To keep a kitchen neat, it’s important to make putting something away as easy as leaving it out on the counter. Follow these steps to an organized, efficient kitchen: 

Before you plan for storage, decide what you really need to store. Sort through everything in your kitchen, and get rid of what you never use or don’t like. If you find something you didn’t even realize was missing, chances are you won’t use it again. Donate anything in good condition or have a garage sale. Look out for duplicates; some are worth keeping, others just clutter the cabinets.

Once you’ve pared down to what you really want and need, make a detailed list of what you must store in the kitchen. Then designate specific places for everything. You’ll be more likely to put things back where they belong and less likely to unknowingly duplicate items if you know exactly where things go.

Whenever possible, store items right where they are used. For example, store your mixer in an appliance garage in the baking center, where you can keep it plugged in and ready to use. Store your scrub brush and dish detergent as close as possible to the sink.

Assign items to spaces based on frequency of use. When you have to open a door, stoop down, and reach to the back of a base cabinet to get something you use every day, chances are you won’t take the time to put it away. Store the items you use frequently in the most convenient locations.

Don’t forget the trash. You will need to store garbage and recyclables in your kitchen for short periods. Locate a recycling center close to the cleanup center and an exterior door, if possible, to make cleanup easy and for quick totes outside.
 
Know your visual preferences. If you like things within view, plan for open storage. Install standard base cabinets, but opt for open shelves rather than wall cabinets. Hang pots from hooks on ceiling-mount racks. If you prefer a behind-closed-doors approach to storage, install pullout racks, drawers, and tambour doors.

Commit to a clutter-free kitchen. Don’t fill every single spot; keep a few drawers open for new items. If storage space is limited, follow this rule: For every new thing that comes in, one old thing goes out.