Kitchens can easily win the title of ‘messiest room in the house,’ and let’s face it – that’s no great achievement!

Since kitchens are the heart of family meals, late-night snacks, endless conversations, and even homework time, a cluttered kitchen can stir up frustration instead of inspiration.

Decluttering and tidying may sound like hard work, but it doesn’t have to be.

Here are 31 realistic kitchen storage ideas to help you sort, organize, maximize space, and turn your kitchen into a clutter-free zone that’s functional and fabulous.

1. Hanging Shelves for Extra Storage

Source: @homebird_mrsmac

Here’s a brilliant idea that not only increases shelf space but also adds a stylish focal point to your kitchen. This savvy homemaker has installed hanging shelves to make a cool station for hot drink options.

I’m lovin’ the ‘Cuppa?’ decor on the wall. Amazon has a great vintage ‘Fancy a Cuppa?’ sign perfect for a retro-themed kitchen. 

2. Spice Jar Drawer

Source: @gotclutter

Nothing is more frustrating than searching for a specific spice while your food overcooks and gets ruined!

Get organized with a spice jar drawer like this. The drawer shelf is adjustable and slots easily into any standard drawer.

Use matching bottles and coordinated labels to create a perfect setup and take the stress out of meal prep.

3. Under the Sink Storage Containers

Source: @blissfullittlehome

Do you dread opening your under the sink cabinet? I did – it was a disaster of half-empty cleaning bottles, damp sponges, tangled plastic bags, and other mysterious items! 

These super handy acrylic storage containers gave my cabinet an instant makeover, transforming it into a neat and functional space. Now, every item has its spot, making it easy to grab what I need without digging through a black hole.

4. Glass Jars

Source: @traciejohnsonroberts

Glass jars with airtight seals like these tick so many boxes for kitchen storage –

– You can see what’s inside

– They’re easy to clean

– You can add labels for extra organization

– They look so attractive

– They’re versatile and can hold anything from pasta to pet treats

5. Pantry Baskets

Source: @simplyorganizedkj

Organize your pantry quickly with wire pantry baskets. They’re a budget-friendly solution perfect for anything from fresh produce to canned foods.

This smart homemaker assigns designated areas for essential food items, making her life super easy and relaxed.

6. Pots and Pans Rack

Source: @stylishspacesny

Do you find that pots and pans are impossible to stack? Mine insist on crashing to the floor whenever I pull one out.

A pot and pan rack like this organizes your pots, pans, and lids. They are visible, easily accessible, and because each has its own slot, they won’t get scratched one atop the other.

7. Aesthetic Kitchen Utensil Holder

Source: @perfectpantriesproject

An aesthetic kitchen utensil holder is the perfect blend of style and functionality, keeping your spatulas and whisks within arm’s reach while adding a chic touch to your countertop.

If you own a mismatched set of ancient utensils, why not toss them and treat yourself to a fabulous utensil holder like this?

8. Basket Storage

Source: @whole_and_home

Woven baskets bring a wonderful rustic, natural vibe to a kitchen. They are ideal for storing anything from fresh produce to canned foods, and more.

This innovative homemaker uses baskets to hold her kids artwork and coloring books. They are placed low down under the kitchen counter so kids can reach them easily. Genius!

9. Snack Container

Source: @beeorganizedportland

Running out of snacks before the big game airs on TV is not an option!

Keep your chips, pretzels, and candy well-organized in a clear acrylic bin like this.

It’s easy for the fam to grab their favorites and you can see what needs replenishing, ensuring your snack stash is always game-day ready!

10. Categorize Food Groups Together

Source: @simplyorganizedkj

Here’s a realistic storage idea that’s easy to implement and will make life in the kitchen much more fun.

Categorize food groups together into bins, baskets, canisters, or containers. You will instantly know where everything is without a frustrating search.

Adding labels takes your organization skills to the next level.

11. Corner Shelves

Source: @bernadettagalas

Kitchen corners are often forgotten spaces that can be put to far better use.

A corner shelf adds an attractive focal point. Use it to hold your exotic spice collection, a set of decorative jars, or your recipe books.

Why not get creative and set up a cozy tea and coffee station?

12. Decant Dry Food Items

Source: @simplyorganizedkj

I always struggle with the awkward packaging that dry food comes in –  bags that won’t reseal, boxes that tear easily, and containers that take up way too much space.

That’s why I decided to decant all my dry foods into an attractive set of matching airtight canisters like this. They’re a game-changer, keeping everything fresh, organized, and easy to find.

13. Hang Mugs on Hooks

Source: @lightandairy

I bet every family has a gazillion trendy mugs of every shape and size, taking up valuable storage space.

Here’s a great idea – hang your mugs on S-hooks under a shelf. You’ll create a fun display, the mugs are easy to grab, and you’ll free up valuable cabinet space.

14. Deep Plastic Bins

Source: @bluepencilhome

Deep plastic bins like these are a must-have if you’re looking to organize your kitchen.

They’re perfect for grouping similar items like snacks, spices, baking supplies, or even cleaning materials, making everything so much easier to access.

Use them in your pantry, your cabinets or even under the sink to transform clutter into calm.

15. Zone Your Pantry

Source: @oliennahome

My next realistic kitchen storage idea is budget-friendly and easy to implement.

Categorize your pantry into sections of similar items. Corral baking essentials, spices, snacks, canned foods, fresh produce, cleaning materials … you get the idea!

Your space is neat and easy to access, and you can quickly check what you need to buy on your next shopping trip.

16. Stack Bins

Source: @clutterfree.eg

Stackable bins like these instantly organize your kitchen by making the best use of vertical space.

They’re ideal for storing everything from canned goods and dry snacks to fresh produce and kitchen gadgets. Their modular design means you can customize the arrangement to fit your kitchen’s needs perfectly.

17. Drawer Inserts

Source: @charlie394649

In my kitchen, drawers were another no-go zone, filled with unknown items that insisted on getting stuck and preventing them from opening.

A set of drawer inserts like these quickly sorts out the contents of a drawer, giving everything a place, reducing clutter, and streamlining your cooking sessions.

18. Keep Appliances in Deep Cabinets

Source: @simplicityandstylehome

Storing the multitude of appliances we need in a home can be a challenge, especially in a kitchen with limited shelf or countertop space.

Deep cabinets are ideal for storing appliances. Organize them in large plastic bins that can be pulled out as needed. Add labels so everyone knows what goes where after use.

19. Labeled Storage Jars

Source: @__athomewithalex

Labeling is the height of organization! Turn your kitchen into an organized haven with storage jars and reusable labels like these.

These labels are dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe, and can be erased and reused as your needs change.

20. Kitchen Cabinet Door Organizer

Source: @anawhiteplans

I LUV when a small project makes a big impact! Installing a cabinet door organizer creates loads of additional storage space at a budget price.

Perfect for stashing cutting boards, baking sheets, or even cleaning supplies, it turns unused space into something super functional.

21. Stick with One Category per Cabinet

Source: @lelaburris

Take a tip from an expert. Keep your kitchen well-organized and tidy by sticking with one category per cabinet.

Store food storage containers and dining dishes near the dishwasher. Pack cooking oils and mixing bowls near the stove. Cups, pet treats, and daily supplements are beside the fridge.

Now you’re organized.

22. Shelf Risers

Source: @operationorganization

When you’re struggling to find space in your cabinets, think out of the box and think vertically.

All that wasted space above the shelf can be put to good use by installing adjustable shelf risers like these. Now, instead of one shelf, you have three!

23. Tiered Corner Shelf

Source: @the_sonalimahadik

How cozy and inviting is this little corner? Turn a dusty corner into an attractive tea and coffee station where the family can chat before setting off for the day.

A tiered corner shelf offers space for your pods, creamers, syrups, stirrers, sugar, and spices for a barista-style touch. Don’t forget a canister of Biscotti.

24. Kitchen Trolley Storage

Source: @peace_corners

A rolling 3-tier cart like this is a fantastic addition to a small kitchen. It provides extra storage for everything from pantry items to cookware.

Best of all, its mobility lets you move it wherever you need it most.

Whether it’s parked by the stove for easy access to spices or rolled out as a snack station during gatherings, this cart is a game-changer for maximizing space.

25. Under the Shelf Organizer

Source: @ahalfbakedmom

There are so many cool ideas hiding on the internet! Here’s another realistic way to increase storage without making costly renovations.

Simply hang under the shelf organizers in your cabinets. You’ll instantly create extra surface levels for storing.

26. Clear Canisters

Source: @gracefulspacesorganizing

What makes a perfect canister? For me –

– Airtight for a longer shelf life

– Clear so you can see what’s inside

– Wide opening for scoops

– Different sizes in a matching set for aesthetic appeal

– Stackable design to save space

– Durable material that’s easy to clean and maintain

This set of clear canisters like these tick all the right boxes.

27. Lazy Susans

Source: @ameaningfulspace

Lazy Susans work hard!

With a simple spin, they reveal hidden-away items at the back of a cabinet that would otherwise be hard to reach or just gather dust (or worse).

Use them for spices, canned foods, oils and vinegar, snacks, coffee and tea essentials, and baking supplies.

28. Open Pantry Bins

Source: @ameaningfulspace

Take control of your pantry and sort out the clutter with open pantry bins.

I love the open design which allows airflow and keeps produce fresh. It also allows me to see what’s inside without having to go on a treasure hunt every time I need an item.

29. Drawer Dividers

Source: @korganize.co

Do you have drawers filled with clutter that seems to have a mind of its own – rolling around, tangling up, and turning every drawer pull into a mini scavenger hunt?

With a few smart drawer dividers like these you can transform that chaos into perfectly organized spaces where everything stays in its place.

30. Kitchen Island Storage

Source: @simplyorganizedkj

A kitchen island is an attractive addition to any modern home. But it can be so much more effective if you add storage shelves on the sides.

Without using up any additional space, you now have a place to keep dishes, glassware, appliances, recipe books, and even a few lovely ornaments.

31. Dedicated Tupperware Drawer

Source: @toritheorganizer

Lastly (for now) I have figured out how to stop playing hide-and-seek with Tupperware bowls and lids that never seem to match one another. 

Dedicate a drawer to your Tupperware and arrange them by type. Stack bowls inside each other and line up lids vertically.

This way, it’s easy to see at a glance which lids match which bowls, saving you time and sparing you the frustration of mismatched chaos.