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Organising kitchen cupboards and drawers: eight ideas to save time and space

Can you imagine opening a drawer and finding just what you were looking for? Organising kitchen cupboards and drawers not only saves time and space, it also gives you peace of mind. With these ideas, your kitchen will be that place where everything is in its place.

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

1. Pull-out drawers – everything visible and to hand

  • Use drawers that pull all the way out in your kitchen: that way, you can see and reach everything without having to rummage around at the back. If you go for MAXIMERA or KNIVSHULT, they open fully so nothing is left tucked away. They are compatible with METOD cabinets and they come in base, normal and high to suit your storage needs.
  • Would you like more flexibility? The UTRUSTA wire baskets mean you can store pots, pans and dry food where you can see them.
  • Do you have hard-to-reach corners in the kitchen? The UTRUSTA carousel transforms corner cabinets into accessible spaces. You just have to swivel it round and you'll find what you're looking for in a jiffy.

2. Use medium drawers and free up space in corners for a tidier space

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.

A secret storage corner in your kitchen

The drawer under your oven is tired of being stuffed with papers. Treat your drawer to trays and placemats that stack easily and free up more space in your cupboards.  

An anthracite UPPDATERA plate holder.

3. Cabinet organisers – always have tidy utensils and plates

  • Keep your knives safely separated: add UPPDATERA knife trays and your fingers will thank you every time you open the drawer.
  • Organise your cutlery with accessories: UPPDATERA organisers help tidy your knives, forks and spoons. Plus, bamboo looks great and is very durable.
  • 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. Organised drawers – dividers so everything has its place

  • Add dividers to create dedicated zones: Slot VARIERA dividers into drawers to keep whisks, spatulas and serving spoons separate. No more rummaging through messy drawers.
  • Store spices and cooking paper in a safe place: the adjustable UPPDATERA accessories keep baking paper, cling film and kitchen foil neatly organised. 
  • What about everyday knives and tools? Put them in trays and they'll always be visible, ready for action. That way, cooking is less about digging around for stuff and more about having fun.

Finding what you need will no longer be an extreme sport

When you're short on space and drawers are nowhere to be found, it's time to get creative. Put your pots and pans together, add a lid organiser and you'll have the chaos under control… even in that cupboard that looks like a lion's den. Promise.

A light grey HÅLLBAR bin with lid in the kitchen.

5. Make the most of the space under the sink

We all know the space under the sink is often the kitchen's storage area.

  • Use a pot lid organiser to save space: the VARIERA organiser keeps your pot lids upright and tidy, so they won't pile up on top of each other.
  • Put MAXIMERA drawers under the sink and turn that forgotten space into a useful area. No more fighting for space: cleaning products, bin bags and sponges will have their own spot, and will always be within easy reach.
White plates on a dryer mat in a white kitchen drawer.

6. Protected and clear drawers – order at a glance

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.

Transparent containers to save time rummaging around

Would you like to save time in the kitchen? With transparent containers and glass lids, you can see what's inside without having to open anything. Use transparent compartments in drawers and shelf inserts in cupboards. That way, everything is organised and you can find what you're looking for in the blink of an eye.

A rectangular/glass IKEA 365+ food container.

7. Transparent containers – avoid food waste at a glance

With transparent containers, you know what you have and what you need at a glance. That way, you can use everything before it gets forgotten at the back, helping avoid food waste without even trying.

  • 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.

Your everyday favourites, always front and centre

Put the utensils you use most often where they are easiest to reach. That way, everything in your kitchen will run like clockwork, not into obstacles. The flexible UPPDATERA accessories keep things tidy and protect your cutlery, so they don't get scratched or knocked in the drawer.

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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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