Make more space in the kitchen without remodeling or adding more cabinets. Learn how with these easy, attractive solutions to common kitchen organization problems. We'll give you step-by-step instructions and pictures to clean out the clutter in your kitchen and get organized.
9 Genius Tips for Organizing Kitchens and Clearing the Clutter
Updated on Jun. 25, 2025
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Get a Cooking Caddy for Convenience
Here's a kitchen storage and organization ides: Keep condiments and spices in an easy-to-carry rack to free up countertop space. You always want salt, cooking oils and your favorite spices next to the stove because you use them every day. But they don't have to take up valuable counter space full time. Place them all in a caddy that you can instantly stow in a cabinet after cooking. You'll find caddies in various shapes, sizes and prices at any store that sells kitchenware.
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Off-the-Counter Microwave
Tuck the microwave under your cabinets to get it off the counter. Microwave ovens are the biggest space hogs on most countertops. With a few models, manufacturers offer optional mounting kits that let you mount the microwave under cabinets. To raise your old microwave, consider the sturdy brackets shown here. But first measure its height and the height of the space above the countertop; with a larger microwave, you might find that the space under it will be too small to be useful.
Plus: check out more quick and clever kitchen storage ideas.
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Under-Cabinet Knife Storage Racks
Pull-down racks give you instant access to kitchen essentials without the clutter of spice racks or knife holders. When the cooking is done, the rack swings up against the underside of the cabinet. The acrylic knife rack like the one shown here, or buy a pair of hinges only and make your own wooden rack to hold knives, spices or other small items that take up counter space.
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Concealed Message Center
Don’t let shopping lists, phone messages and to-do notes clutter up counter space. Mount a dry-erase board and a plastic bin on the inside of a cabinet door with double-sided foam mounting tape. The bin will protrude into the cabinet, so be sure to position it where it won’t collide with shelves or the stuff inside. Get the board, bin and tape at a discount or office supply store.
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Tidy File Center
Countertops are a landing pad for paper—mail, news clippings and other assorted notes. Get that mess off your counter with folders and a file holder. The one shown here (from an office supply store) mounts with screws or double-sided foam tape. If you don't have suitable vertical surface, get a file holder that sits on the countertop. It will take up less space (and look neater) than a stack of papers. If you're short on space and could use a home office, read up on how to turn your closet into a makeshift home office!
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Tucked Away Coffeemaker
For serious coffee drinkers, stowing the coffeemaker inside a cabinet just doesn't make sense; you'll only have to pull it out again in a few hours. Here's a solution: An under-cabinet coffeemaker is always available and doesn't take up valuable counter space. Plus: here's how to get those pesky coffee stains out of carpeting.
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Mobile Kitchen Storage and Organization Cart
A rolling kitchen cart is the next best thing to adding cabinets and countertop space. The top provides extra work space when you’re preparing that big Thanksgiving dinner. And the shelves below hold items that would otherwise consume countertop space. If you plan to use a cart for food preparation, choose one with a tough top like butcher block, stainless steel or plastic laminate. Some cart tops are glossy finished wood—beautiful, but not very durable. Carts come in a variety of wood finishes, so there’s a good chance you can match your existing cabinets. Or you can go for an eclectic look with a shiny metal or painted cart.
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Decorative Backsplash Rack
Backsplash racks offer easy access and stylish kitchen storage solutions. Most versions take just a few minutes to install. Backsplash racks have a few disadvantages, though. All your kitchen utensils have to look good, since they're on display. And if you ever decide to remove the rack, you'll be left with screw holes in the backsplash; not a big problem with drywall, but ugly and unfixable in tile.
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FAQ
What does organizing have to do with cleanliness?
Having a clutter-free and organized kitchen makes cleaning so much easier. For instance, professional organizer Keena Lee of Calm Spaces talks about the impact that clear countertops have on overall kitchen cleanliness. “I know the minimalist look isn’t for everyone, but when it comes to cleanliness, it’s hard to beat a cleared countertop. Having nothing (or very little) out on the counter makes it so much easier to clean and sanitize your surfaces.” By keeping countertop items to a minimum, you reduce the number of hard-to-reach spots that need to be cleaned.
How often should I declutter and reorganize my kitchen?
Decluttering and organizing are never once-and-for-all tasks, but should rather be a regular part of your cleaning routine. When it comes to the kitchen, small decluttering tasks like tossing expired leftovers or straightening up the pantry should be done weekly, while larger chores like decluttering hosting items or kitchen tools can be done seasonally. If you find that certain areas of your kitchen are consistently messy, it’s time to reassess your organizing system and adjust it to better fit how you use your kitchen.
What are the best ways to store rarely used kitchen gadgets?
Rarely used kitchen gadgets should be stored in places that are harder to access so that they don’t take up space in cabinets or drawers that stash more frequently used items. Think over-the-fridge cabinets, or the backs of lower cabinets.
How do I maintain organization in a small kitchen with limited storage?
One of the best ways to maintain organization in a small kitchen with limited storage is to declutter regularly. The less extra stuff you have, the less you have to organize and the easier it will be to sustain your organizing systems. Don’t skip routine decluttering and organizing because a small kitchen can quickly become overwhelmed by even a little mess. Finally, make sure you’re taking advantage of unexpected storage spots like the backs of doors and other vertical space.
About the experts
Kenna Lee is the founder and chief product officer of Calm Spaces, a professional organizing firm serving clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and Atlanta, GA. She holds a Certificate in Essentials of Organizing from NAPO, a Foundation Certification in Chronic Disorganization, and a Certificate of Study in ADHD from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization. She also has a Specialist Certificate in Brain-Based Conditions, and a Specialist Certificate in Life Transitions. She excels in working with high-net-worth households, people with ADHD, and clients navigating major life transitions and is a sought-after expert on clutter, overwhelm, and organizing with empathy.
