3 Common Kitchen Storage Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Ever find yourself moving five things just to grab one spoon? Or opening a cabinet only for a stack of lids to come crashing down like a mini avalanche? You’re not alone.

Most kitchens aren’t lacking space—they’re just not using it the right way. After dealing with my own chaotic cabinets and overflowing drawers, I realized that a few small tweaks (and the right tools) can totally transform how your kitchen works for you. Let’s fix the 3 most common storage mistakes together.

1. Wasting Vertical Space in Cabinets

Most kitchen cabinets have a lot of unused airspace. You end up stacking dishes, bowls, or pantry items on top of each other, which leads to messes and wasted time.

Fix it: Add shelf risers or stackable organizers to double your storage space vertically.

What worked for me:

SimpleHouseware Kitchen Cabinet Pantry Organizer Rack 2 Pack

This rack basically gave me an extra shelf inside my cabinet. I now store my larger dinner plates underneath and smaller side plates on top. It made everything more accessible and less cluttered in seconds.

2. Letting Lids Take Over Your Drawers

Lids can be one of the most frustrating things to store. They slide around, take up awkward space, and never stay neatly stacked.

Fix it: Store lids vertically or create a designated lid zone using an adjustable rack.

Try this:

YouCopia StoreMore Adjustable Lid Organizer

This organizer fits different lid sizes and keeps everything upright and tidy. I keep mine in a lower cabinet, and I haven’t had a lid fall out at me in months.

3. The “Everything” Drawer is Out of Control

You know the drawer—the one filled with scissors, twist ties, takeout menus, rubber bands, and maybe a potato peeler buried somewhere in there.

Fix it: Use adjustable trays to divide your drawer into zones so everything has a place.

What helped me most:

mDesign Expandable Kitchen Drawer Organizer Tray

It expands to fit different drawer widths and has deep compartments that actually stay put. I use one for cooking tools and another for small baking accessories, and my drawers finally feel organized—not just crammed.

Final Thoughts

These simple fixes made a huge difference in my kitchen—and none of them took more than 10 minutes to set up. Whether you’re cooking dinner or just making a quick snack, having an organized space makes everything feel easier.

Try one, try all three. Your kitchen (and your sanity) will thank you.