Deep, dark cabinets swallow pans, lids and containers. These kitchen cabinet organization ideas use risers, racks and zones to make every shelf easy to reach, without a remodel.
The Short Answer
Organize cabinets into zones by how you cook, use shelf risers to double vertical space, store lids and boards upright, use turntables in corners, and keep daily items at eye level.
12 Kitchen Cabinet Organization Ideas
1. Create zones
Dishes near the dishwasher, pots near the stove, baking supplies together.
2. Add shelf risers
A 2-tier bamboo storage rack doubles space for mugs, bowls and cans.
3. Store lids upright
A multi-use rack for lids and boards ends the avalanche.
4. Nest cookware
Stack pots by size with a pan protector between them.
5. Use a lazy Susan in corners
Spin to reach oils, vinegars and sauces.
6. Decant dry goods
Clear stackable jars like the transparent pasta and snack container.
7. Stack food storage containers
Store lids separately in a bin, bases nested.
8. Use the inside of doors
Hooks for measuring spoons, racks for spices.
9. Tame under the sink
Use a tray for cleaning supplies and a sponge holder on the sink.
10. Put daily dishes at eye level
Holiday pieces go high.
11. Keep a slow cooker shelf
Store the slow cooker at waist height with its lid on so it is easy to grab. See our crockpot size guide.
12. Label shelves
Labels help everyone put things back.
Equipment I Used
- 360-degree rotating spice rack: keeps every spice within reach.
- Large airtight food storage container: for leftovers and freezer portions.
Want to batch-cook for the week? The Meal Prep for Beginners guide includes printable meal prep checklists.
Kitchen Cabinet Organization FAQ
How do I organize deep kitchen cabinets?
Use pull-out bins, shelf risers and turntables so you never have to reach behind other items.
Where should dishes go in a kitchen?
In an upper cabinet near the dishwasher so unloading is quick.
How do I organize pots and pans in a cabinet?
Nest them by size, store lids upright in a rack, and use protectors between non-stick pans.
What is the best way to organize food storage containers?
Nest the bases and store lids upright in a separate bin.
