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Organizing a kitchen is no small task, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The secret lies in smart storage accessories that transform even the most chaotic kitchen into a well-oiled machine. If your kitchen feels like a cluttered jungle, you’re not alone.

Many people struggle with finding space for everything while keeping it accessible. This guide will take you through practical, effective ways to use smart storage solutions for a kitchen that’s not just functional but a joy to use. Here’s how to organize kitchen spaces in ways that make cooking stress-free and enjoyable.

Essential Tips for a Well-Organized Kitchen

A well-organized kitchen saves time, reduces stress, and makes cooking a pleasure rather than a chore. Think about how often you’ve misplaced a tool or struggled to find space for groceries. With the right accessories and ideas, these problems can disappear. On that note, here are a few tips for a well-organized kitchen.

1. Use Vertical Space

   The first rule of smart storage is to look up. Wall-mounted shelves, hooks, and racks are lifesavers. They free up counter space and keep frequently used tools within arm’s reach. 

   Hang utensils like spatulas or ladles on hooks, or use magnetic strips for knives. For an added touch, try vertical spice racks to keep jars tidy and visible. This is a game-changer when learning how to organize a kitchen effectively.

2. Maximize Drawer Space

   Drawers are often overlooked, but they can store much more than you think. Dividers are your best friends here. They keep items like spoons, forks, and smaller tools from turning into a jumbled mess. 

   Use specialized trays for deep drawers to store pots and pans neatly. This step is crucial when you want to organize kitchens for better efficiency.

3. Invest in Pull-Out Shelves

   Pull-out shelves in cabinets make every inch of space usable. No more bending down and struggling to reach items buried at the back. They’re ideal for storing larger items like appliances or organizing tools in a compact layout.

4. Smart Solutions for Small Items

   Smaller items like lids, food containers, and bottle caps can quickly become chaotic. Utilize stackable bins and label them for easy identification. Here’s a curated list of accessories that will revolutionize how you organize kitchen ideas into reality:

   • Over-the-Door Organizers: Perfect for pantries or cabinets to hold everything from spices to cleaning supplies.
   • Under-Sink Storage Racks: Use the space beneath your sink effectively with adjustable racks.
   • Hanging Baskets: Attach these to the inside of cabinet doors to store snacks, produce, or lightweight items.
   • Drawer Inserts: Adjustable inserts keep drawers neat and make it easier to find what you need.

   Labeling Tools: Labels might seem small, but they make finding and returning items much easier.

5. Adopt a Zone System

   Divide your kitchen into zones based on activity. For example:

   • Cooking zone: Store pots, pans, and utensils near the stove.
   • Prep zone: Keep cutting boards and knives close to the counter.
   • Cleaning zone: Stash cleaning supplies under the sink.

   This method ensures everything has a place and reduces the time spent looking for items. When you organize kitchens using zones, tasks flow more smoothly.

   Bonus Tip: If store-bought solutions don’t suit your style, DIY projects can offer unique, budget-friendly options. Repurpose mason jars for storing dry goods, or use pegboards to create customizable hanging storage. These options not only help you learn how to organize a kitchen but also add a personal touch.

6. Organize Pantry Items Efficiently

   A well-organized pantry is essential for meal prep. Use stackable bins, jars, and canisters to maximize space. Arrange items by category, such as snacks, canned goods, or spices. Use a combination of smart accessories and clear organize kitchen ideas to make your pantry functional and visually appealing. Here are a few tips for maintaining a clutter-free kitchen:

   • Declutter regularly. Remove items you don’t use.
   • Place frequently used items in easy-to-reach spots.
   • Clean up immediately after cooking to maintain order.
   • Rotate seasonal items to the back of cabinets.
   • Keep countertops clear by storing appliances after use.

7. Don’t Forget Lighting

   Good lighting isn’t just for aesthetics; it helps you see what’s stored in dim cabinets or drawers. Install LED strip lights under cabinets or inside dark cupboards for better visibility. It’s an often-overlooked step in understanding how to organize a kitchen for ease of use.

Conclusion

Transforming your kitchen into an organized haven is simpler than you think. With smart storage solutions, you can say goodbye to clutter and hello to efficiency. From maximizing drawer space to using vertical storage, every step you take will bring more order and joy to your cooking experience. 

Use these tips on how to organize a kitchen and make cooking an absolute delight. Ready to take your kitchen organization to the next level? Check out Frugal’s range of high-quality, affordable storage accessories and bring your organized kitchen ideas to life today!

FAQs

1. What are some easy ways to organize small kitchens?
   Use vertical storage like wall-mounted racks, over-the-door organizers, and hanging hooks. Compact pull-out shelves and labeled bins also work wonders in smaller spaces.

2. How can I keep my kitchen drawers organized?
   Use adjustable drawer dividers or inserts to separate utensils, tools, and smaller items. Assign a specific purpose to each drawer for better organization.

3. What’s the best way to organize a pantry?
   Sort items into categories like snacks, canned goods, and spices. Use stackable bins and clear containers to save space and improve visibility.

4. Are pull-out shelves worth the investment?
   Absolutely! Pull-out shelves make it easier to access items in deep cabinets and maximize usable space. They are especially helpful when working out how to organize kitchen spaces efficiently.

5. How do I declutter my kitchen effectively?
   Start by removing items you haven’t used in months. Sort items into categories—keep, donate, or trash. Store less frequently used items in higher cabinets or the pantry.

Kitchen corners, also known as blind corners or dead corners, are notorious for being dark, deep, and inaccessible spaces where items easily get lost. With the need for kitchen storage, utilizing the corner cabinets is crucial to kitchen design. 

Blind base cabinets, spice pull-outs, Lazy Susans, 3-drawer systems, and custom corner pantries are both classic and custom corner cabinetry options. The following guide explores the range of cabinet solutions that will transform your kitchen. 

What are Blind Corner Cabinets? 

Commonly found in L-shaped and U-shaped kitchen designs, these cabinets occupy the corner space between two sets of cabinetry that meet at a right angle. They are referred to as blind because the contents are not directly visible or easily accessible. 

Blind corner cabinets are usually underutilized due to their awkward placement. However, with cabinet solutions, you can access the space as a fully functional part of the kitchen. 

Classic Corner Cabinet Solutions 

These corner cabinet solutions are a classic for a reason – they are tried and true methods of increasing efficiency in your kitchen corners. They come in different designs, such as rotating trays, pull-out drawers, and swing-out shelves, and are easy to install and maintain. 

Blind base corner cabinets with full-access trays 

This type of blind cabinet is a base cabinet. Its trays pull and glide aside, allowing back trays to move into the opening. Together with rails to keep items secure, the trays allow for quick and seamless access to cabinet items. 

Blind base corner cabinets with pull-out storage 

Like the blind base cabinets with full-access trays, these feature kidney-shaped swing-out shelves with adjustable heights. They are designed to maximize the utility of difficult-to-access cabinets with easy-to-use shelving. 

Spice pull-out 

This narrow, vertical storage solution is designed specifically for organizing and storing spices. Usually installed next to cooking areas for easy access, the spice pull-out units fit into small spaces between larger cabinets and appliances. 

Lazy Susan 

A cornerstone of cabinet solutions, the Lazy Susan is a rotating shelf designed to fit into cabinet corners. Adding tiers to the Lazy Susan enhances and increases storage. It is considered the quintessential solution for kitchen accessibility.   

Half Lazy Susan 

These feature half-moon or half-circle shelves that glide along a side pole for individual operation. The glide-out shelves are great for small appliances like toasters and blenders, contributing to a clutter-free cooking environment.   

Appliance garage 

Designed to house small appliances, this type of cabinet features a roll-up door or a lift-up mechanism, resembling a mini garage. They are great for kitchen corners, further utilizing the usually awkward space. 

Pros and Cons of Corner Cabinets 

Corner kitchen cabinets offer a way to maximize storage and enhance the aesthetic of a kitchen. Their design and functionality can come with challenges such as accessibility and the potential for wasted space. 

PROS of Corner Kitchen Cabinets 

You can make use of every inch of corner space with effective storage and accessibility solutions, like pull-outs and roll-outs. The versatile storage is adaptable to various kitchen layouts and maximizes your kitchen’s efficiency. 

CONS of Corner Kitchen Cabinets 

Without storage options or pull-out drawers and shelves, corner cabinets are difficult to access and find what you need. They typically end up with wasted space due to awkward dimensions and are more difficult to install than regular cabinet units. 

Tips and Considerations When Addressing Corner Cabinets 

1. Choose cabinet doors wisely, such as accordion or tambour doors, which open by sliding along a track and folding or rolling up. These are a great solution for spaces where traditional doors might hamper functionality in the kitchen. 

2. Consider Lazy Susans when it comes to your next DIY kitchen project.  DIY is a great option that will save time and money.  

3. Remember to use your space efficiently and choose items to store in your cabinets that will minimize clutter instead of adding to it. 

4. Consider the door swing when installing corner cabinets and make sure the door doesn’t interfere with other cabinets or appliances. 

5. Ease of maintenance is important to consider, so choose a corner cabinet solution that you can clean and maintain easily. 

Corner cabinets no longer need to be the kitchen’s Achilles’ heel. With a range of classic to custom, every corner can be transformed into a functional and accessible space. From pull-out shelves to lazy susans, many innovative solutions can maximize your storage capacity and make your kitchen more functional and enjoyable to use. To see how your chosen cabinets will work in your space, schedule, and meet with our designers for a Free Design.

There are several stages when renovating your kitchen, from the initial planning to hiring a contractor, choosing cabinets and finishes, demoing, and fitting in all the finishing details. We have put our years of experience together and created the ideal order of essential steps for a complete kitchen transformation. 

Our 7 Steps

Step 1: The Initial Planning 

Start by imagining your dream kitchen. Make a list of all your needs and wants including the size, layout, colors, and finishes. Include what issues you have in your current kitchen and how you would remodel it to fit your daily needs. 

Decide what is critical for your remodel and what could be added to a wish list instead. Look at our inspirations and collections for ideas at this link.

Once you have a list of all the necessary repairs and remodels, calculate a specific budget. Included is the cost of materials, contractor, and a contingency fund for unexpected costs. Budget overruns are common, so make sure you set aside enough in your contingency fund.  

Step 2: Hire a Contractor 

Interview a few contractors (we recommend three) and compare their bids. Make sure they have a good track record, ask for references, and ensure that is agreed on in writing. Some states don’t require licensing for contractors – if yours doesn’t, find out they have insurance. Remember: plumbing and electrical work are best left to the pros and licensed contractors. Don’t try to DIY the major elements of a renovation. 

Once you decide on a contractor who is trustworthy and reliable, you can start ordering cabinet samples and create your new kitchen design/layout.

Now is a good time to also start applying for building permits for structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical changes that will be made. This process can take weeks or even months, so it’s best to get this process started as soon as possible. 

Step 3: Choose and Order Your Products 

It’s important to note that appliances, and other products may take anywhere from 1-2 months to arrive. Therefore, it’s best to wait until everything arrives before starting your kitchen demolition so you are not without a kitchen for 2 months while you wait. 

Once you receive your cabinets, flooring, countertops, hardware, finishes, paint, and sinks, ensure that you inspect them for any damage and make sure they’re the correct size before storing them for the demo. This will help you avoid any unnecessary delays or complications during the renovation process. 

Step 4: Demo Prep – Clear Out Your Kitchen 

Once everything is set for your kitchen renovation, start clearing out your cabinets, drawers, and anything else that needs to be put away. Now is the time to purge anything that you no longer use and organize what you’d like to keep. 

After things are put away, set up a temporary kitchen space where you can meal prep and cook while the renovation is underway. If that will be too difficult for you, make sure to have extra cash set aside for eating out! 

Step 5: Rough-In Work 

After the demo, structural changes are made such as adding new walls and windows. The next step is to work on utility systems like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC before the installation of flooring and drywall. It’s important to upgrade old plumbing, and electrical systems and add new or updated HVAC systems during rough-in work that requires inspections after installation. After the inspection, the drywall is finished. 

Step 6: Finishing Details 

It’s a common dilemma whether to install the cabinets or flooring first when remodeling your kitchen. If you choose to install the cabinets first, you’ll end up using less flooring material and reduce the risk of damage. 

However, if you decide to install flooring first, it may take more time to complete the project. We recommend installing flooring first and covering it well to avoid damage while continuing with the rest of your renovation.  

You will need to assemble your RTA cabinets yourself or hire a contractor to assemble and install them. 

Once you’ve finished installing either the cabinets or flooring, the next steps include painting, installing appliances, adding hardware and fixtures, backsplash, and countertops. These finishing touches will bring your entire kitchen together. 

Step 7: Final Inspections 

Schedule a walk-through with your contractor after all remodeling is done and make a list of any remaining details that need to be fixed up. This “punch list” is the last remaining item before you move into your newly renovated space. Make sure everything meets your expectations and the kitchen design you had originally planned. After final inspections, get ready to unpack and enjoy your new and improved kitchen! 

Kitchen Remodeling Timeline 

One of the most asked questions we hear from customers is how long a kitchen remodel will take. Living through a construction zone is stressful and difficult, and we know you want to get it over with as quickly as possible. 

Here is a typical remodeling timeline: 

Planning Stage 

Planning your dream kitchen takes some careful thought. This could take 4-8 weeks, creating your needs and wants lists, gathering door sample and conceptualizing your ideal floor plan with our own line designer. 

Demo Stage 

Depending on how much of your existing footprint you are removing, this stage can take anywhere from 2-4 days to 2 weeks. This includes removing cabinets, counters, flooring, walls, and plumbing or electrical work. 

Rough-In/Finishing Details Stage 

Building out structural details and framing is included in the rough-in, which can take 1-6 weeks, depending on the amount of work. Adding in all the finishing details like the flooring, counters, etc. can take 2-3 months. Custom cabinetry and the size of the kitchen can affect this timeline. 

Inspection Stage 

Having an inspection once the rough-in stage is complete is important and shouldn’t be overlooked. This will only take a couple of days at most, and it ensures your renovation can continue as planned. 

What People Wish They Knew Before a Renovation.  

The average cost of your remodel largely depends on the size of your kitchen, the scope of the remodel, and the region where you live 

1. The importance of setting a budget and sticking to it 

2. Prioritize the cabinetry 

3. Function comes before anything else 

4. Have our Designer do your cabinet layout – it will save you money in the long run and prevent issues 

5. Have all materials on hand before starting the renovation 

6. Prepare where you will be living and/or cooking during the renovation 

There are several steps to a successful kitchen renovation. From planning and hiring a contractor to ordering products, demoing, rough-in work, inspections, and finishing details, it’s important to be knowledgeable and approach each step wisely to ensure a successful renovation. 

FAQS 

What is the order of work in a kitchen remodel? 

1. Plan- build a budget and research all materials needed for your reno. Make a list of all your wants and needs. 
2. Hire a contractor- make sure they are reliable, trustworthy, and have good references. 
3. Choose and order products 
4. Demo 
5. Rough-in work- structural changes and utility work 
6. Inspections 
7. Finishing details- cabinets, flooring, painting, hardware, backsplash, etc. 

What is a typical timeline for a kitchen remodel? 

This depends on the scope of your renovation and the size of your kitchen. The average renovation takes 6-12 weeks, with major renovations taking 3-6 months. 

Introduction

Cabinet installation is probably one of the most overlooked items when thinking about doing your new kitchen cabinets. We will discuss all the necessary items needed and procedures when installing your new kitchen.

Planning

Before you jump right into cabinet installation, start by looking over your space and determine where certain obstacles lie that will determine some locations of components of the kitchen without adding extra cost and labor to achieve your kitchen design. Accurate measurements are crucial for ensuring that everything fits properly.

First, you need to determine where your plumbing and electricals are in the kitchen. This will allow you to make sure your sink and appliances will fit where you would like them to be.

Second, all door and window openings need to be identified and measured to allow cabinets to fit properly.

Third, make sure your new layout will cover the existing floor so that no additional cost will be needed to either replace or repair floors where old cabinets were.

Tools

Make sure you have the necessary tools required for your cabinet installation, below is a list of tools that are required for installing cabinets:

• Tape Measure
• Level
• Drill
• Drill Bits
• Hammer
• Stud Finder

Here are some additional time saving tools that will help ease the installation:

• Table Saw
• Miter Saw
• Finish Nailer
• Laser Level
• Separate drill with screw tip

Materials

Here is a list of materials needed to complete your cabinet installation:

• Cabinets (base, wall, and tall)
• Screws
• Finish nails (either hand or for nail gun)
• Shims
• Fillers
• Trim

Cabinet Selection

Types of cabinets

There are a few different types of cabinets to choose from. Let’s go over them below.

First you must decide if you want framed cabinets or frameless cabinets:

• Framed cabinets have a solid wood face frame around the front of the cabinet that is usually 1 ½” tall x ¾” thick with ½” plywood sides, back, and bottom. This helps to make the cabinets a little stronger, and helps keeps things square and level. Framed cabinets are easier to install especially on older homes.
• Frameless (or full access) do not have a front frame and use ¾” plywood sides, back and bottom. This allows for a larger opening on cabinets and a little more interior depth in the cabinet. This is a much harder installation because everything needs to be perfectly square or your doors and drawers will not line up perfectly when complete. Please allow extra time when installing frameless cabinets.

RTA Cabinets (ready to assemble)

These are premanufactured (stock cabinets) that come flat packed (in a box) that need to be assembled on site. These are very well made and are an affordable option when someone wants to save some money. They come in set sizes so you can’t easily modify them. Usually they start at 9” wide and come in 3” increments after not usually going above 42” wide. The heights of the base cabinets are usually 34 ½” tall, the wall cabinets usually come in multiple heights starting at 12” high through 42” tall, and tall cabinets usually come in heights of 84”,90” and 96”.

RTA cabinets also only come in certain styles and colors, but usually they are the most popular styles and colors.

Semi-Custom Cabinets

They come in a wide variety of door styles and colors, and they usually have many more SKUs to choose from. You can also modify a cabinet more easily because these cabinets are made for your project. So, if you would like a base cabinet 14” wide, then you can order it that way, which will allow you to have more flexibility in designing your kitchen. This is the mid-tier when choosing cabinets for your kitchen.

Custom Cabinets

These are tailor made to fit your project, you can have any door style, color or option you would like. This is the most expensive way to do your kitchen.

STEPS

1. Measuring for Cabinets – If you would like to get a copy of our measurement guide, click here. Accurate measurements are the most crucial part of the process.
   • Take a piece a paper and sketch out your walls in your kitchen. Make sure you put in openings (doors and windows) that will be where you will be installing cabinets.
   • Measure any wall that you are going to have cabinets on and document on your drawings. Also make sure you note measurements where doors and windows are along with plumbing and electrical locations.
   • You can watch our video on how to measure a kitchen by clicking here.
2. Removing Your Old Cabinets
   • First make sure you shut off any power going to appliances or fixtures you might be removing.
   • Next, we highly recommend that you shut water off to your house while working in sink area.
   • Start removing appliances and setting them aside (if reusing) so they do not get damaged during installation of cabinets.
   • Take your countertops off and then start removing your cabinets one at a time until they all have been removed. Sometimes it is easier to remove all doors and drawers first to make the cabinets lighter and not have anything getting in your way.
3. Disposal – Contact your local Habitat for Humanity. Sometimes they will repurpose the cabinets for someone in need. You can also find someone you know that would want to use in a shop or their garage. If not, you will need to contact your local municipality to see the best way to dispose of them.
4. Prepare the Wall for Installation – Start by making sure surface area is clean and ready to accept cabinets. If there are any holes that will not be behind cabinets, it would be easier to repair now.
5. Leveling Cabinets – This is probably the most important part when it comes to installing cabinets. It is very important that you make cabinets level and plumb. Start by drawing a level line at 54” off the floor. That is where most upper cabinets are installed today. Here is a little nugget to help installing upper cabinets:
   • Install a board even with the line you drew which will allow you to support cabinet while you secure it to the wall.
   • Next use your stud finder and mark where the studs are on the wall. Then go and mark out your walls where the cabinets are going to be placed to make sure everything fits.
   • Always start from corners when marking out the cabinets. If everything looks like it will fit, then you can start installing your cabinets.
   • Start with your wall cabinets first, and make sure you have an additional person to help you because cabinets can be heavy and hard to move around by yourself. Hold up on level line you drew and secure to the studs you have marked out. Make sure you use shims to keep plumb off back of wall.
   • Next, predrill 2-3 holes in face frame so you can attach the face frames together with 2 ½” screws. Hold up the cabinet you drilled out, make sure face frames are lined up bottom and front to back and screw in the 2 ½” screws into the other cabinet. Then shim cabinet if needed and screw into studs.
   • Continue this until all the upper cabinets are installed.
   • On your base cabinets – using the level line you already drew, find your highest point on the floor. That is where you need to make sure that you level all your base cabinets to. So come off the high point and make a level line across at 34 ½” where base cabinets will be, that will be the top of all your base cabinets.
   • Start installing base cabinets just like the uppers making sure to use shims to level cabinets off the floor. Also make sure your openings for appliances align with the upper cabinets above.
6. Trim and Molding – After the cabinets are installed level, you will need to install all your trim and moldings to really dress up your cabinets. If your base cabinets do not sit on floor evenly, use a quarter round or shoe molding to hide the space that is left from leveling cabinets.
7. Touch Up – Go through the job using a touch up kit to fill and nail holes or minor scratches that happened during installation of the cabinets.

Adjustments

After you finish touching up you might need to go through and adjust door and drawer fronts. This is done by either using adjustment screws on hinges or moving hinges up or down to align doors. If drawer fronts are not even, you will either need to loosen drawer front and reset them or some drawer hardware allow you to adjust them from underneath.

Hardware

The last item for installing your kitchen cabinets is marking out your hardware (knobs and handles) where you want them. This is important to measure twice before you drill the holes, because it is very hard to fix if you drill incorrectly. Sometimes it is smart to either buy a jig or make one out of wood block. After you drill out all the hardware go ahead and install them.

You have now installed your kitchen completely, I hope this has helped you in starting your kitchen project with us, if you have any more questions please email us at info@frugalcabinetsonline.com.