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How to organise kitchen cabinets and drawers: Smart IKEA tips

Kitchen storage space always seems to be in short supply, but there are ways to remedy the problem. Most often, a few smart solutions for better organisation inside cabinets and drawers can free up more space, help keep things nice and tidy, and even contribute to less food waste.

A grey UPPDATERA adjustable organiser for drawer

Create a smooth kitchen workflow with smart storage

Drawer organisers with clear compartments, and shelf inserts inside your cabinets, are great ways to get much more efficient storage. It also helps keep each thing in its place. A pro tip is to put things you use the most as accessible as possible. That way you get more easy-going kitchen routines.

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An open kitchen drawer with cutlery in a grey UPPDATERA adjustable organiser for drawer, plus another open drawer below.
A hand takes a glass from a wall cabinet with a white VARIERA shelf insert in it, plus wine glasses, mugs, bowls and carafes.
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An open kitchen drawer with plates, and another kitchen drawer inside with a light bamboo UPPDATERA cutlery/knife rack in it.

Maximise drawer storage with IKEA organisers

You can get more use of your drawer space with another drawer inside. Optimise organisation with drawer dividers or cutlery trays and you probably can’t get much better storage efficiency.

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Customise cabinet interiors for maximum efficiency

The interior fittings you choose make a massive difference for storage capacity, accessibility and easy overview. Not least this one. With each of its four levels divided between a door basket and a cabinet basket that pulls out automatically when you open the door, this pull-out larder truly is a great help.

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A high cabinet equipped with an UTRUSTA pull-out larder, with various foods stored in jars with lids, bottles and packaging.
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Best IKEA products to keep your pantry organised

There are many jars, tins and containers in durable materials that help keep your pantry well-organised and easily refillable. Some have lids that make them conveniently stackable to make room for more.

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Organise your kitchen cabinets and drawers – The IKEA way   

A well-organised kitchen is more than just a tidy space—it’s a functional, stress-free zone that makes cooking and cleaning a breeze. Whether you have a compact Indian kitchen or a spacious modular setup, IKEA offers smart solutions to help you organise kitchen cabinets and drawers efficiently.

Step 1: Declutter Before You Organise

Start by emptying all your cabinets and drawers. Lay everything out and sort items into categories: keep, donate, discard.

  • Toss expired food and broken utensils.
  • Donate duplicates or rarely used items.
  • Use VARIERA boxes to group similar items.

Step 2: Clean and Prep Your Storage Spaces

Before restocking, give your cabinets and drawers a deep clean. Use a mild soap solution and let everything dry completely.

Add UPPDATERA drawer mats to protect surfaces and make cleaning easier.

Step 3: Categorise and Zone Your Kitchen

Think of your kitchen in zones: prep, cook, clean, and store.

  • Keep cooking utensils near the stove.
  • Store cutlery and plates near the sink.
  • Use UPPDATERA cutlery trays to separate forks, knives, and spoons.

Step 4: Maximise Vertical Space

Vertical space is often underutilised. Use shelf inserts and stackable containers to double your storage.

Step 5: Use Drawer Dividers for Utensils

Drawers can become chaotic without proper dividers.

Step 6: Organise Spices and Condiments

Spices are essential in Indian kitchens. Keep them accessible.

Step 7: Store Rarely Used Items Up High

Keep seasonal or rarely used items in upper cabinets.

Use KUGGIS boxes to store baking tools, party platters, or extra containers.

Step 8: Under-Sink Organisation

The area under your sink can be tricky. Use stackable bins and tension rods.

  • HÅLLBAR bins are great for waste sorting.
  • Hang spray bottles on a tension rod to save space.

Step 9: Make Use of Cabinet Doors

Don’t ignore the inside of cabinet doors.

  • Install hooks or racks to hang measuring spoons, pot lids, or cleaning cloths.
  • Use SUNNERSTA containers for small items.

Step 10: Maintain Your System

Once your kitchen is organised, maintain it with a simple routine:

Task Frequency
Wipe down shelves Weekly
Reorganise drawers Monthly
Check for expired items Monthly
Deep clean cabinets Quarterly

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