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Do you ever feel like your kitchen cabinets go from color-coded to chaos in about a week flat? A thorough and proper purge and organizing session helps keep clutter and messes at bay. We spoke with Ashley Hines, a professional organizer and owner of Thee Tailored Life, about some step-by-step strategies for how to organize kitchen cabinets so they stay tidy for as long as possible.

Start with a clean slate

If you’re wondering if you have to pull everything out of your cabinets, the answer is yes. It may sound like a lot of work, but we promise, it’s worth it in the end.

Declutter

Now that you’ve removed everything from your cabinets, it’s the perfect time to take inventory. (Do you really need three rolling pins or that chipped platter you haven’t used in years?) While every cabinet and home is different, here are some things to keep in mind as you declutter.

Plan the layout

Again, every kitchen layout is different. Think about your needs first and then decide where to put things.

Add organizers

Figure out what you need to store first, then shop for containers. Here are some incredible cabinet organizers:

To label or not to label...

It depends on the space and the client. “I traditionally label a lot in the pantry or cabinets that serve as a pantry, and whenever I’m putting items in a bin or basket in kitchens,” says Hines.

Keep kitchen cabinets organized

It’s all about regular maintenance. Take the time to wipe down bottles before you put them back in the cabinet. Recycle food containers when they’re empty. Make sure you wipe down the shelves as needed and go through old items when you put new items in after grocery shopping.

(Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at www.realsimple.com.)

©2025 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.