Clean and Scentsible

Organize Everything – The Kitchen Cabinets

Anyone need to do a little organizing of their kitchen cabinets?  I know mine were really in need of some cleaning and purging!  I’m not really sure how they got so bad but here are a few of my lovely BEFORE pics.

Yep, a little LOT of organizing was definitely in order.  So here’s how I managed to get through all 19 cupboards and 8 drawers.  
  • If you have a lot of cabinets and drawers to get through, break it up into a couple of cupboards per day.  There is nothing worse than dragging out a huge mess and then running out of time to actually put it away again! {That may have happened to me a time or two!}
  • PURGE!  Really take a look at what you have and how much you use it.  Do you really need to save all of those bowls in case you have 30 people over for dinner?  If you haven’t used something in the past 6-12 months {and that is probably being generous!},chances are you could live without it.  Remember that the less stuff you have, the easier it will be to keep it organized!  Use the standard “Donate”, “Garbage” and “Keep” piles to sort through your items.  
  • Once everything is out, wipe down your cupboards.  You can line them with contact paper if you want to spruce them up a bit or cover up any stains.  One day I would like to get rid of that peach color in the back of all the cabinets but I will save that for another day. {Well…maybe!}
  • Figure out what you would like to use the cupboard for {food, small appliances, pots and pans, tupperware, etc.}  Consider the layout of your kitchen when choosing where to store your items.  Keep your glasses and plates close to the dishwasher for easy put away and the pots and pans beside the stove.  
  • Group all ‘like’ items together.  I have a drawer for all of my wraps and another small drawer for batteries. 

  • Sort through your tupperware and make sure all items have matching lids.  I did A LOT of purging with this one!
I also ended up donating a lot of my glass ware and corning ware.  I have no idea how I ended up with so much of it!
  • Use drawer dividers to keep smaller items organized.
{Everyone needs a junk drawer somewhere!}
  • Use a canister to store your most used kitchen utensils.  It really does make them so much easier to find!  And a little vinyl always makes it cuter! 🙂
  • Use cute canisters or bins to keep frequently used items in easy reach.
  • Purchase extra shelving for your larger cupboards so you do not have to pile items on top of each other.  There are some great pull out storage shelves but they were a little too pricey for me.  These basic shelves were about $10 each and are expandable to fit a variety of cupboard sizes.
{Plastic bag organizers are also very helpful!}
  • Store less used items at the back and keep your most used items at the front for easy access.
  • Utilize vertical storage units for cookie sheets and other thin items.
  • Check out the stores for some unique storage items to fit your needs.  Here’s a few I picked up.
The black shelf on the top shelf, holds the toast toppings {peanut butter, honey, etc.} and sits right beside the toaster.  I love that it pulls down for easy access.  Pretty cool, eh? 
 {purchased from Walmart}
I used a couple of baskets to store some extra spices and baking supplies. I then painted a couple of clothes pegs and used some vinyl for labeling.
I also got this plastic storage container for spice and seasoning packets. 

There is a HUGE variety of spice storage systems out there.  I stuck to a basic lazy susan {double decker style!}.

{purchased from the Storage Place}

Whew!  All done!  Now that everything has a place and all of those unused items are GONE, I think I will be able to keep things organized for good.  I hope this helps you to clean out a cupboard or two!  If you have found any great kitchen organizing tips, just let me know.  I love to see what you all have been up to!

If you would like to see the rest of the kitchen organization, you can check out my fridge, medicine cabinet, and under the sink.  The kitchen command center is up next!

I linked up with Modern Parents Messy Kids, The CSI Project, The Thrifty Decor Chick, I Heart Organizing, The Stories of A to Z, Today’s Creative Blog, Tip Junkie, The Girl Creative, Ask Anna, Craft-O-Maniac, I Heart Naptime, Under the Table and Dreaming, Be Different Act Normal, Tatertots and Jello, 30 Days, Org Junkie, Fingerprints on the Fridge, 504 Main, Somewhat Simple, Lil Luna, Delightful Order, The Shabby Chic Cottage, House of Hepworths and Blue Cricket Design.

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Comments

  4. That is awesome! looks great! We’re moving into a new house in 3 weeks and this will totally come in handy for organizing things as I unpack them! Thanks for sharing

    Reply

  5. It looks amazing! You did a terrific job!! I have a very small kitchen and I have to be ruthless in what I keep and what must go. I got rid of a ton of corning ware dishes a few years back after determining that I did not need 13 casseroles! (wedding gifts!} Did you get the divider for the cookie sheets at Walmart? I was looking at one last week and getting ready to put on in action! Angie xo

    Reply

  6. How does someone who knows so little about cooking have so many kitchen utensils!!!! I remember the days of 30 minute burning Minute Rice on the stove!!!!

    Reply

  10. You inspire me! looks great Jenn!

    I did recently purge but there is still soooo much stuff in my house! I think it’s secretly breeding when I’m not looking!

    Reply

  16. I need your help!!! 🙂

    I am your newest follower, and would love it if you would follow me back if you love our blog as well! 🙂

    Stop by an add your latest & greatest to our What I Made Wednesday Linky Party…today is the last day!

    Also, enter for a chance to win a homemade hair bow!!!

    Alisa @ Sweet Peas and Bumblebees
    sweetpeasandbb.blogspot.com

    Reply

  21. Oh how I long for 19 cabinets and drawers!! I have got to get a handle on my space. My problem is that beside the oven are 2 slender cabinets only adequate for the flat stuff and the other side has frying pans standing on end. Then across the kitchen I have ONE good sized cabinet….it holds all the tupperware/colander/mixing bowls etc. Hmm…notice no place for pots? ugh…But your ideas are helpful and I feel a little inspiration to work with what I’ve got.

    Reply

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