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How to organise kitchen cabinets and drawers: 8 ideas that save time and space

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

An UTRUSTA pull-out work surface.
A black NÄTBARB serving bowl.

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 MAXIMERA or KNIVSHULT drawers that pull out all the way, so nothing hides at the back. They fit METOD kitchen cabinets and come in low, medium and high options to suit your storage needs.
  • Add wire baskets for flexible storage: Fit UTRUSTA wire baskets that slide out smoothly and keep items visible. They work brilliantly for storing pots, pans and dry goods.
  • Transform corner cabinets with a carousel: Install the UTRUSTA carousel fitting to turn awkward corner spaces into easy-to-reach storage. Just spin to find what you need instead of crawling into dark corners.

2. Organise with medium drawers and corner solutions

Too many small drawers create clutter. Medium-sized drawers keep items tidy without overcomplicating your kitchen cabinet organisation.

  • Select medium drawers for better flow: Choose MAXIMERA and KNIVSHULT drawers in medium sizes to group similar items together. This makes unpacking shopping and finding ingredients much faster.
  • Turn corner cabinets into accessible storage: Fit UTRUSTA carousel or pull-out fittings to corner base cabinets. These clever solutions use every centimetre of space that would otherwise go to waste.

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.

An anthracite UPPDATERA plate holder.

3. Use kitchen cabinet organisers for utensils and plates

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

  • Separate knives safely with drawer inserts: Add UPPDATERA knife trays to keep sharp blades secure and protect your fingers when you reach into drawers.
  • Organise cutlery with inserts: Use UPPDATERA 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 UPPDATERA plate holders to make lifting and moving stacks simple. They protect your dishes and save space in cupboards.

4. Improve kitchen drawer organisation with dividers

Small tools and utensils scatter inside drawers and waste time when you're cooking. These kitchen drawer organisation ideas start with creating clear sections.

  • Add dividers to create dedicated zones: Slot VARIERA dividers into drawers to keep whisks, spatulas and serving spoons separate. You can adjust them to fit your exact needs.
  • Store spices and wraps in drawer inserts: Use UPPDATERA adjustable inserts to keep baking paper, cling film and foil rolls tidy. No more rummaging through messy drawers.
  • Arrange knives and utensils in drawer racks: Place drawer racks to keep items visible and easy to grab while cooking. They work especially well for frequently used tools.

Tip: No drawers? Use boxes.

If your kitchen doesn't have drawers, se 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.

A light grey HÅLLBAR bin with lid in the kitchen.

5. Maximise under-sink storage with drawers

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

  • Install a pot lid organiser to save space: Add VARIERA pot lid organisers to keep lids neat and upright. This frees up cupboard space for other items and stops lids from toppling over.
  • Fit drawers under the sink for organised zones: Install MAXIMERA drawers to transform the space under your sink. Store cleaning products, bin bags and sponges in separate sections for quick access.
White plates on a dryer mat in a white kitchen drawer.

6. Protect drawers and improve visibility

Items slide around and scratch surfaces in drawers. Dark interiors make finding things difficult, especially in deep cabinets.

  • Line drawers with protective mats: Place VARIERA and UPPDATERA drawer mats to stop items from sliding and protect surfaces from scratches. They're easy to wipe clean too.
  • 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.

Tip: Make everything visible 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 organised.

A rectangular/glass IKEA 365+ food container.

7. 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.
  • Organise 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.
A dark grey KNIVSHULT drawer, medium.

8. 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 organise 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 using MAXIMERA and KNIVSHULT drawers.
  • Group items by task: Store baking supplies together, breakfast items in one spot and cooking tools near the hob. This simple kitchen cabinet organisation idea makes every task faster.

Tip: Keep everyday items within easy reach

Place the items you use most where you can grab them easily. This makes your kitchen routines smoother and faster. Flexible UPPDATERA drawer inserts keep drawers tidy and protect your cutlery from scratches and damage.

A black FINTORP rail in the kitchen.

You know you've succeeded with your kitchen cabinet organisation when:

  • You find everything in seconds. No more digging or searching.
  • Cooking feels effortless. Everything's exactly where you need it.
  • Nothing gets wasted. You see what you have at a glance.
  • Tidying takes moments. Everything has a clear home.
  • Your kitchen feels calm. Clutter-free and inviting.
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