Take a moment to look around your kitchen. Does it always feel a little messy, no matter how often you clean? Are your drawers overflowing, your pantry packed but impossible to navigate, or your fridge hiding forgotten leftovers? If you’ve ever felt frustrated trying to find what you need—or wondered why cooking feels like a chore—it might be time to reorganize your kitchen from the ground up.
A disorganized kitchen doesn’t just waste space—it wastes time, energy, and often food. But when you reorganize your kitchen intentionally, everything changes. You cook more easily, waste less, and enjoy your space so much more.
Whether your kitchen is tiny or spacious, these 7 simple and practical steps will guide you through a full reset. You’ll go from clutter and confusion to a clean, functional space that works for you. Ready to see the before & after transformation? Let’s get started.
Step 1: Empty Everything for a Clean Slate
Before you can truly reorganize your kitchen, you need to know exactly what you’re working with. Start by emptying out everything—yes, everything—from your cabinets, drawers, pantry, fridge, and freezer.
Lay items out on a clean surface, grouping like with like (spices, canned goods, baking tools, etc.). This is your chance to take stock of what you have, what you use, and what’s just taking up space.
Pro tip: Wipe down all surfaces before you start putting things back. Clean shelves, drawers, and containers create a true “reset” moment.
Step 2: Declutter and Let Go of What You Don’t Use
Now that you can see everything, it’s time to be honest. Do you really need five spatulas? Is that old jar of lentils ever going to be used?
Sort items into four piles:
- Keep (items you use regularly)
- Donate (duplicate or unused tools in good condition)
- Recycle/Compost (expired food or broken items)
- Trash (items past saving)
This step is all about streamlining. Reorganizing is much easier when you’re only working with what you actually want and need.
Extra Step: Deep Clean Every Surface Before You Reorganize
Once you’ve decluttered and cleared your cabinets, drawers, and shelves, take a moment to give your kitchen a well-deserved deep clean. This step is essential before you start placing everything back.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Wipe down shelves and drawers with a mild cleaner or a vinegar-water solution to remove crumbs, dust, and spills.
- Clean out the fridge and freezer with a mix of warm water and baking soda to neutralize odors.
- Vacuum or sweep crumbs from the corners of your cabinets and under large appliances.
- Disinfect high-touch areas like drawer handles, cabinet knobs, and appliance buttons.
If you’re planning to use bins or containers, give them a wash too before refilling. A sparkling clean foundation will make your whole kitchen feel brand new—and keep your food safer and fresher.
Step 3: Sort by Function and Frequency
This is where strategy comes in. Once you’ve decluttered, organize your items by function (e.g. baking, breakfast, meal prep) and then by frequency (daily vs. weekly use).
Items you use every day—like your go-to skillet or coffee mugs—should be stored front and center. Less-used appliances or seasonal tools can go on high shelves or in less accessible corners.
Grouping by purpose helps create functional kitchen “zones,” like a coffee station, a baking shelf, or a smoothie drawer.
Step 4: Rethink Storage to Maximize Space
To truly reorganize your kitchen, you might need to upgrade how things are stored—not just where. Think vertically, inside doors, and across previously unused zones. A few ideas:
- Use drawer dividers for cutlery and utensils
- Add risers to double shelf space
- Hang hooks for mugs or tools
- Use clear bins to corral pantry goods by category
- Install a lazy Susan in a deep cabinet or corner shelf
- Use labels to make everything instantly findable
The goal is not just to store things—but to store them better.
Step 5: Tackle the Pantry, Fridge, and Freezer Systematically
Now that general zones are set up, let’s zero in on your food storage. Create clear categories for your pantry, fridge, and freezer:
Pantry: grains, snacks, canned goods, baking supplies, oils (for more info on how to optimize your pantry, click here)
Fridge: dairy, produce, condiments, ready-to-eat items
Freezer: leftovers, frozen fruit/veg, meats, bread (for more info on how to organize your freezer, click here)
Use containers or bins with labels, and implement FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation so nothing gets lost or expires at the back.
Reorganizing your fridge and freezer this way reduces waste and saves money.
Step 6: Design Everyday Flow Zones
Now that everything has a place, it’s time to make your kitchen work for your lifestyle. Think about your routine and create zones that support it:
- Meal Prep Zone: knives, cutting boards, mixing bowls, frequently used spices
- Breakfast Zone: toaster, coffee maker, oats, spreads, cereal
- Cooking Zone: pots, pans, utensils, oils, oven mitts
- Cleaning Zone: trash bags, dish soap, towels, sponges
Organizing your space based on how you move through it makes your kitchen more efficient and enjoyable to use.
Step 7: Maintain with a Simple Weekly Reset
You’ve done the heavy lifting. Now protect your progress with a short weekly routine:
- Put items back in their correct zones
- Wipe down surfaces
- Toss expired or questionable items
- Do a quick visual inventory before shopping
- Re-label anything if needed
By committing just 10–15 minutes a week, your newly reorganized kitchen will stay in top shape without slipping back into chaos.
Final Thoughts: Your Kitchen Should Work For You Now
You’ve taken your kitchen from cluttered to calm, and from chaotic to clear. By following these 7 essential steps to reorganize your kitchen, you’ve created a space that reflects your needs, supports your lifestyle, and saves you time and money.
No more digging through drawers, no more mystery jars at the back of the fridge, no more mealtime stress. Your kitchen now works for you—and that’s the power of smart, intentional organization.
