5 things people with organized kitchens always do, according to professional organizers

When it comes to my kitchen, I don't have the neatest space. I'm always wondering what people with organized cooking spaces do — and now I've actually found out.

I've asked professional organizers who have both gone into people's homes and made kitchens tidy exactly what they implement, which their clients go on to maintain. Thankfully they're all easy things to do, from maximizing space to setting up a routine. 

If you're looking to organize your kitchen and want secrets from the pros, I've got you covered with plenty of useful intel.

1. Utilize awkward spaces

I have a couple of cupboards I know I’m not making the most out of, which is why I’m a big fan of these small kitchen storage ideas.

“People with organized kitchens find the right organizational products to best utilize awkward spaces like corner cabinets and cabinets with narrow shelves,” says Kevin Connors, a professional organizer at Inspired Organizers.

“Lazy Susans are ideal for these spaces, and small acrylic bins are also excellent for keeping small items contained in these areas,” he adds.

For example, Reese Witherspoon’s kitchen utilizes acrylic bins to keep all her snacks contained.

2. Create zones

If you want to keep your kitchen organized, make sure to designate different zones for cooking, prepping, and storing.

“Take into account your cooking habits, dominant hand, desire for a coffee station, drink placement (e.g. near the fridge), and which items you need most accessible,” explains Christian Pfeiffer, a professional organizer at Valley Organizing.

Next time you’re sizzling up a storm or making a brew with your best coffee machines, note what you reach for regularly (both while cooking and snacking) and streamline your space accordingly.

3. Line drawers

How many times have you sworn you’ve put something in your kitchen drawers, only then for it to magically disappear? Chances are it has shuffled around.

“While most people line drawers to protect them from spills and damage from liquids, non-skid liners also help keep kitchen shelves organized by preventing every object from accidentally getting moved around inside the cabinet,” Kevin explains.

I haven’t actually lined mine, so I’ve now added the Gorilla Grip Drawer Liner from Amazon to my basket. It has over 25,000 five-star reviews from shoppers and comes in 14 chic styles that will allow you to tailor it to your kitchen designs.

4. Maximize vertical space

This tip is especially handy for those organizing small kitchens, as it will allow you to make the most of every bit of space you have.

“Over the door pot and pan and spice holders help utilize the space behind the door, even if it is only 2-3 inches,” Kevin says.

For smaller spice jars and packets, the Simple Houseware Over the Door Organizer from Amazon has 100,000 five-star ratings (yes, really!) and could also used for clothes and shoe storage.

You can also use shelf risers to maximize kitchen cabinet storage even further — for instance, the Songmics Cabinet Organizer from Amazon is the site’s choice and comes in four different styles.

5. Create a routine

As well as creating a cleaning schedule for your cooking space, it’s also a good idea to regularly set aside time to give it a reset.

“Set up a routine to always return items to their designated spots and regularly purge and donate items you no longer need,” explains Christian. 

You could always give these to family and friends or take them to secondhand furniture stores such as Goodwill.

If you do bring new items into your space, Christian says you need to make sure you can find a functional space for it before doing so.

By putting these practices into play, you can ensure your kitchen is sleek, orderly, and easy to use.

Want to carry on stealing the secrets of well-maintained homes? You might also want to find out the things people with clean small homes always do and the things people with nice-smelling homes always do.