8 Ways to Organize Your Kitchen That Won’t Break the Bank

Toss Your Totes

"When it comes to your reusable grocery bags, stop collecting," says interior and visual designer Briann Porpora. "Keep three or four chic totes in your car or strategically placed in your coat closet,."

See if you can donate extras back to the grocery store. Some thrift stores will also take them as donations, repurposing them as customer shopping bags.

Go for Neutrals

If you're starting from the bottom (or planning to acquire new dishware soon), neutrals are the way to go. Having dishware and other items that match will create a cohesive look, even when things get a bit chaotic. “You can never go wrong with white when it comes to dishware,” Porpora says. 

You can filter in pops of color here and there where you see fit, but having that clean base can keep your kitchen looking more streamlined. And neutrals are far from boring: Layering tonal neutrals, textured patterns, and handcrafted pieces can make things feel more unique and personable.

Limit Your Drinkware

It’s oddly easy to amass cups and mugs—but how many do you actually need? “Keep your glassware and water bottles to a minimum,” Porpora advises. “Have a weekly set of water glasses, wine glasses, mugs, and water bottles and store any extras.”

Unload any mugs that aren't meaningful or aesthetically unaligned, and throw out—or get crafty with—chipped glassware.

Decant Ingredients

Visually streamline and create more space by decanting ingredients. Jars and containers can be found in thrift stores, and it's an aesthetically pleasing way to save room in cabinets and on countertops.

Curate Your Snacks

If you have to leave nonperishables on the counter, keep them curated. "Create a go-to snack tray," Porpora suggests. "Throw away the cardboard containers and use a large platter, basket, or tray to make it aesthetically pleasing." Fruit bowls can be decorative and make fruit look like an art piece—and you likely already have a suitable one hiding in a cabinet.

The 6-Month Rule

Declutter your kitchen using the six-month rule, suggests Porpora. "Ask yourself, 'Have I used this mixer, blender, rice cooker, or teapot in the past six to 12 months?'  If the answer is no, let it go and free up the space in your cabinets," she says.

Search online for local buy nothing groups that can help you re-home used appliances or borrow a specific tool for one-off use.

Organize Utensils

Your utensil drawer can get out of hand fast. "Make sure your utensils are separated properly," Porpora says. Once a month, remove everything from your utensil drawer and sort the forks, spoons, knives, chopsticks, and various cutlery appropriately. Clean the interior of the drawer thoroughly before returning the utensils.

If you don’t have a utensil organizer or drawer divider and can't find one at a thrift shop or discount store, you can craft your own using some foam board and a utility or crafting knife.

Take Inventory

Knowing what you already have can help prevent over-purchase and food waste. It is also key to maintaining an orderly kitchen that isn't overflowing with unused items.

If you share your kitchen, create a digital grocery list that's updated frequently with your inventory so not everyone is grabbing a new carton of oat milk on the way home.  “Always do an inventory before food shopping. You will save money and be more organized with the items you bring into your kitchen,” says Porpora.