Is your kitchen countertop the official graveyard for mail, keys, and things you’ll “put away later”?
I completely understand. A cluttered kitchen can feel so overwhelming, especially when you’re already short on space. It can feel like just another part of life that’s gotten out of control. For me, getting my kitchen in order was a small but powerful step on a much bigger journey. As I worked to overcome habits like binge eating and build a healthier lifestyle, I realized my environment had to change too. A chaotic kitchen made it hard to cook healthy meals and far too easy to reach for quick, unhealthy options.
Bringing order to that small room was a tangible win. It gave me a little boost of momentum to keep going. It’s not just about having a tidy kitchen. It’s about creating a space that serves you and helps you build the life you want. So, let’s talk about some simple, genius ways to make your small kitchen feel bigger, calmer, and more functional.
Go Vertical and Use Every Inch
When you can’t build out, build up. Your walls and the inside of your cabinet doors are some of the most underused spaces in your kitchen. Let’s put them to work.
- Use a magnetic knife strip. This gets that clunky knife block off your counter and looks great.
- Add under-shelf baskets. These slide right onto your existing shelves, instantly doubling your storage for things like dish towels, foil, or small plates.
- Mount pot lid organizers. The inside of your cabinet doors is prime real estate. Screw in a simple rack to hold all those runaway pot lids.
- Install tiered shelves. A small, multi-level shelf in your cabinet makes it easy to see all your cans or spices at a glance. No more buying a third jar of paprika because you couldn’t find the first two.
- Hang your mugs. Free up a ton of cabinet space by installing simple hooks under your cabinets to hang your favorite mugs.
Conquer Your Cabinets and Drawers
The inside of your cabinets can feel like a black hole where things go to disappear. A little strategy can change everything. Think about creating zones and making everything easy to see and grab.
- Embrace drawer dividers. This is non-negotiable for your utensil drawer, but don’t stop there. Use them for your junk drawer and spice drawer too.
- Try pull-out cabinet organizers. These can be a game-changer for deep lower cabinets, especially for pots and pans. No more getting on your hands and knees to find what you need.
- "File" your flat items. Store baking sheets, cutting boards, and muffin tins vertically, like files in a filing cabinet. They’re so much easier to grab.
- Use clear, stackable containers. Getting food out of bulky packaging and into uniform containers saves space and keeps food fresher. Plus, you can see exactly what you have.
- Create zones. Keep all your coffee and tea supplies in one area. Put all your baking items together. This makes finding things and putting them away much faster.
Keep Those Countertops Clear
A clear counter is a clear mind. The goal is to give yourself as much open workspace as possible. Your countertops should be for prep, not for storage.
- Use the side of your fridge. A magnetic spice rack or paper towel holder can stick right to the side of your fridge, using space that was otherwise wasted.
- Get a rolling cart. If you have a bit of floor space, a small rolling cart can act as a portable island, a coffee station, or extra pantry storage that you can move out of the way.
- Find an over-the-sink cutting board. Some come with a built-in colander. This instantly expands your prep area, especially in tiny kitchens.
- Have one "drop zone" basket. We all need a place for mail, keys, and pocket clutter. Contain it all in one small, attractive basket instead of letting it spread across the counter.
- Store appliances away. If you don’t use your blender or stand mixer every single day, find a home for it in a cabinet or pantry. Only keep the daily essentials out.
Smart and Simple Switches
Sometimes the biggest improvements come from small, simple changes in how we store and manage our kitchen items.
- Decant what you can. Pouring things like oats, flour, sugar, and cereal into dedicated containers looks clean and is incredibly practical.
- Use a Lazy Susan. They are perfect for deep corner cabinets or for organizing oils and vinegars. A quick spin and you can find exactly what you need.
- Choose nesting bowls and measuring cups. Items that are designed to stack inside each other are a small kitchen’s best friend.
- Be honest about what you use. Do you really need that avocado slicer or the special pan you use once a year? It’s okay to let go of items that are just taking up precious space.
- Follow the "One-In, One-Out" rule. When you buy a new mug, donate an old one. This simple habit prevents clutter from building up again.
Organizing isn’t a one-time project. It’s an ongoing practice, just like any good habit. It’s about creating a system that makes your daily life easier and more peaceful.
For me, seeing my organized kitchen is a daily reminder that with God’s grace, I can bring order to chaos—whether it’s in a cabinet or in my heart. It’s a small, daily act of gratitude for the home He has blessed me with.
So, where will you begin? What’s one small drawer or shelf you can tackle this week?
Take that first small step. You’ll be amazed at the peace it brings.
