SHELVES AND CABINETS

Whether open, closed, or some combination thereof, these hardworking destinations tend to bear the brunt of kitchen storage. Optimize their capacity by rearranging dishware and putting even the between-spaces to work—always employing the guiding principle of kitchen organization: Keep things where you use them.

be practical WITH PLACEMENT

Storing things at the right height means they’ll be easier to use—and put back.

• Keep the most frequently used items at eye level and within reach, whether on the lower shelf of an upper cabinet or a bottom open shelf, and in the most accessible location.
• Infrequently used items go on upper shelves; keep a step stool nearby to access those. Just avoid heavy and unwieldy things, as it can be tricky getting them down and back up again.
• Tongs are great for grabbing lightweight items—paper towels or boxes of cereal—on high shelves; hang a pair on a hook mounted inside the cabinet door.
• Heavy tools and equipment—mixers, slow cookers—should be kept below waist level, for easier lifting.
• Store cups and saucers the same way they’re used: saucer, cup, saucer, cup. They’ll not only look better, they can also be safely stacked higher—and are ready to go when you need a set.

create MORE storage

Try these tricks for getting cabinets and drawers to accommodate more.

• You can often add more shelves to existing cabinets (if you can’t, try risers, as shown on page 105) or replace the shelves you have with pull-out models—especially in awkward, often space-wasting corner cabinets (lazy Susans also come in handy there).
• Install tension rods vertically between shelves, and use the space to stash cutting boards, sturdy platters, and baking sheets upright. Position the rods in front-and-back pairs, twisting to tighten and shifting them as needed.
• Divide drawers into smaller compartments, shopping at office-supply stores (think file or letter holders) in addition to housewares shops. Use organizers in different materials (plastic, bamboo, and metal mesh) to suit the contents; expandable ones are most convenient. See pages 106 to 107 for more ideas.
• Gain space by hanging stemware from racks mounted underneath a shelf or upper cabinet (or use the stemless variety); nest tumblers and juice glasses two deep.
• If there’s a cabinet next to the oven, install hooks inside the door for holding oven mitts.