How to Declutter Your Kitchen with Dollar Store Organization Hacks

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Jump to:

• Recommended resources
• Step 1. Clean EVERYTHING out and take inventory
• Step 2. Go through the decluttering process.
• Step 3. Line your cabinets
• Step 4. Designate zones in your kitchen
• Step 5. Organize the cookware zone
• Step 6. Organize the prepping station
• Step 7. Organize the dishware zone
• Step 8. Organize the storage zone
• Optional step. Organize the baking station
• Final step. Admire a job well done
• Conclusion

Step 1. Clean EVERYTHING out and take inventory

The first step to organizing any space in the house is to get everything out, and yes, EVERYTHING. Seeing the empty drawers and cabinets and your mess on the countertops and floor will motivate you to finish because well, you kind of have to at that point.

I suggest putting like items in close proximity. For example, I would keep the food stuff in one area, utensils in another zone, pots and pans in its own territory, etc.

At this point though, don’t think too hard about where things should go. You want to do a quick dump of stuff in general piles, not spend time trying to sort things nicely before you do the actual decluttering.

Step 2. Go through the decluttering process.

Have boxes set up for what will be tossed and given away. When that’s set up, then you can start going through your items to determine what is actually kept, thrown away, and donated.

So you don’t waste away the day overanalyzing whether or not you should keep something, put a timer on to stay focused on the task.

And as you’re going through your stuff, ask yourself these questions:

• How often do I use this? If the answer is someday, it goes.
• Is this a spare? Let’s get practical and save one set for the family for normal use and one back-up set. Seriously, a couple doesn't need to keep 12 cups, for example.
• Does it make my life easier?

  Something like this nifty, ultra popular appliance* that you'll use often, keep. Something like a juicer that you only use sparingly because it’s such a huge hassle to clean up, give away.

By the way, if you can’t find a compelling reason to keep it within the first few seconds, chances are you don’t really need it.

Step 3. Line your cabinets

Now that your cabinets are bare, line them with this stuff*.

Batch this task rather than line one cabinet, figure out what to store in there, line next cabinet, etc. Us your shelves are the same size and layout, it may be easier to create use one as a template to cut out multiple liners.

Step 4. Designate zones in your kitchen

Apply the concept of consolidation to your kitchen space by creating zones that will help you be more efficient in this space. The four main zones you’ll want to determine are for your:

• Cookware – pots and pans as well as cooking ingredients like oils and spices should be stored somewhere near your stove
• Prepping Station – knives, cutting boards and the tools you need to prepare your food should be grouped together for easy access when you’re preparing your food
• Dishware – dishware and silverware should be put in cabinets and drawers that are closes to the sink and dishwasher
• Storage – reusable containers, saran wrap, food baggies, and other food storage supplies should be grouped together
• Baking Station (optional) – if you are an avid baker, you may consider dedicating a section of your kitchen to organize baking supplies

Now, let’s tackle how you will put items away that will maximize your storage.

Step 5. Organize the cookware zone

Organize pans in cabinets

You’ll want to tackle the cookware area first, since it contains the bulkiest items. Consider stacking pans vertically like so. This way, you can easily access whichever pan you need while saving space. (via Martha Stewart)

Hang pots and pans

Or with this over-the-door tool* and this kind of hook*, you can display your pans as home décor. (via Pin image)

Store lids in a commonly underused space

Here's a smart small space storage solution. Lids for your pans can be stored on the inside of cabinet doors using this easy hook*. (via Pin source)

Keep oven sheets neat yet within super easy reach

For oven sheets, use wire racks to store them to save space and for easy reach. (via Restoration Beauty)

DIY this easy rack

Oils and spices can be on your countertops, but if you want to keep them clutter free, then DIY a spice rack simply by bending this kitchen item*, as taught in this tutorial. This would also work very well as a pantry organization idea. (via The Stonybrook House)

Step 6. Organize the prepping station

The next space you want to tackle is the prepping station, just because it will likely be near the stove area.

Store cutting boards and cookie sheets

Use tension rods to store cutting boards and cookie sheets upright. (via Architecture Art Designs)

Display knives in a decorative way

Keeping knives on the counter allows for easy access. Just this item* and this item* are needed to create this aesthetic display. (via Home Talk)

Step 7. Organize the dishware zone

Dishware for everyday use should be as easily accessible as possible. More fancy dishware or items you don’t use as item can be stored further out of reach.

Create this stand for your dish soap and sponges

Speaking of dishes, you’ll also want to organize your sink area and keep it free of clutter. Here is a DIY stand for your soap and sponges. I love how you can catch water in the pan and empty it, rather than have the water collect along the edges of the sink. (via Craft and Tell)

Compartmentalize kitchen utensils

Silverware can be organized in kitchen drawers with these versatile organizers*. (via The Elm Life)

Step 8. Organize the storage zone

Use this space-saving trick with rolls of stuff

Things like aluminum foil and saran wrap should be stored vertically to save space. Use something like this* affixed to your cabinet door to keep the clutter out of sight. (via Your House and Garden)

Stack food storage containers and lids separately

For food storage containers, the variety of shapes and sizes makes most sense to store in a bottom cupboard. But it can be awkward to dig in the back for a container and a right-fitting lid.

The solution to that is to buy a large clear tub that you can easily pull in and out from the cupboard. Fit a smaller basket just for lids into the larger tub and voila, everything is separate yet together, like they should be. (via The Organised You)

Optional step. Organize the baking station

Check out my post on clever baking cabinet organization hacks for clever ideas for a sweet-looking kitchen.

Final step. Admire a job well done

Revel in the beauty of your newly organized kitchen, ingrain that gorgeous sight to your memory…and try to keep it that way as long as you can!

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