Yes, Chef: 6 Steps to Organize Your Entire Kitchen

Whether you have a dedicated pantry or not, adding shelves to your kitchen makes all the difference in keeping it organized. Add solid wood shelves or a freestanding shelving unit and it will double your kitchen storage. Use one shelf for each category of food, like pasta, cereal, snacks and extra bulk items so you know exactly where to find things. Measure the depth of the shelves and the height between each before buying any storage containers to be sure you get the right ones the first time.

It's not necessary to transfer all your grains and pastas to clear plastic containers if you don’t want to. This is your pantry, and the most important thing is functionality. If you decide to repackage items, write down the expiration dates. A strip of masking tape and a marker are all you need. Stick the tape to the bottom of the container and you’ll never have to think about when you bought it.

If your pantry is visible to the rest of the kitchen, an easy way to boost the aesthetic is with solid pantry storage bins. Hide the packaging for multi-item things like that big box of granola bars, crackers or bags of instant oatmeal inside wood pantry bins. Keep the items in the original package so you always have the expiration date and any cooking instructions handy. Storing items in their original packaging also keeps the items within the bins organized and lets you store more than one thing in the bin.

Get ready for the busy week ahead with a refrigerator full of pre-washed produce. Use a specialized berry bin which has two layers to separate any water or juice from your fruit, keeping it fresher longer. You can use regular storage containers for this too, just add a paper towel to the top of the container to soak up any excess liquid and store upside down in the fridge. Change out the paper towel every few days. If you decide to go this route, choose storage containers with locking lids so you don’t risk the contents spilling when you pick up the container. Having pre-washed and pre-chopped fruits and veggies in your fridge means you’re more likely to reach for them next time you’re hungry.

Keep your refrigerator organized with clear storage bins. Use them to store things like applesauce pouches for the kids, containers of yogurt, your favorite salad dressings or anything else that needs its own special spot. Take everything out of your refrigerator and group like items so you can get an idea of the size and shape containers that are best for you.

Empower kids to make their own school lunch and place pre-approved snacks in the bins and let them make the choice. Clear storage bins also prevent your fridge from turning into chaos. No more searching for that condiment you could have sworn you just bought or letting food expire in the back corner.

Keep your favorite spices and seasonings organized with a tiered spice rack. The tiered view makes it easy to grab the spices you need when you’re in the middle of the dinner rush. The front row of the spice rack is prime real estate. Place your most frequently used herbs and spices in the front row and specialty seasonings towards the back. Even if you can’t be bothered to de-pot your spices into matching glass jars, a tired rack lets you grab what you need when you need it.

Food isn’t the thing you need to organize in your kitchen. Take advantage of the often-under-utilized space under your kitchen sink to keep your cleaning supplies organized. This makes cleaning your kitchen after cooking an easy task. If you have large pipes or a garbage disposal to work around, choose an expandable under-sink organizer. You can easily adjust the shelves to fit around any obstacles.

Pull out shelves, stackable shelves and over the door organizers are other great options. Make sure to measure the available space under your cabinet to ensure the shelving system you buy fits. If you have small children in your house, be sure to add cabinet locks to keep them away from cleaning products.