Kitchen Orgaanizing Tips

1. Use small lidded containers for the junk drawer.

Fill your junk drawer full of cheap lidded containers that hold, among other things, each in its own container, rubber bands, miscellaneous hardware, twist ties, string, and even one for clothespins, because they occasionally come in handy. You’ll be able to find anything within a few seconds because the lids are transparent enough to see the contents right away. If you happen to get colored lids, simply place a piece of masking tape on top and use a sharpie to label it!

2. Use LEGOs for stacking cookie sheets.

Lego, or more specifically, Duplo: The 2x2 bricks, stacked a couple high, are great for stacking cookie sheets in preparation for baking a lot of cookies, or hors d'oeuvres for a party. They're dishwasher safe, store easily, and cost next to nothing!

3. Store measuring spoons in a jar by the stove.

Store your measuring spoons in a little glass freezer canning jar next to your stove for ease of use.

4. Use a flatware organizer for storing long, skinny tools.

Use a flatware organizer in your junk drawer to corral the long skinny things that insist on entangling themselves: straws, chopsticks, skewers, assorted power cords, plastic tableware, twist-ties, etc.

5. Tape magnets on the inside of wrap dispensers.

Tape magnets inside your plastic wrap, wax paper, and parchment paper boxes, so they stick to the side of the fridge and don't take up drawer/cabinet space.

6. Use a magazine holder to hold your cutting board.

You know those cutting board racks you see, that attach to the inside of a kitchen cabinet? Well, rather than paying $50+ for one of those Find a $5 magazine holder online, and just attach it to the inside of your cabinet with 3M hooks. Works like a charm, and keeps the cutting boards accessible but out of the way!

7. Load your silverware by like item in the dishwasher.

When loading your dishwasher, group all silverware by like item — it makes unloading it a breeze.

8. Store cooking instructions in glass containers with the food.

Store all dry goods in glass canning jars with swing-type closure.
Store cooking instructions, use-by date, or simply part of the packaging inside the lids, so you can read it from the outside.

9. Use adhesive hooks for hanging almost anything.

Use adhesive, removable hooks inside cabinet drawers to hang sifters, etc. Also the same hooks on the underside of upper cabinets to hang measuring tools right above spice rack.

Use 3M hooks on the inside of the door to hang an apron and/or canvas shopping bags.

Use large Command hooks to hang the beaters and dough hooks, etc. for items like KitchenAid on the inner wall of the cupboard that the KitchenAid is in.

10. Reuse baking powder containers for small amounts of other staples.

Save baking powder containers and relabel and reuse them for salt, baking soda, sugar, and flour. When you only need a bit I don't have to get out the big containers, they have a built-in level for measuring, and — laid end to end in a drawer — only take up a little space.