Where to Put Things in kitchen Cabinets and Drawers

A well-organized kitchen is a thing of beauty, but more importantly, it’s also a key to efficiency and ease when preparing meals. When everything has its place, cooking becomes smoother, cleaning easier, and your stress levels lower. One of the best ways to achieve this? Thoughtfully organizing your kitchen cabinets and drawers.

Whether you’re setting up a brand-new kitchen or just trying to improve your current system, knowing where to put things is half the battle. Here’s a practical guide to help you figure out the best spots for your kitchen essentials.

Table of Contents

1. Utensils and Cutlery Drawers

Your everyday utensils—knives, forks, spoons, and serving tools—need to be easy to grab.

Top Drawer (Above Counter Height): Store commonly used cutlery and utensils in the top drawers closest to your prep area. A divided tray or organizer is a great way to keep everything separated and within reach.
Drawer Layout Tips:
Forks, knives, and spoons: Place these in the larger compartments for quick access.
Serving spoons, spatulas, and tongs: These larger tools can go in a separate section or in a deeper drawer, especially if you use them frequently.
Bonus Tip: If your drawer is deep, consider installing dividers to keep things neat and make it easier to find what you need.

2. Plates, Bowls, and Glasses

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Your dishes and drinking glasses are probably used multiple times a day, so grouping them together by use will save time and reduce frustration.

Upper Cabinets: Place plates, bowls, and glasses in the upper cabinets closest to the dining area.
Plates: Stack dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls by size in a way that makes them easy to grab.
Glasses: Store drinking glasses above the prep area, ideally at eye level so they’re easy to reach. Consider using a pull-out shelf for glasses or mugs if your cabinet has deep shelves.
Lower Cabinets for Heavier Items: You can store heavier or larger items like mixing bowls, pitchers, or serving platters in the lower cabinets. These are items you don’t need every day, so stashing them below helps save space up top.

3. Pots, Pans, and Cookware

Cooking pots, pans, and lids are one of the trickiest things to organize. They come in all shapes and sizes, and the key is to make sure you have easy access to the ones you use most.

Under-Counter Cabinets: For heavy items like pots and pans, the bottom cabinets are your best bet. Ideally, store them near the stove for easy access while cooking.
Deep Drawers: If your kitchen has deep drawers, use them to store pots and pans in stacks. Larger pots can go in deeper drawers, while smaller items can be stacked in shallower ones.
Pot Lids: Use a lid organizer or a pull-out tray to store lids neatly. It’s frustrating to hunt for the right lid, so organizing them properly will save you time.
Cabinet Organization Tips: If you have multiple sizes of pots and pans, stack them from largest to smallest for easy access. You can also install pull-out shelves or racks inside cabinets to keep items visible and accessible.

4. Spices and Oils

Spices and oils are key to your cooking process, so it makes sense to keep them close to the stove where you’ll be using them most.

Spice Drawer/Spice Rack: If you have a deep drawer, consider organizing your spices in it using spice dividers. Alternatively, a spice rack mounted on the inside of a cabinet door can save space while keeping everything within easy reach.
Oils and Vinegars: Store these on a lower shelf near your stove or cooking area, especially oils you use frequently. Consider an easy-to-access pull-out shelf to store oils and vinegars.

5. Cleaning Supplies

Keeping your cleaning supplies in a separate area from food-related items is a matter of both convenience and safety.

Under-Sink Cabinet: This is the go-to place for cleaning supplies. Use organizers or caddies to separate different items like dish soap, sponges, and all-purpose cleaner. You can also install pull-out shelves to make it easier to access things without having to reach too far.
Other Areas: If you have extra storage space elsewhere, such as a pantry, you can store extra paper towels, dish detergents, and other cleaning supplies in there.

6. Food Storage

Your pantry is likely the heart of your food storage system, so keeping it organized is essential for both ease of access and freshness.

Categorize Foods by Type: Group similar items together (canned goods, grains, snacks, etc.) so you can quickly locate what you need. Labeling shelves or bins can help keep you organized.
Lower Shelves for Bulk Items: Store heavier or bulkier items, like rice, flour, and canned goods, on the lower shelves. Consider clear containers for dry goods like pasta or cereal for easy visibility.
Top Shelves for Less Frequent Use: If you have shelves that are harder to reach, use them for items you don’t access as often, such as holiday baking supplies or specialty ingredients.

7. Miscellaneous Items

Drawer for Small Tools and Gadgets: If you have kitchen gadgets like peelers, graters, or thermometers, dedicate a drawer to these smaller tools. A drawer divider or caddy will help keep them from getting lost or tangled up.
Bags, Foil, and Wraps: Store aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and parchment paper in a vertical organizer or pull-out drawer near your prep area. It keeps them neat and easy to access without cluttering up the rest of the kitchen.

Final Tips for Kitchen Organization

Use Vertical Space: Don’t forget about the inside of cabinet doors! You can install hooks or racks for storing lids, small utensils, or even cleaning supplies.
Declutter Regularly: As your kitchen gets used over time, it’s easy for things to get out of order. Take time once a month or so to reorganize and get rid of items you no longer need.
Label Everything: If you have storage containers, baskets, or bins, labeling them can make your kitchen even more organized and efficient.

By taking the time to thoughtfully arrange your kitchen cabinets and drawers, you’ll create a more functional space that makes cooking, cleaning, and living in your kitchen a breeze. Start with these tips, and soon enough, you’ll be cooking in an organized and stress-free kitchen that works for you!