Given all the time you spend there, your kitchen should be a place that reduces stress, rather than contributes to it. It’s often the heart of the home, but clutter can easily overwhelm the space. If the thought of opening your fridge or pantry makes you tense, set up an organizational system to help keep everything in its proper place using a few simple tools.
Creating zones in the fridge will not only help you keep track of leftovers, but it will help your food stay fresh longer. For example, you should keep meat and dairy products on the lowest shelf where it's coldest. You can use transparent bins to corral yogurts or other snacks. In the freezer, shelf dividers or even a magazine rack can help you keep frozen dinners and pizzas organized.
Store dry goods in clear, stackable containers or baskets so you can easily see what you have and how much. Labeling your containers to create a consistent look and avoid misplaced or forgotten items is also a good idea.
Lazy Susans, while useful for big-picture organizing, can easily turn into disaster areas if organizational tricks aren't applied. Choose Lazy Susans with segmented storage containers, or use your own removable bins to corral smaller items.
Making good use of your countertops doesn't require adding visual clutter. Choose food storage canisters or jars that contribute to your kitchen's overall decor. Trays are also a good way to cluster canisters or coffee bar items. You’ll enjoy looking at them and using them even more.
What you need to know: This wire rack easily slides out to let you see your spice collection clearly.
What you’ll love: The space-saving two-tier design holds around 20 full-sized spice jars. The roomy lower shelf makes it easy to get spices in and out. The spice rack also has blank and pre-printed labels and a chalk marker.
What you should consider: Some brands or sizes of spice jars won't fit efficiently in the drawers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
InterDesign Linus Corner Spice Rack
What you need to know: Make the most of your cupboard space while keeping your spices easy to see with this corner rack.
What you’ll love: The 3-tiered rack holds up to 16 spice jars and can fit into cabinet corners or large Lazy Susans. It’s made from clear plastic, so it’s easy to clean and lets you see its contents easily. You can also use it to store supplements or medicine bottles.
What you should consider: Larger spice jars will only fit on the highest shelf.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
YouCopia SinkSuite Under Sink Turntable with Adjustable Dividers
What you need to know: This 12-inch turntable comes with three dividers to customize compartments according to your storage needs.
What you’ll love: Its non-slip feet keep the turntable firmly in place. It can hold up to 30 pounds and turns smoothly on stainless steel ball bearings. The plastic body is easy to wipe clean.
What you should consider: For some users, it may not provide enough surface area for items such as large spray bottles.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Copco Non-Skid Two-Tier Turntable
What you need to know: Double your storage area with this two-tiered Lazy Susan that helps keep small items organized.
What you’ll love: Stored items stay put with its non-slip surface and rimmed edges. It measures 12 inches across and 7.5 inches tall, so it's easy to see what's on the lower shelf. It's easy to clean and comes in a range of color choices to help match your kitchen decor.
What you should consider: If items aren't balanced on the upper shelf correctly, it can be hard to spin smoothly. It's better suited to small items such as spice jars.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
SpaceAid Bamboo Drawer Dividers with Labels
What you need to know: Organize your drawers to your exact specifications with these adjustable bamboo dividers.
What you’ll love: These spring-loaded dividers have non-slip rubber feet to help them stay in place. The set comes with six dividers that extend from 17 inches to 22 inches. Dividers that extend 13.25 inches to 17 inches are also available. Use the included labels to identify where items belong.
What you should consider: The strong springs may cause the divider or your drawers to bow if the dividers aren’t the right fit.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Rubbermaid No Slip Large Silverware Tray Organizer
What you need to know: Featuring five slots and one tray, this simple organizer is efficient and easy to clean.
What you’ll love: The non-slip feet keep this organizer in place in your drawer. The sturdy plastic looks nice and is dishwasher-safe.
What you should consider: The slots are a little narrow, so it may be tricky to fit full sets of bulky flatware.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
OXO Good Grips 10-Piece Pop Container Set
What you need to know: This set includes a variety of rectangular and square containers which are airtight, stackable, and dishwasher-safe.
What you’ll love: These BPA-free containers help dry goods last longer with an airtight seal engaged by the pop-up button in the lid. The lids disassemble easily for cleaning.
What you should consider: Some users report issues with the container seals not keeping food fresh enough.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon, Sur la Table, Kohl’s and Macy’s
Utopia Home Set of 8 Pantry Organizers
What you need to know: You can use these stackable clear plastic bins to keep food organized in the pantry or refrigerator.
What you’ll love: The set comes with two different sizes of organizers. The large built-in handles are easy to use. They're durable and resist stains and odors. Choose from clear, smoky gray, or aqua plastic.
What you should consider: These containers must be hand washed. They can be a little precarious when stacked.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Laura Duerr writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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