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I’ve always believed that a home should work for the people living in it.
Over the years, I’ve tried plenty of organizing methods, but the systems that stick are never the complicated ones. They’re the simple solutions that make everyday life easier while still fitting the style of our home.
I spend a lot of time in our kitchen. It’s where bread dough rises on the counter, where family dinners come together, where morning coffee is made, and where I often find myself tidying up one more thing before heading to bed.
Because this room gets used so much, I’ve learned that organization isn’t really about having less. It’s about giving things a place so the kitchen can work well and still feel welcoming.
Today I’m sharing a few kitchen organization solutions that help our kitchen run more smoothly every day.
Glass Jars for the Ingredients I Reach for Most
A few years ago, I started moving our baking staples into these glass jars, and I haven’t looked back.
I reach for bread flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, powdered sugar, and Diamond Crystal kosher salt almost every day. Clear containers let me quickly see when I need to restock something, and saves me from digging through crumpled bags every time I want to bake.
And the seals on these jars keeps everything fresh. They fit tight and are easy to clean when needed.
I also broke out my trusty label maker so all of the contents are easily identified and I don’t mix up my flours or accidently use salt rather than sugar!
But if I’m being honest, I also just enjoy opening the cabinet and seeing everything lined up neatly.
There’s something satisfying about turning everyday ingredients into part of the kitchen’s decor. The jars feel clean, simple, and timeless, and they make even an ordinary baking day feel a little more special.
The Cabinet Upgrade I Wish I’d Done Sooner
If there is one thing in this kitchen that I recommend to almost everyone, it’s pull-out shelves.
Before we installed them, I stacked mixing bowls, casserole dishes, and baking pieces wherever I could find space. Every time I needed something from the back of the cabinet, it felt like a balancing act. And we had items that went unused because pulling them out from the back of the cabinet was annoying and cumbersome.
Now I pull out a shelf and instantly see exactly what I have. Plus these shelves pull out and push in with just a finger so they are very user friendly!
We also have another one that holds our pots, pans, lids, and oven mitts right next to the stove. This simple organization keeps things right at hand where they are needed.
What I love most is that these shelves make putting things away easier too. When organization becomes convenient, it naturally stays organized.
That’s been true for me with these cabinets.
Everyday Items That Double as Decor
Not everything needs to be tucked away behind a door.
One of my favorite little corners in the kitchen is a simple marble tray holding a rechargeable brass lamp and our copper salt and pepper grinders. I have a matching tray on the other side of the stove as well, and together they help keep the counters feeling tidy and intentional.
The lamp adds the prettiest glow to the kitchen in the evenings, especially during the darker months of the year, and the trays serve a practical purpose too. They catch the little things that come with everyday cooking – salt flakes, pepper dust, and the occasional drop of olive oil – keeping them contained instead of scattered across the countertops.
When they need cleaning, I can simply pick them up, wash them, and put them right back in place.
We use these items every day, but giving them a designated home keeps them from turning into clutter.
It’s a small detail, but details like this make a kitchen feel collected, lived in, and easy to maintain.
Hiding the Clutter We All Have
One source of clutter I never expected in the kitchen was technology.
Phones, charging cords, earbuds, battery packs—you know how quickly those things can take over a countertop!
This little bread box-style charging station that I put together has been one of my favorite solutions. We plug everything into this charging organizer instead of letting chargers and devices spread across the kitchen counter.
And this corner bread box is perfect for hiding everyday items such as ibuprofens, Chapstick, lotion, etc. while keeping them handy.
It’s not glamorous, but it clears the counters and instantly makes the room feel calmer.
Sometimes organization is less about what you add and more about what you no longer have to look at.
The Under-Sink Cabinet That Finally Works
For years, the cabinet under my sink felt like wasted space.
The plumbing made it awkward, things got pushed around, and I could never find what I needed.
Eventually, I added a this set of 3 woven baskets and small clear drawers, and it completely changed how the space functions.
I use one basket for kitchen towels, another for cleaning supplies, and the small one is perfect for holding a huge roll of Costco trash bags. The clear drawers keep all the washcloths, scrubbers, and smaller miscellaneous items like drain stoppers, small scrubbing brushes, and blade scrapers organized.
It’s not a space anyone sees when they visit, but it’s one of those little improvements that makes everyday life easier.
And honestly, opening the cabinet and seeing everything in its place makes me happy.
Organization That Feels Like Home
The older I get, the less interested I am in organization for the sake of organization.
What matters to me is creating a home that feels peaceful, functions well, and supports the rhythms of everyday life.
These simple systems make that possible.
They’re not perfect, and they aren’t complicated. They support the way we live and make everyday tasks easier.
And in the end, I think that’s what good organization should be.
For easy tips on how to make guest feel at home, check out How To Create A Guest Room Welcome Basket!
