Before the open floor plan rose to the top of every homeowner's wish list, kitchens used to serve as closed-off quarters where the messes of everyday cooking could be quietly hidden away. Now, kitchen cabinets do much of the work, serving as a storage spot for non-perishable groceries, dishes, and cooking supplies, and occasionally housing stray wares that may not have made their way to a more permanent home before party guests arrive. As such, cabinets can easily become a hotspot for clutter and, in turn, wreak havoc on a streamlined cooking routine.
The result of a messy cabinet? Having to take out half the shelf and reorganize everything on your hunt for a single frying pan, or getting ready to try a new brownie recipe only to discover your star ingredient expired last month. Working efficiently in the kitchen hinges on having a system of organization in place, and that means making sure everything has a spot of its own, that groceries with the shortest shelf-life are placed within easy reach, and that items are stacked in a way that doesn't create an avalanche the moment you open the cabinet door.
The good thing is you only really need a few simple accessories to help maximize your kitchen cabinet space (and maybe getting rid of a few items, too). From racks and bins to baskets designed to use every square inch of space, read on to find out which organizing essentials you need. Plus, we're sharing a few handy tricks that put unexpected household items—like curtain tension rods—to work.
