How To Organize Kitchen Cabinets in a Small Kitchen
This post is all about how to organize kitchen cabinets in a small kitchen.
How To Organize Kitchen Cabinets in a Small Kitchen
Living in a small apartment or home with a compact kitchen can feel like a constant battle to keep things tidy and accessible.
As someone who loves cooking and values an organized space, I’ve faced the chaos of cluttered cabinets and learned what truly works for small kitchens.
This guide shares 15 unique, practical, and budget-friendly storage solutions to transform your kitchen cabinets into an organized haven, even with limited space.
These tips are designed to help you make the most of every inch, keep your kitchen functional, and maintain a clutter-free vibe.
Why Organizing Small Kitchen Cabinets Matters
A small kitchen demands smart storage to stay functional.
Without organization, cabinets can become a jumbled mess, making it hard to find what you need when cooking or cleaning.
Well-organized cabinets save time, reduce stress, and make your kitchen feel larger and more inviting.
Below, I’ve outlined 15 creative strategies to optimize your cabinet space, shuffled from the typical order to keep things fresh and tailored for small kitchens.
1. Install a Sliding Spice Rack for Easy Access
Spices are essential for cooking, but their small jars can create chaos in a cramped cabinet.
A sliding spice rack is a game-changer for keeping your seasonings organized and within reach.
Instead of stacking spice jars haphazardly, use a pull-out spice rack that fits neatly inside a narrow cabinet.
These racks typically have tiered shelves, allowing you to see every label at a glance.
I recommend dedicating a slim cabinet near your stove for this purpose, as it keeps spices handy while cooking.
Try This: Look for a two-tier sliding spice organizer that can hold 20–30 jars. This keeps your spices visible and prevents the back-of-the-cabinet black hole where items get lost.
2. Hang Utensils Under Cabinets
Counter space is precious in a small kitchen, so why not use the underside of your cabinets?
Installing hooks or a hanging rack beneath your cabinets is a clever way to store frequently used utensils, mugs, or even small pots.
This solution frees up cabinet space for other items and keeps your go-to tools within arm’s reach.
I love how this adds a touch of charm to the kitchen, especially if you choose sleek, matching hooks.
Get Started: Opt for adhesive hooks or a slide-on rack for easy installation. Hang lightweight items like measuring spoons, spatulas, or coffee mugs to maximize vertical space.
3. Use a Corner Dish Stacker
Corner cabinets are notoriously tricky in small kitchens, often becoming a graveyard for forgotten dishes.
A 3-tier corner dish stacker can transform this awkward space into a functional storage area.
These stackers are designed to fit snugly into cabinet corners, holding plates, bowls, or even baking dishes securely.
The tiered design ensures you can access everything without knocking over a stack of dishes.
Make It Happen: Choose a sturdy, adjustable corner stacker to accommodate different dish sizes. This is perfect for keeping your dinnerware organized and accessible.
4. Add a Pull-Out Organizer for Pantry Items
No pantry? No problem. If your kitchen cabinets double as your pantry, a pull-out organizer can maximize space and keep food items tidy.
These organizers are ideal for storing canned goods, snacks, or baking supplies.
Unlike fixed shelves, pull-out organizers let you access items at the back without digging through everything.
I’ve found this especially helpful for keeping my canned soups and pasta boxes in order.
Pro Tip: Install a double-tier pull-out organizer for dry goods. Dedicate one tier to snacks and another to canned items for a clear, organized system.
5. Opt for a Tiered Pan Rack
Pots and pans can be bulky and challenging to store in small cabinets.
A tiered pan rack solves this by allowing you to stack cookware vertically, saving space and making it easier to grab what you need.
I prefer a rack with a lower shelf for lids and an upper tier for pans.
This keeps everything neatly arranged and prevents the dreaded pan avalanche when you open the cabinet.
Recreate This: Look for an adjustable tiered rack that fits your cabinet’s dimensions. It’s a budget-friendly way to keep your cookware organized.
6. Use Under-Shelf Baskets
The space beneath your cabinet shelves is often underutilized.
Under-shelf baskets slide onto existing shelves, creating extra storage for lightweight items like dishcloths, small containers, or even snacks.
These baskets are versatile and can also be used in the fridge or pantry, making them a multi-purpose solution for small kitchens.
I love how they make use of otherwise wasted vertical space.
Get This: Choose a metal or plastic under-shelf basket that slides on easily and holds up to 5–10 pounds of items.
7. Organize Cutting Boards Vertically
Cutting boards are essential but can quickly become a cluttered mess if stacked horizontally.
A vertical cutting board organizer keeps them upright, saving space and making them easy to grab.
This is especially useful if you have multiple boards for different purposes (e.g., one for meat, one for veggies).
A vertical organizer fits neatly into a narrow cabinet or even on a shelf.
Try This: Get a slim vertical organizer that can hold 3–5 cutting boards. Place it in a cabinet near your prep area for convenience.
8. Maximize Under-Sink Storage
The cabinet under the sink is often overlooked due to pipes and odd shapes, but it’s prime real estate for storage.
Use stackable bins or sliding drawers to organize cleaning supplies, trash bags, or miscellaneous items like sponges.
I prefer opaque bins to keep things looking tidy, but clear bins work if you want to see contents at a glance.
This setup turns a chaotic space into a functional one.
Recreate This: Invest in stackable bins with handles for easy access. Dedicate one bin to cleaning products and another to extra kitchen supplies.
9. Add a Lazy Susan for Deep Cabinets
Deep cabinets are common in small kitchens but can be frustrating when items get lost in the back.
A lazy Susan (or turntable) makes it easy to access everything with a quick spin.
I use a lazy Susan for oils, vinegars, and condiments, but it’s also great for small appliances or baking supplies.
This is a must-have for corner cabinets or deep shelves.
Get Started: Choose a 12-inch or 16-inch lazy Susan depending on your cabinet size. Look for one with a non-slip surface to keep items secure.
10. Stick-On Containers for Cabinet Doors
Cabinet doors are often wasted space, but stick-on containers can turn them into valuable storage.
These adhesive bins are perfect for lightweight items like water bottles, cleaning sprays, or even spice packets.
This trick also works in bathrooms, making it a versatile solution for small spaces.
I love how it keeps frequently used items right at my fingertips.
Try This: Use small stick-on bins for items you grab often. Ensure they’re securely attached to avoid falling when you open the door.
11. Create Extra Shelf Space with Risers
Shelf risers are a budget-friendly way to double your cabinet storage.
By adding a raised shelf, you can store cups, bowls, or plates on two levels instead of one.
This is especially helpful in small kitchens where you’re mixing different types of dishware in one cabinet.
I’ve found risers to be a lifesaver for keeping my mugs and bowls organized.
Get This: Opt for a sturdy white or metal riser that blends with your cabinet interior. Look for adjustable options to fit various shelf heights.
12. Use an Over-the-Door Organizer
If you’re short on cabinet space, an over-the-door organizer can hold cutting boards, foil, or cling wrap.
These organizers hang on the back of a cabinet door, freeing up interior space for other items.
This is a great solution if you want to keep your cabinets less cluttered or avoid drilling into them.
I use one for my baking sheets, and it’s been a game-changer.
Make It Happen: Choose a slim over-the-door organizer with adjustable baskets to fit your needs.
13. Organize Plates Horizontally with Dividers
Stacking plates horizontally feels intuitive, but it can lead to wobbly piles.
Horizontal dividers or racks keep plates secure and easy to access, especially in a mixed cabinet with cups and bowls.
This method is ideal for small kitchens where you’re maximizing every inch of space.
It also prevents chips and cracks from unstable stacking.
Get Started: Use a horizontal plate rack that fits your cabinet width. Dedicate one section to dinner plates and another to smaller dessert plates.
14. Utilize a Wedge Organizer for Corner Cabinets
Corner cabinets can be a nightmare to navigate, but a wedge-shaped organizer makes them functional.
These pie-shaped trays are designed for round or angled cabinets, perfect for storing pots, pans, or even dry goods.
I recommend categorizing items by type (e.g., baking supplies in one wedge, cookware in another) to keep things easy to find.
Try This: Invest in a set of wedge organizers with smooth-gliding tracks for effortless access.
15. Add a Cup Hanger for Shelves
If you’re running out of shelf space, a slide-on cup hanger can make use of vertical space.
These hangers slide onto a shelf and let you hang mugs or small utensils below, freeing up room for other items.
I love how this keeps my favorite coffee mugs accessible without taking up valuable shelf real estate.
It’s a simple, no-installation solution.
Get This: Choose a white or silver cup hanger that blends with your cabinet aesthetic. Ensure it can hold at least 6–8 mugs for maximum utility.
Tips for Maintaining Your Organized Cabinets
- Declutter Regularly: Every few months, go through your cabinets and donate or toss items you no longer use. This prevents clutter from creeping back in.
- Label Where Needed: If you share your kitchen, label bins or organizers to keep everyone on the same page.
- Prioritize Accessibility: Store frequently used items at eye level or in easy-to-reach spots.
- Mix and Match: Combine these solutions (e.g., a lazy Susan with a shelf riser) to customize your storage setup.
Why These Solutions Work for Small Kitchens
These strategies are tailored for small kitchens because they focus on vertical space, awkward corners, and multi-purpose organizers.
By combining budget-friendly tools like risers and lazy Susans with creative ideas like under-shelf baskets, you can make your kitchen feel larger and more efficient.
Each tip is designed to be easy to implement, requiring minimal tools or installation.
Final Thoughts
Organizing kitchen cabinets in a small kitchen doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
With the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can turn even the tiniest cabinets into a functional, clutter-free space.
From sliding spice racks to corner dish stackers, these 15 ideas will help you maximize every inch of your kitchen.
Try one or two solutions to start, and watch how your cooking space transforms into an organized oasis.