Six Kitchen Organizing Mistakes and Easy Ways to Fix Them - Part 1
The kitchen is one of the most habit-driven spaces in the home. Once items are unpacked and put away, most people rarely revisit those decisions. Silverware stays where it landed on move-in day. Spices get shoved into the same cabinet year after year. Storage choices become automatic.
But it is often the smallest changes that make the biggest difference. Addressing common kitchen organizing mistakes does not require a full remodel or expensive systems. A few thoughtful adjustments can make your kitchen easier to use, safer, and far less frustrating.
Below are six kitchen organizing mistakes we see often, along with simple ways to fix them.
Mistake 1: You cannot find spices when you need them
Spices are frequently stored in deep cabinets where labels face outward, forcing you to shuffle bottles just to find what you need. Over time, expired spices pile up and clutter builds.
Easy Fix:
Skip the cabinet altogether and store spices upright in a drawer. Label the tops of the lids so you can see everything at a glance. This allows you to scan quickly and grab what you need without disturbing the rest.
As an added step, date the bottom of each jar. Check dates every few uses and replace spices after about a year for optimal flavor. This system improves visibility, reduces waste, and keeps cooking efficient.
Mistake 2: Rimmed baking sheets are stored with rarely used bakeware
Rimmed baking sheets are some of the most frequently used items in the kitchen, yet they are often buried among cake pans, muffin tins, and specialty bakeware that see far less action.
Easy Fix:
Give rimmed baking sheets their own dedicated space. Store them stacked vertically or horizontally in a cabinet or drawer near the stove. If possible, use a cabinet with built-in slots or dividers to keep them upright and easy to access.
This small change reduces friction during meal prep and eliminates the clutter created by oversized and mismatched bakeware.
Mistake 3: You believe you need a fancy system to get organized
Many people delay kitchen organization because they think they need custom inserts or expensive containers. In reality, most homes already contain items that can be repurposed.
Easy Fix:
Use everyday items to create structure. File separators or thin metal bookends work well for organizing pans and cutting boards. Paper plates, coffee filters, or paper towels placed between pans prevent scratching and reduce noise.
Organization works best when it is simple and flexible. Start with what you already have before investing in anything new.
Mistake 4: Oils and vinegars drip and create sticky shelves
Oil bottles are notorious for leaking, leaving cabinets greasy and unpleasant to clean. Over time, this creates buildup that spreads to surrounding items.
Easy Fix:
Place a shallow plastic tray, plate, or cutting board under oil and vinegar bottles. When it becomes dirty, run it through the dishwasher. This protects shelves and simplifies cleanup.
Be sure to store oils away from heat sources like stoves or the top of the refrigerator. Excess warmth can cause oils to turn rancid more quickly.
Mistake 5: A favorite shelf becomes overloaded
Frequently used shelves often become dumping grounds for too many items. This not only looks messy but can become unsafe as items shift or fall.
Easy Fix:
Group frequently used items on a tray. Trays create visual boundaries and make it easy to move items together as a unit. They also prevent overcrowding and allow shelves to stay organized without constant rearranging.
Choose a tray that fits your aesthetic so it looks intentional rather than utilitarian. A tray that works on the counter, shelf, or table adds flexibility without clutter.
Mistake 6: Cabinet doors are overlooked as storage space
Cabinet doors are often ignored, yet they offer valuable vertical storage that can free up drawers and shelves.
Easy Fix:
Install hooks on the inside of cabinet doors. Command Hooks by 3M work well for oven mitts, towels, measuring spoons, small cutting boards, and appliance attachments.
This reclaims unused space and keeps frequently used items accessible without crowding drawers.
Why these kitchen organizing fixes work
These kitchen organizing mistakes are common because kitchens evolve over time. As habits change, storage often does not keep up. Addressing these issues removes daily friction and allows your kitchen to support how you actually cook and live.
Small fixes compound. When your kitchen works better, cooking feels less stressful and cleanup becomes easier.
If you want help tackling kitchen organization one step at a time, Declutter Deck® breaks the process into manageable prompts. Many of the cards focus on kitchen areas that are often overlooked, making it easier to maintain progress without burnout.
The Uncluttered Life, Inc.
Look to The Uncluttered Life, Inc. for more ideas to make home organization easier. The Uncluttered Life is a home organization company located in the DFW Metroplex and online. We offer a great item called Declutter Deck®. Declutter Decks® helps you easily get your entire home organized in bite sized pieces. The deck of 52 cards focuses a lot of time on decluttering the kitchen area of your home. These decks are sold on this website for $19.95 per pack of Hack Deck® cards.