Keeping the kitchen organized is a constant challenge. Who hasn’t gotten frustrated searching for a missing measuring cup while baking a cake or found an expired jar of tomato sauce hidden in the back of a cabinet?
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According to Real Simple, kitchen clutter seems to come back even after a thorough clean-up. But the good news is that there are simple solutions, recommended by professional organizers, that really work.
Here are the main reasons your kitchen cabinets are always disorganized — and the strategies that can transform your routine.
1. Overbuying
Irresistible sales and bulk shopping may seem tempting, but according to Corey Pence, senior organizing manager at The Container Store, they’re one of the biggest causes of clutter. She recommends buying only what you need and, if possible, labeling boxes and containers to keep things in order, especially in households with more than one person. Real Simple also reminds us that food doesn’t last forever, even pantry staples like pasta and canned goods. Overstocking often leads to waste and lost money.
2. Lack of defined zones
According to Pence, one of the most common mistakes is not creating designated zones for items. Kids at home? Keep snacks on low shelves or even use pantry door organizers. Frequently used foods should be stored in clear, airtight containers, which help keep items fresh and make it easier to see what needs restocking.
3. Not organizing regularly
Professional organizer Bohne Leah explains that the key is making organization a habit. “If you don’t incorporate small tidying sessions into your routine, the mess will always come back,” she told Real Simple. A practical tip is to use spare minutes — like when pasta water is boiling — to do a quick shelf check. Small actions prevent big pileups.
4. Storing items in the wrong places
Another common mistake is filling prime spaces with items rarely used. Leah suggests applying the supermarket logic: the most-used items should be the easiest to reach. For example, the turkey roaster that only comes out during the holidays doesn’t need to take up the same space as the blender you use daily. Storing seldom-used appliances in higher or less accessible areas frees up valuable kitchen space.
5. Holding onto broken items
According to Real Simple, many people keep scratched pots, broken appliances, or damaged utensils out of attachment. But the truth is, they won’t magically fix themselves. Getting rid of these items frees up space and prevents daily frustration.
6. Unnecessary accumulation
Keeping multiple items you don’t use anymore also hinders organization. Leah explains that there’s no point in having a coffee grinder if you only use single-serve capsules every day, or keeping fourteen water bottles when two or three are enough. The excess only takes up space and makes it harder to find what really matters.
In summary, as Real Simple highlights, organizing your kitchen doesn’t have to be a huge, exhausting project. Small routine adjustments, combined with more conscious decisions about what to buy, keep, and discard, make all the difference in turning your cabinets into functional and practical spaces.
Source: Real Simple. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
