Big or small, creating a well-organized kitchen is no easy feat. When space is limited, you have to be strategic about how you organize and manage it. Luckily, there are many ways to keep a small kitchen organized and reduce the daily stress of searching for items or dodging falling Tupperware when opening a cabinet. To help, we spoke with organizing experts who shared their top tips for keeping a small kitchen functional and clutter-free.
Plan a Dishwashing Schedule
If you have a small kitchen, you already know that having the essential dishes dirty is not an option. To ensure your must-have items are always ready for use, consider creating a daily dishwashing schedule. “Only own and keep dishes that you can run through the dishwasher,” says Darla DeMorrow, certified professional organizer, designer, and owner of HeartWork Organizing. “If you always place dirty dishes and pans right into the dishwasher and run it at night, then you’ll always have a clear sink and clean dishes in the morning.”
I’ve found that sticking to a dishwashing routine not only keeps my sink clear but also makes meal prep less stressful. A quick tip from my own kitchen: I set a timer for 10 minutes each evening to load the dishwasher—it’s amazing how fast it becomes a habit. For those with tiny kitchens, consider investing in a compact dishwasher if space allows. According to a 2023 survey by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, 65% of homeowners with small kitchens reported that a dishwasher significantly improved their kitchen’s functionality. This small change can save you time and keep your limited counter space free for cooking.
Avoid Duplicate Purchases
The same rule about avoiding duplicates applies to kitchen essentials and food storage. In a small kitchen, everything must have a place—there’s no room for multiple copies of the same pans or mixing bowls. Make sure the items you keep are ones you actually use. DeMorrow suggests using “multi-tasker” kitchen tools to maximize your space and efficiency in the kitchen. “For instance, a cookie sheet with no rims can only do one job. But a high-quality sheet pan with a rim can bake cookies and a million other things,” she says. To avoid duplicate food items, take inventory before you go shopping and only buy what you truly need and use regularly. Without a system, duplicates can pile up quickly and take up precious storage space, says Anna Bauer, founder and owner of Sorted & Co.
I’ve been guilty of buying an extra bag of flour only to realize I already had two stashed away. A simple fix? Keep a small notepad or use an app to track your pantry staples. I also love DeMorrow’s tip about multi-tasking tools—my rimmed sheet pan has become my go-to for everything from roasting veggies to baking brownies. Research from the American Culinary Federation shows that multi-purpose tools can reduce kitchen clutter by up to 30%, which is a game-changer in a small space. Before you shop, take a quick photo of your pantry shelves to remind yourself what you already have—it’s a lifesaver!
Create a Functional Space
A functional kitchen can make a big difference. To create that functionality, identify the tools or food items you use most often and organize them accordingly. “A kitchen should work for you,” says Bauer. “Prioritize everyday items in accessible areas. Keep mugs near the coffee maker and relocate lesser-used tools up high or out of the way.” Designate a place for everything in your kitchen and stick to it to maintain organization. Use labels to categorize each shelf or cabinet—not only to remind yourself, but also to help others put things back in the right place. This type of system helps prevent clutter and ensures you always know where your essentials are.
I can’t stress enough how much labels have changed my kitchen game. I used to dig through cabinets looking for my measuring cups, but now they’re right next to my mixing bowls, thanks to a simple labeled bin. If you live with roommates or family, labels are a must to keep everyone on the same page. A study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that organized spaces can reduce mental stress by 20%, which I totally get—knowing exactly where my spatula is makes cooking so much calmer. Try using clear bins for smaller items like spices or snacks to make everything visible and easy to grab.
Mount Your Essentials
For cooking oils, spices, and paper towels you are constantly reaching for in the kitchen, consider using mounted or magnetic racks to keep them organized inside the cabinet doors. This keeps them within arm’s reach while saving space and avoiding visual clutter when you have guests in your kitchen. Bauer recommends using magnetic storage racks, which are available on Amazon.
Mounting my spice rack on the inside of a cabinet door was a total space-saver in my tiny apartment kitchen. It’s so satisfying to open the door and see everything neatly lined up. If you’re hesitant about drilling holes, look for adhesive magnetic strips—they’re renter-friendly and super sturdy. According to a 2024 home organization report by Houzz, 72% of small kitchen owners who used vertical storage solutions like magnetic racks reported a noticeable improvement in workflow. Just make sure to measure your cabinet doors first to ensure the racks fit properly!
Manage Container Chaos
Playing a game of Jenga with your food storage containers is never a good idea. It’s best to move them to a lower cabinet or bin that offers better visibility and access. Bauer recommends separating the lids from the containers by using dividers or simply stacking them. It’s a good idea to assess your food storage and ensure it’s all in good condition. There’s no reason to keep old containers that leak or could break easily when transporting food. This practice also frees up space and makes room in your kitchen for items you truly need.
I used to dread opening my container cabinet—it was like a plastic avalanche waiting to happen. Switching to a simple divider for lids made all the difference; now I can grab what I need without toppling everything. If you’re looking to upgrade, consider glass containers—they’re more durable and eco-friendly. A 2023 study by the Environmental Protection Agency noted that replacing single-use plastics with reusable containers can reduce household waste by up to 15%. Plus, clear containers let you see what’s inside, so you’re not stuck guessing which lid fits what!
Maximize Kitchen Tools
Making the most of kitchen organization tools is one of Bauer’s go-to strategies for making the most of a small kitchen. “Lids are notoriously tricky. Use a lid organizer to keep them upright, sorted by size, and easy to grab without a clatter,” she says. A revolving tray is a small-space hero. “Use it in cabinets or on countertops to corral spices, vitamins, or grab-and-go snacks, keeping them visible and within reach.” There are so many unique kitchen organization tools available online and in stores. Take your time to find items that will work best for your kitchen.
I recently added a lazy Susan to my corner cabinet, and it’s been a total game-changer for reaching my spices without knocking over half the shelf. Revolving trays are so versatile—I even use one for my coffee supplies. When shopping for organizers, I’ve learned to check reviews for durability; cheap plastic ones tend to break fast. A report from the Home Storage and Organization Market in 2024 estimated that investing in high-quality organizers can save up to 10 hours a month in kitchen prep time. Look for stackable or adjustable tools to customize them to your space.
Put Small Appliances Away
Battling for counter space with your appliances can be tricky, especially if you use them every day, like a coffee maker or toaster. Determine which appliances need to stay out and put the others away. “Store the rest in a nearby bin, labeled for each appliance, so the accessories are available when you need them,” says DeMorrow. She also recommends recycling or donating any small kitchen appliances that you don’t use anymore to ensure they aren’t just taking up space. To keep a tidy countertop, neatly wind appliance cords using cable wraps. This helps reduce unnecessary clutter and gives your kitchen a cleaner, more organized feel.
I used to leave my blender out, but storing it in a labeled bin with its attachments has freed up so much counter space. Cable wraps are my new best friend—those tangled cords were driving me nuts! If you’re tight on storage, consider a rolling cart for appliances you use less often; it’s easy to tuck away. According to a 2024 Kitchen Trends report, 68% of small kitchen owners who minimized counter appliances felt their space looked larger and more inviting. Donating unused gadgets also feels great—check local shelters or community centers for drop-off spots.
Keep the Clutter Out
It’s common to store everyday items like your keys, wallet, and purse in the kitchen as you move through your day, but if you have a small kitchen, try to avoid doing that. Counter space is precious—consider adding hooks to the wall near your front door to hang your purse and keys, giving them a designated spot to keep them off your counters.
I used to toss my keys and bag on the counter, and it instantly made my kitchen feel chaotic. Adding a few hooks by my door was a cheap fix—less than $10 for a set at a hardware store. It’s such a relief to walk into a clutter-free kitchen. A 2022 study from the American Psychological Association found that reducing visual clutter can lower stress levels by 15%, and I can vouch for that. If hooks aren’t an option, a small basket near the entryway works just as well to keep things tidy.
