Kitchen Organisation Tips: How to Organise Your Cupboards and Drawers

There’s nothing more frustrating than hunting for that one gadget or ingredient you know is in the kitchen somewhere, but you just can’t put your finger on it! And with a quarter of people spending two hours or more each night cooking their evening meal, it’s no surprise that kitchens can quickly descend into chaos.

A well-organised kitchen makes cooking so much smoother — whether you’re batch-cooking your favourite recipes for the week or experimenting with new flavours. But knowing where to start with kitchen organisation can sometimes feel overwhelming.

With the help of Carly Bullock , Buyer at Lakeland, we’ve pulled together our top tips on how to organise your kitchen cupboards and drawers, plus a few clever storage solutions that make it all a breeze.

Contents

• 8 tips for kitchen organisation
• The best tools for kitchen organisation

8 tips for kitchen organisation

Start with a declutter

Before you start organising, it’s time for a kitchen clear-out. A clutter-free space makes cooking and storing essentials so much easier. And don’t worry — we’ve got a simple trick to help: the three-pile rule.

Grab everything from your cupboards, drawers and fridge, then sort each item into one of three piles:

• Keep — Everyday essentials and items you use regularly.

• Donate — If it’s still in good condition but no longer needed, why not pass it on? Charity shops will often take kitchen items like mugs and plates, and local food banks might welcome sealed, in-date food tins. You could also ask the people you know — friends, family, or neighbours may love a spare casserole dish or an extra set of glasses!

• Throw — Anything chipped, broken, out-of-date or stained can go. That includes cracked plates, old food containers with missing lids, or worn-out chopping boards that have seen better days.

Be ruthless — the less clutter, the more space you’ll have for the things you actually use and love. Holding onto items ‘just in case’ often leads to overstuffed cupboards and frustration when trying to find what you need. If you haven’t used it in the past year, chances are you won’t miss it! And when organising your fridge make sure to check use-by dates — how long have you had that packet of Mexican spices? Will it really have any flavour left?

Carly adds: “It’s best to take it one cupboard or drawer at a time. It might seem slower, but trust me — it’s far more manageable than pulling everything out at once and ending up with piles of stuff everywhere.”

“If you empty everything at the same time, you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by clutter, unsure where to start, and tempted to shove things back in just to clear the mess.”

Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to clear the space. Pop any rubbish straight in the bin, bag up donations, and get them out of the kitchen — if you can, stick them straight in the car so they’re ready to go! The items you’re keeping can go on a table or worktop for now; just make sure they’re not in the way of where you’ll be cleaning next.

Give everything a clean

Each time you empty a cupboard or draw, it’s the perfect time to give it a good clean. Crumbs, dust, and spills have a habit of lurking in corners, so grab a damp cloth and your favourite kitchen spray and wipe down your cupboards, drawers, fridge, toaster and anything else that needs freshening up. And don’t forget your cupboard doors! These tend to collect fingerprints and splashes, especially around cooking areas.

Carly explains how to get rid of stubborn stains and grease: “Bicarbonate of soda and distilled white vinegar are a dream team. When combined, they release carbon dioxide, creating a gentle fizzing reaction that helps lift grime and cut through grease.”

“To use it, mix equal parts bicarb and vinegar in a spray bottle and give it a good shake. Spray it onto the area you’re cleaning, leave it for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Just be careful with anything rubbery, like a silicone fridge seal, as vinegar can cause it to break down over time.”

For really tough spots, try sprinkling bicarbonate of soda directly onto the area first, then add the vinegar. Let it bubble up for a minute before scrubbing gently with a sponge and wiping clean.

Don’t forget your cupboard and drawer organisers! If they’re removable, soak them in warm, soapy water for a few minutes, then rinse and dry. If they’re fixed in place, use a cloth to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Once everything’s clean and dry, you’ll have a fresh, tidy space ready to be organised. Now for the fun part — putting everything back in.

To learn more, read our guide on How to Deep Clean The Kitchen.

Think about a logistical layout

“Once your cupboard or drawer is clean, it’s time to put it all back in a way that makes sense for how you use your kitchen,” explains Carly. “A well-organised space isn’t just about making things look neat — it should make cooking, cleaning, and everyday tasks easier.”

The best way to do this? Group similar items together and store them where you need them most. That way, you’re not constantly rummaging through cupboards or trekking across the kitchen for something you use all the time.

Here are a few simple ideas to keep things practical and easy to find:

• Cooking essentials — Store oils, salt, pepper, and your go-to spices by the hob so they’re always within reach when you need to season.

• Herbs and spices — Whether in a rack, drawer, or container, keep them all in one place so you’re not digging around for that one spice you know you have somewhere.

• Baking ingredients — Flour, sugar, baking powder — put them together in a cupboard so they’re ready to go when inspiration strikes. Plates, bowls and glasses — store near the dishwasher or sink for easy unloading.

• Pots, pans and baking trays — Keep near the oven or hob, ideally stacked or with dividers to avoid clattering.

• Tea, coffee and mugs — Set up a tea and coffee station near the kettle — because no one wants to go on a cupboard hunt before their first cup of the day.

• Cleaning products — Keep under the sink or in a higher cupboard out of reach of little hands. Having them all in one place makes tidying up that much easier.

Take a step back and think about how you use your kitchen day to day — organising it with that in mind will make all the difference.

Use drawer organisers

Drawers can quickly become a jumble of utensils, gadgets, and random kitchen bits — but the right organisers can turn messy chaos into a neatly arranged space where everything has its place. No more hunting for the tin opener or trying to track down that one spoon!

Here are some simple ways to bring order to your kitchen drawers:

• Cutlery dividers — A must-have for keeping forks, knives, and spoons separated and easy to grab. Opt for adjustable or expandable trays if your drawer sizes vary, and make sure each section has enough room so cutlery doesn’t pile up. For compact drawers, look for layered organisers that let you stack sections — great for making the most of tight spaces.

• Small baskets or boxes — Perfect for easy-to-lose bits and bobs like bottle openers and bag clips. Clear containers help you see exactly what’s inside, while lidded boxes work well for items you don’t use daily but still want to keep organised.

• Knife organiser – Instead of a bulky knife block, try a drawer knife organiser. It keeps blades safely stored, easy to reach, and protects them from dulling — without taking up valuable counter space.

• Utensil pot – If your drawer is too full for a utensil tray, try a countertop pot instead. It keeps your go-to spoons, spatulas, and tongs within reach, so you’re not digging through drawers mid-recipe. Pop it by the hob for easy access, or store it in a cupboard to keep it out the way.

Carly suggests: “Pop a non-slip liner under your drawer dividers — it keeps everything in place and stops things sliding around every time you open a drawer. Plus, it helps prevent scratches.”

Use a round rotating or tiered shelf organiser

When you’re organising your cupboards, making everything easy to see and grab is key — because no one wants to be stretching to the back or knocking things over just to find the soy sauce.

That’s where a round rotating organiser comes in. A quick spin brings bottles, jars, and condiments right to the front so you can get to what you need without any rummaging. They’re perfect for deep cupboards or even the fridge — no more forgotten dressings lurking at the back! 

If you have lots to store, a double-tiered organiser gives you even more space while keeping everything within reach.

If you’re short on room, a tiered shelf organiser is another great tool. You can stack items at different heights, stopping things from getting hidden behind one another — ideal for keeping herbs, spices, or tins easy to see and pick out.

Label your storage containers

Labels might seem like a small touch, but they make a big difference when it comes to keeping your kitchen organised. 

“Labelling your containers isn’t just about making things look neat — it helps everyone in the house know where things go, so everything stays in the right place,” says Carly. “It also makes it so much easier to find what you’re looking for instead of opening five identical jars to figure out which one’s the sugar!”

If you’re pouring ingredients from a packet into a jar, add the expiry date to your label so you don’t lose track. Dissolvable labels are a good idea for jars you’re refilling and changing what’s in them often — they wash off easily with no sticky residue.

Make use of vertical space

When it comes to kitchen storage, it’s easy to focus on cupboards and drawers — but what about all that empty vertical space just waiting to be put to good use?

Making the most of walls with shelves frees up cupboards and adds a little personality to your space. They’re perfect for displaying stylish storage jars, cookbooks, or your favourite mugs. You could even add a wall-mounted rail with hooks to hang pans, tea towels, or oven gloves.

The trick is organising shelves well. Everything is on show, so it’s easy for them to go from chic to cluttered if you just pile things on haphazardly. Group similar items together, keep things spaced out where possible and mix in a few decorative touches — because a shelf that’s both practical and pretty is a win-win.

Make the most of often-forgotten spaces

Some of the best storage spots in your kitchen are the ones that don’t always spring to mind! 

The inside of cupboard doors is a hidden storage hero — adding a simple set of hooks can hold oven gloves or even pan lids. Or, try an over-door cupboard organiser, fitted inside or outside the door, depending on what works best for you.
Got a gap above your cupboards? Don’t let it go to waste! Pop up some storage baskets or containers to keep things like baking accessories, spare cling film, or that ‘just in case’ stash of party plates.

The best tools for kitchen organisation

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite kitchen organisation must-haves to help you maximise space, cut down on clutter, and keep everything exactly where you need it.

3-Tier Expandable Shelf

Carly says: “The Lakeland 3-Tier Expandable Shelf makes organising your kitchen cupboards so much easier. Everything sits at different levels, so you can actually see what you’ve got without having to move things around.”

“I think the best part is that it adjusts to fit your space. Need a bit more room? Just slide it out. Want to keep things compact? Push it back in. And with its non-slip surface, everything stays put — no wobbling bottles or sliding tins.”

Joseph Joseph Adjustable Drawerstore Cookware Organiser

“Storing pots and pans can feel like a losing battle, but the Joseph Joseph Adjustable Cookware Organiser makes it simple,” explains Carly. “The dividers move to fit whatever you need to store — whether it’s a slim baking sheet or a large saucepan — so everything stays upright and easy to grab.”

“It even has U-shaped notches to hold pan lids, stopping them from sliding around your cupboard!”

Metallic Shelf Liners

It’s amazing how something as simple as a shelf liner can make such a difference. Carly says: “These metallic liners have a textured surface that stops plates and glasses from sliding around. And because they’re self-adhesive and easy to cut, you can fit them perfectly to any kitchen cupboard or drawer.”

“They protect your surfaces and wipe clean easily, so no more worrying about spills or crumbs marking your shelves. Plus, they’re repositionable, which means if you don’t get them quite right the first time (or just fancy a change), you can move them without any hassle.”

Fridge Store

Carly suggests: “Fridges can get cluttered fast, but the Large Fridge Store helps keep everything tidy and easy to find. Instead of loose bags of salad leaves or half-used packs of berries getting lost at the back, everything stays neatly contained in one place.”

“The two-part design is really clever — the inner basket works as a colander for rinsing, while the outer container catches excess water to stop food from going soggy. You can even add a little water to the base to keep herbs fresher for longer. And with adjustable vents in the lid, you can control airflow to give your fruit and veg the best chance of staying crisp, minimising food waste.”

Rotating Cupboard Store

“One quick spin and whatever you need is right there with this Rotating Cupboard Store,” says Carly.

“The non-slip surface means everything stays put while it turns, so no more bottles toppling over or jars rolling around. And because it spins so smoothly, it’s effortless to use — even when fully loaded; there’s no awkward tugging or jerky movements.”

“It’s not just for the kitchen either — it works just as well in the fridge, bathroom, or even for storing craft supplies. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!”

Keep your kitchen calm, collected, and clutter-free with Lakeland

An organised kitchen makes cooking, cleaning, and even the daily tea round that little bit easier. And it doesn’t actually take much to get there — just a few clever kitchen storage solutions to keep everything in its place.
At Lakeland, we’ve got plenty of ways to help — from cupboard and drawer organisers to shelf storage, dish racks, and handy labels that make finding what you need a breeze. And for more advice and inspiration, head over to our blog!