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Is your kitchen starting to feel more like a chaotic catch-all than a calm cooking space? You’re not alone. A cluttered kitchen can zap your motivation to cook, entertain, or even make your morning coffee. But the good news is this: with a bit of planning and a few smart strategies, you can reclaim your space and keep the calm.

Let’s walk through the ultimate step-by-step guide on how to organize your kitchen, declutter your kitchen, and finally get your kitchen cabinets working for you, not against you. Need more space after reorganizing? The team at Craftsmen Home Improvements is ready to upgrade your kitchen to meet all your decluttering needs, from adding shelves to installing new cabinets so you can make the most of your space.

Begin with a Clean Slate: Steps for Decluttering Your Kitchen

The first step toward a functional kitchen is clearing out the chaos. Here’s how to make that process manageable.

Plan and Prepare

Before diving in, take a few minutes to gather your tools:

• A donation box or bag
• Trash and recycling bins
• A notepad or checklist
• Storage organizers you’ve been meaning to use

Bonus: Download or create a kitchen decluttering checklist to stay on track and avoid decision fatigue.

Empty Cabinets and Drawers

Clear everything out—yes, everything. This gives you a fresh look at what you own, what’s expired, and what’s just taking up space. Consider tackling one cabinet or drawer category at a time:

• Utensils
• Cookware
• Pantry staples
• Plates and glasses
• Small appliances

Lay everything out on a clean surface so you can assess it properly.

Sort by Usefulness and Frequency

Now it’s time to make some decisions. Ask yourself:

• Do I use this item regularly?
• Is it a duplicate or broken?
• Does it belong in the kitchen?

Keep only what you use often or truly need. Toss anything expired or damaged. Donate gently used tools, mugs, or appliances that no longer serve your lifestyle.

Clean as You Go

Before returning anything to its place, wipe down drawers, shelves, and cabinet interiors. A clean space makes organizing feel like a fresh start—because it is.

Maximize Your Storage Space

With the clutter cleared, it’s time to get strategic. Small changes can make a big impact.

Use Drawer Dividers and Shelf Risers

Drawer dividers prevent chaos from returning to your utensil and junk drawers, while shelf risers help you double your vertical storage in cabinets. These affordable tools make everything more visible and accessible.

Label Everything

Clear, consistent labels help everyone in your household know where things go—and where to put them back. Label pantry jars, spice containers, and storage bins to keep the system running smoothly.

Add Pull-Out Shelves or Lazy Susans

No more digging into the dark corners of your cabinets. Pull-out trays and Lazy Susans let you access items in the back with ease, especially under sinks and in pantry cabinets.

Create Zones for Everyday Functionality

An efficient kitchen isn’t just clean—it flows with your daily routines.

Set Up Daily Use Zones

Think in zones: coffee station, baking area, meal prep zone, snack corner. Store related items together so you’re not running back and forth across the kitchen every time you make a sandwich.

Keep Countertops Clear

Cluttered counters lead to mental clutter. Limit what stays out to daily essentials (think: coffee maker, cutting board, fruit bowl). Everything else? Tuck it away to free up prep space.

Utilize Vertical Space

Walls aren’t just for décor. Install wall-mounted racks, magnetic knife strips, or command hooks for mugs, utensils, or oven mitts. You’ll save drawer space and add a stylish touch to your kitchen.

Ready for a Kitchen That Works for You?

Decluttering and organizing your kitchen doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By starting small, focusing on function, and building a system that fits your lifestyle, you can transform your kitchen into a space that’s both beautiful and incredibly efficient.

So grab that checklist and start reclaiming your space — one drawer at a time.

Craftsmen Home Improvements are your partners in home improvement. Looking to elevate your space? Reach out to us today for kitchens, baths, and beyond.

Image credit: Sheila Say // shutterstock