If you’ve ever felt flustered while cooking — opening every drawer to find a spatula, digging through cluttered cupboards for spices — chances are your kitchen layout could use a little love. A well-organised kitchen doesn’t just look better; it saves time, reduces stress, and makes cooking genuinely more enjoyable. You don’t need a fancy renovation — just a few small changes can make a big difference in how your space works for you.

Keep What You Use Most Within Reach

Start by identifying the tools and ingredients you reach for every day. This might be your cutting board, olive oil, knife, salt, and frying pan. These essentials should live in the most accessible spots — near your prep space, your stove, or even out on the counter if you use them constantly.

The less you have to hunt for things, the smoother your workflow becomes. It’s a small change that quickly becomes a habit — and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

Group Similar Items Together

Treat your kitchen like a mini workstation. Keep baking supplies in one drawer, store coffee gear in one cupboard, and gather all your cutting tools together. This zoning system saves you from bouncing all over the kitchen and helps other people (like partners or housemates) know where things belong.

You can take this further by storing ingredients by type too — spices in one basket, oils and vinegars in another, and canned goods in a third. Use trays or containers to avoid cluttered shelves and keep everything visible.

Declutter Regularly

It’s easy to collect duplicates or gadgets you rarely use. That spiraliser you bought in 2019? If it’s taking up space but never sees daylight, it might be time to let it go. A more minimal kitchen makes it easier to see what you have, use it, and keep things clean.

Start with one drawer or shelf at a time. Ask yourself: do I use this often? Is it in good condition? Would I buy it again? If the answer’s no, you probably don’t need it.

Optimise Your Prep Space

Your chopping board should have a clear, dedicated space — ideally close to the bin, the sink, and your stovetop. If you’re always sliding ingredients around to make room, you’ll work slower and feel more scattered.

Try keeping your bench space clear by using vertical storage — a hanging utensil rack, magnetic knife strip, or wall-mounted shelves can free up valuable workspace while keeping things handy.

Label, Stack, and Store Smart

If you’re dealing with a small pantry or limited drawer space, labels and containers are your best friends. Labelled jars and boxes help you spot ingredients instantly, and clear containers let you see when you’re running low.

Stackable storage also maximises vertical space, especially in deep drawers or corner cupboards. And don’t forget your fridge — a few baskets or bins can stop it from turning into a food graveyard.