19 Small Kitchen Organization on a Dime

If small kitchen organization feels impossible on a tight budget, start here, because every idea below costs a few dollars or nothing at all and uses tools you can find at a dollar store or already own. A small kitchen does not need a remodel, it needs a place for everything and a habit of putting things back.

1. Stackable Shelf Risers for Cabinets

Stackable Shelf Risers for Cabinets is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because they add a second level inside a cabinet without any drilling. Start by measuring the inside height of your cabinet, then choosing a riser that leaves room for tall items underneath, and finish by placing everyday dishes on top and heavier items below. Keep the riser near the front of the cabinet so you are not reaching past it daily. I tried this on a Saturday morning and it stuck, because I could see the result every time I opened the cupboard. One mistake to avoid is filling every container to the brim, because an overfull bin is just as hard to use as a messy shelf.

Cost: ~$6 | Time: 20 minutes

2. Tension Rod Under the Sink

Tension Rod Under the Sink is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because it turns wasted space around pipes into a hanging rail for spray bottles. Start by measuring the width under your sink, then fitting a tension rod across the space, and finish by hanging spray bottles by their triggers from the rod. Leave space around the pipes so you can still reach the shut-off valve quickly. I tried this after one too many mornings hunting for the right thing, and the difference the next week was obvious. One mistake to avoid is organizing around things you no longer use, because clearing first always saves more room than any container.

Cost: ~$3 | Time: 10 minutes

3. Magnetic Strip for Knives on the Wall

Magnetic Strip for Knives on the Wall is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because it frees a whole drawer and keeps blades visible and safe. Start by choosing a clear stretch of wall near your prep area, then fixing the strip firmly with screws or strong adhesive, and finish by placing knives spine-first along the strip. Keep the strip out of reach of small children and away from the stove heat. I tried this in my own home first, and my family noticed the change before I even mentioned it. One mistake to avoid is doing the whole room in one exhausting session, because a tired tidy rarely lasts past the weekend.

Cost: ~$8 | Time: 25 minutes

4. Clear Bins for Pantry Shelves

Clear Bins for Pantry Shelves is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because they stop small packets from sliding to the back of deep shelves. Start by emptying one shelf at a time, then grouping similar packets together, and finish by sliding a clear bin in for each group. Pull the whole bin out like a drawer instead of digging through the shelf. I tried this with supplies I already had, and it worked well enough that I never bothered buying a fancier version. One mistake to avoid is filling every container to the brim, because an overfull bin is just as hard to use as a messy shelf.

Cost: ~$10 | Time: 30 minutes

5. Hooks Inside Cabinet Doors for Measuring Cups

Hooks Inside Cabinet Doors for Measuring Cups is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because they use dead space and end a drawer full of tangled cups. Start by sticking two small hooks inside a cabinet door, then hanging cups by size from largest to smallest, and finish by keeping the matching spoons on a ring beside them. Test the door closes fully before you load every hook, since thick cups can catch. I tried this while tidying one small area at a time, and finishing that one spot kept me going through the rest. One mistake to avoid is organizing around things you no longer use, because clearing first always saves more room than any container.

Cost: ~$2 | Time: 15 minutes

6. Lazy Susan Turntable in a Corner Cabinet

Lazy Susan Turntable in a Corner Cabinet is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because it brings the back of a corner cabinet to you with one spin. Start by clearing the corner cabinet completely, then placing a turntable that fits with room to spin, and finish by grouping oils on one side and sauces on the other. Do not overload the turntable, since a heavy spin knocks tall bottles over. I tried this after a friend showed me her version, and I have kept it in place ever since because it is so easy to maintain. One mistake to avoid is doing the whole room in one exhausting session, because a tired tidy rarely lasts past the weekend.

Cost: ~$7 | Time: 20 minutes

(see also: 19-small-closet-organization-on-a-dime)

7. Over-Sink Dish Rack That Frees Counter Space

Over-Sink Dish Rack That Frees Counter Space is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because it lets dishes drip straight into the sink instead of onto a towel. Start by measuring your sink width before buying, then setting the rack across the sink, and finish by placing plates upright so water drains fast. Rinse the rack weekly so it never starts smelling damp. I tried this on a Saturday morning and it stuck, because I could see the result every time I opened the cupboard. One mistake to avoid is filling every container to the brim, because an overfull bin is just as hard to use as a messy shelf.

Cost: ~$15 | Time: 10 minutes

8. Drawer Dividers from Dollar Store Trays

Drawer Dividers from Dollar Store Trays is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because they stop cutlery and gadgets from sliding into one pile. Start by emptying the drawer and wiping it out, then laying small trays inside as dividers, and finish by assigning each tray a single category. Leave one tray empty for now, since a drawer with no spare slot fills up fast. I tried this after one too many mornings hunting for the right thing, and the difference the next week was obvious. One mistake to avoid is organizing around things you no longer use, because clearing first always saves more room than any container.

Cost: ~$5 | Time: 20 minutes

9. Labelled Jars for Dry Goods

Labelled Jars for Dry Goods is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because they show at a glance what is running low and keep food fresh. Start by washing and drying your jars fully, then decanting flour, rice and pasta into matching jars, and finish by labelling each jar with its name and date. Store the jars where you cook, not far away from the stove. I tried this in my own home first, and my family noticed the change before I even mentioned it. One mistake to avoid is doing the whole room in one exhausting session, because a tired tidy rarely lasts past the weekend.

Cost: ~$12 | Time: 35 minutes

10. Rolling Cart in a Narrow Gap

Rolling Cart in a Narrow Gap is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because it turns a gap beside the fridge into useful storage that rolls out. Start by measuring the gap carefully, including skirting boards, then choosing a cart a centimetre narrower than the gap, and finish by loading heavy items low so it rolls smoothly. Keep the cart top clear, since a cluttered cart top becomes another counter pile. I tried this with supplies I already had, and it worked well enough that I never bothered buying a fancier version. One mistake to avoid is filling every container to the brim, because an overfull bin is just as hard to use as a messy shelf.

Cost: ~$18 | Time: 15 minutes

11. Command Hooks for Mugs Under Cabinets

Command Hooks for Mugs Under Cabinets is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because they hang mugs under a cabinet and free shelf space for plates. Start by cleaning the underside of the cabinet first, then spacing hooks so mugs do not knock together, and finish by hanging your most-used mugs at the front. Press each hook firmly for a full minute, since a rushed stick fails within days. I tried this while tidying one small area at a time, and finishing that one spot kept me going through the rest. One mistake to avoid is organizing around things you no longer use, because clearing first always saves more room than any container.

Cost: ~$4 | Time: 15 minutes

12. Cutting Board Rack on a Cabinet Door

Cutting Board Rack on a Cabinet Door is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because it keeps boards upright and stops them warping in a pile. Start by fitting a narrow rack inside a cabinet door, then sliding boards in largest at the back, and finish by keeping the board you use daily at the front. Dry boards fully before storing them, since damp boards warp and smell. I tried this after a friend showed me her version, and I have kept it in place ever since because it is so easy to maintain. One mistake to avoid is doing the whole room in one exhausting session, because a tired tidy rarely lasts past the weekend.

Cost: ~$6 | Time: 15 minutes

(see also: 25-small-kitchen-organization-on-a-budget)

13. Tiered Can Organizer for the Pantry

Tiered Can Organizer for the Pantry is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because it steps cans up like stadium seats so every label is readable. Start by clearing the can shelf completely, then placing the tiered rack at the back of the shelf, and finish by sorting cans by type, soups together and vegetables together. Put new cans at the back so older ones always get used first. I tried this on a Saturday morning and it stuck, because I could see the result every time I opened the cupboard. One mistake to avoid is filling every container to the brim, because an overfull bin is just as hard to use as a messy shelf.

Cost: ~$9 | Time: 20 minutes

14. Basket on Top of the Fridge

Basket on Top of the Fridge is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because it gives bulky, rarely used items a home instead of the counter. Start by wiping the top of the fridge first, then placing one sturdy basket up there, and finish by storing baking trays or picnic items inside it. Keep only light items up high, since heavy baskets are awkward to lift down. I tried this after one too many mornings hunting for the right thing, and the difference the next week was obvious. One mistake to avoid is organizing around things you no longer use, because clearing first always saves more room than any container.

Cost: ~$5 | Time: 10 minutes

15. Sponge Holder That Keeps the Sink Clear

Sponge Holder That Keeps the Sink Clear is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because it gives the sponge a draining home instead of the sink edge. Start by choosing a holder that suctions to the sink wall, then pressing it on a clean, dry surface, and finish by popping the sponge in after every use. Wring the sponge well each time, since a holder cannot drain a soaking sponge. I tried this in my own home first, and my family noticed the change before I even mentioned it. One mistake to avoid is doing the whole room in one exhausting session, because a tired tidy rarely lasts past the weekend.

Cost: ~$3 | Time: 5 minutes

16. Small Bins for Junk Drawer Zones

Small Bins for Junk Drawer Zones is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because they split one chaotic drawer into zones you can actually find things in. Start by tipping the whole drawer out and sorting ruthlessly, then placing one small bin per zone, and finish by returning only items that belong in that zone. Keep a tiny bin for batteries and tape, since those two things cause most drawer chaos. I tried this with supplies I already had, and it worked well enough that I never bothered buying a fancier version. One mistake to avoid is filling every container to the brim, because an overfull bin is just as hard to use as a messy shelf.

Cost: ~$6 | Time: 25 minutes

17. Pegboard Panel for Kitchen Tools

Pegboard Panel for Kitchen Tools is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because it hangs tools on the wall and frees both drawer and counter. Start by cutting a pegboard panel to fit a free wall area, then fixing it firmly to the wall, and finish by hanging tools by how often you reach for them. Outline each tool in pencil behind its hook, since empty outlines show what is missing. I tried this while tidying one small area at a time, and finishing that one spot kept me going through the rest. One mistake to avoid is organizing around things you no longer use, because clearing first always saves more room than any container.

Cost: ~$11 | Time: 40 minutes

18. Fridge Bin for Snacks and Condiments

Fridge Bin for Snacks and Condiments is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because it stops small jars and snack packs from getting lost at the back. Start by choosing a clear bin that fits your fridge shelf, then grouping snacks in one bin and condiments in another, and finish by labelling each bin so everyone puts things back. Keep the snack bin at eye level for kids, since a bin they cannot see never gets used. I tried this after a friend showed me her version, and I have kept it in place ever since because it is so easy to maintain. One mistake to avoid is doing the whole room in one exhausting session, because a tired tidy rarely lasts past the weekend.

Cost: ~$8 | Time: 15 minutes

19. Weekly Kitchen Reset in Ten Minutes

Weekly Kitchen Reset in Ten Minutes is one of those small changes that pays off every single day, because it keeps every other idea on this list working instead of sliding back. Start by setting a timer for ten minutes, then returning stray items to their labelled homes, and finish by wiping one shelf or drawer front as you go. Pair the reset with taking the bins out, since two small habits stick better than one big clean. I tried this on a Saturday morning and it stuck, because I could see the result every time I opened the cupboard. One mistake to avoid is filling every container to the brim, because an overfull bin is just as hard to use as a messy shelf.

Cost: ~$0 | Time: 10 minutes

Budget at a Glance

The cheapest wins on this list are the tension rod, the sponge holder and the weekly reset, all under three dollars or free. Start with those three, then add the shelf risers and clear bins once you can see which shelves actually need them.

Save this idea for your next tidy-up weekend if a calmer, easier room is on your list, and pin the one change you will try first.

See also: more budget organization ideas and small-space storage ideas.

Start with the cheapest change on this list, live with it for a week, and only then buy the next organizer. Small, steady fixes beat a big shopping trip every time, and your room will stay easier to keep tidy because the system finally fits how you actually live in it.