Skip to main content

How to organize kitchen cabinets and drawers

Smart kitchen storage solutions turn every inch into accessible, functional space that works with how you actually cook. These 6 simple tips transform cluttered cabinets into organized zones that save time every day.

An UTRUSTA pull-out work surface.
Shop MAXIMERA drawers

1. Choose full extension drawers for easy access

Full extension drawers let you see and reach everything without digging around. This simple change saves time every day and makes cooking more enjoyable.

  • Install drawers that extend completely: Choose drawers that pull out all the way, so nothing hides at the back. They fit our SEKTION kitchen cabinets and come in low, medium and high options to suit your storage needs.
  • Install lighting inside drawers: Fit MITTLED drawer lighting to improve visibility and add a premium feel to your kitchen. You'll spot what you need instantly, even in deep drawers.
Shop MAXIMERA drawers

2. Organize every corner

Too many corners create clutter. Pull-out fittings keep items tidy without overcomplicating your kitchen cabinet organization.

  • Turn corner cabinets into accessible storage: Fit carousel or pull-out fittings to the corner base cabinets. These clever solutions use every inch of space that would otherwise go to waste.
  • Line with protective mats: Place VARIERA drawer mats to stop items from sliding and protect surfaces from scratches. They're easy to wipe clean too.
Shop SEKTION organizers & fittings

Tip: Store flat items in the drawer beneath your oven

The drawer beneath your oven holds more than you might think. Use it for baking dishes, oven trays, serving trays and placemats. Most of these flat items stack neatly on top of each other, freeing up valuable cupboard space.

A stainless steel IDEALISK ice-cream scoop

3. Use kitchen drawer organizers for utensils and plates

Mixed utensils and jumbled cutlery waste precious minutes. Dedicated kitchen drawer organizers make daily essentials easy to find and return.

  • Separate knives safely with drawer inserts: Add knife trays to keep sharp blades secure and protect your fingers when you reach into drawers.
  • Organize cutlery with inserts: Use cutlery inserts to keep forks, knives and spoons separated. The natural material looks beautiful and lasts for years.
  • Install plate holders for safer stacking: Fit plate holders to make lifting and moving stacks simple. They protect your dishes and save space in cupboards.
  • Add dividers to create dedicated zones: Use adjustable inserts to keep baking paper, cling film and foil rolls tidy. No more rummaging through messy drawers.
Shop UPPDATERA interior organizers

Tip: Pick the right spice with transparent storage

Transparent containers and glass lids let you see what's inside at a glance. Use clear compartments in drawers and shelf inserts inside cabinets to make storage more efficient. This simple change helps you find things faster and keeps everything organized.

Shop spice storage & organizing
A white VARIERA shelf insert

4. Use transparent storage to reduce waste

Hidden items lead to buying duplicates and wasting food. See-through storage makes inventory clear at a glance.

  • Choose glass jars with labels for dry goods: Store items in transparent containers to see when supplies are running low. This saves money and reduces food waste.
  • Organize items in clear bins: Place see-through bins in cupboards and fridges. You'll always know what you have and what you need to buy.
Shop food storage & organizing

Tip: No drawers? Use boxes.

If your kitchen doesn't have drawers, use smaller containers and boxes to group items by function. Keep pots and pans together and add a rack for lids so you can see everything at a glance. Grouping contents by how you use them makes finding what you need quick and easy, even in deep cabinets.

Shop small storage & boxes
A light grey HÅLLBAR bin with lid in the kitchen

5. Maximize under-sink storage

Cleaning products and waste bins create mess under the sink. Organized zones use every inch efficiently and make cleaning supplies easy to access.

  • Fit drawers under the sink for organized zones: Install drawers to transform the space under your sink. Perfect for storing garbage and recycling. 
  • Add dividers to create dedicated zones: Use adjustable inserts and shelves to keep things tidy. Store cleaning products, bin bags and sponges in separate sections for quick access.
Shop HÅLLBAR series
A white IKEA 365+ plate

6. Arrange drawers based on how you cook

Poor layout slows down meal prep and makes cooking frustrating. Strategic placement improves flow and saves time when you learn how to organize kitchen cabinets efficiently.

  • Keep everyday items near your main work zone: Place utensils, pots and frequently used ingredients close to where you prep and cook.
  • Group items by task: Store baking supplies together, breakfast items in one spot and cooking tools near the cooktop. This simple kitchen cabinet organization idea makes every task faster.

Start organizing your kitchen cabinets and drawers