. Deep Drawer Organization10. Label EverythingFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne time, a client asked me to design a kitchen “big enough to fit a goat.” Yes, a literal goat! While I didn’t end up adding livestock housing, that moment reminded me that kitchens — no matter the size — have to work hard for us. And in small homes, creativity in space planning isn’t optional, it’s survival. Over the years, I’ve learned that kitchen cabinet organization can completely change how you cook, clean, and enjoy your home.1. Pull-Out ShelvesThey’re my favorite hack for deep cabinets. Instead of digging like an archaeologist to find your blender, pull-out shelves bring everything to you. The only catch? You’ll lose a little vertical space, but it’s worth the sanity.save pin2. Vertical DividersStoring baking trays and chopping boards upright saves space and protects them from scratches. I’ve used everything from custom inserts to simple tension rods. They make it easier to grab that one sheet pan without a clattering avalanche.save pin3. Lazy SusansPerfect for corner cabinets where vanilla extract goes to die. A turntable keeps every bottle visible and reachable. Just keep in mind they eat a bit of floor space in the cabinet, so measure twice.save pin4. Clear ContainersTransparent bins keep similar items together while making inventory easy. Clients love them for snacks and baking supplies. This is a budget-friendly trick that looks more “Pinterest” than “pantry chaos.”save pin5. Under-Shelf BasketsThey add a bonus level for small items like wraps and foils, turning dead air into usable space. In my layouts for small kitchens, these baskets often save the day for renters who can't remodel.save pin6. Pull-Out Trash and RecyclingHiding the bins inside cabinets keeps things tidy and improves hygiene. The downside? You sacrifice a base cabinet, so plan carefully for the rest of your storage.save pin7. Drawer Peg SystemsThis underrated hero keeps plates and bowls from sliding around. Adjustable pegs mean you can change your setup as your needs evolve, which is great if you entertain often.save pin8. Door-Mounted RacksThe inside of cabinet doors is prime real estate. I use it for spices, cleaning bottles, or even a shallow knife block. Just make sure the rack doesn’t collide with items inside when the door closes.save pin9. Deep Drawer OrganizationInstead of stacking pots in cabinets, I often recommend converting them into deep drawers. With sturdy slides, you can store heavy items more ergonomically and keep them tidy with dividers or custom inserts.save pin10. Label EverythingIt’s not just for neat freaks — labels save time and prevent overbuying. Plus, once guests know where things go, they can help clean up without silently resenting you for your mystery drawer system.save pinFAQ1. How do I start organizing my kitchen cabinets?Begin by decluttering items you rarely use. Then group similar items and assign them to zones for easy access.2. What’s the best solution for a small kitchen?Use vertical dividers, under-shelf baskets, and maximize cabinet doors for additional storage.3. Are pull-out shelves worth it?Yes, especially for deep cabinets. They improve accessibility and prevent forgotten items hiding in the back.4. How can I organize a corner cabinet?A Lazy Susan or pull-out trays work well. The National Kitchen and Bath Association also recommends blind corner pullouts for efficiency.5. Should I store pots in drawers or cabinets?Drawers are often better for ergonomics and visibility, as long as they’re built with heavy-duty slides.6. How do I store spices efficiently?Door-mounted spice racks or drawer inserts keep them organized and visible without taking up counter space.7. Can I organize a rental kitchen without drilling?Yes, use tension rods, freestanding racks, and adhesive hooks for no-damage solutions.8. How do labels help with kitchen organization?They create a clear system for where items belong, reducing clutter and streamlining meal prep for everyone in the household.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE