Deep Cabinet Organizing Tips - Maximize Every Inch of Wasted Space
If your kitchen cabinets extend to the ceiling or you have especially deep base cabinets, it can be a struggle to efficiently use all that storage space. The back corners and bottom shelves of deep cabinets often end up holding an odd assortment of seldom-used items while everyday cooking essentials get stuck in a jumbled mess in more accessible areas.
With some clever organizing solutions, you can transform those deep, dark cabinet spaces into ultra-functional storage that neatly houses everything you need on a regular basis. Taking full advantage of your deep cabinets' potential will make your kitchen more efficient and enjoyable to work in.
Assess Your Deep Cabinet Storage Needs
Before shopping for organizers, take a good look at your deep cabinet interiors to identify problem spots and analyze your storage needs.
Take Note of Problem Areas
Check all your lower and upper cabinets, including lazy susans and corner cabinets, for unused space. See if there are gaps behind shelves or drawers that could be better utilized. Pay attention to spots that are awkward to reach or see into that allow items to get buried and forgotten.
Consider What You Need to Store
Make a list of everything you currently stash in your deep cabinets. This might include pots, pans, and bakeware; small kitchen appliances like stand mixers; boxed and canned foods; extra dishes and serving pieces; spices and condiments; and more. Knowing what you need room for will help determine the best organizing solutions.
Solutions for Organizing Lower Cabinets
Base cabinets offer plenty of storage space, but their depth makes it hard to easily access items in the back. Luckily, there are handy organizers made specifically for deep lower cabinets.
Pull-Out Shelves
Installing pull-out shelves is one of the most effective ways to optimize deep under-cabinet space. Drawer-style pull-out shelves roll out so everything is within easy reach. Look for full-extension models that pull all the way out for complete access. Pros are increased visibility and ergonomics. Cons are the cost and installation work involved. You can buy ready-made cabinet pull outs or DIY your own using slides and shelves.
Lazy Susans
Lazy susans maximize corner cabinet storage by making itemsSpinning, turntable-style lazy susans make items in the back of corner cabinets accessible. You can find models designed for lower cabinets or buy a sturdy plastic version made for upper cabinets and modify to fit. Position a lazy susan on the bottom shelf of a base corner cabinet to hold food boxes and cans.
Pan Organizers
Vertical pan organizers mount inside cabinets to store pans, lids, and baking sheets upright and elevated for easy access. Mounting them on the cabinet floor provides visibility and frees up shelf space. Select the size and configuration that fits your cookware. Custom DIY a rack using dowels and shelf pins if needed.
Solutions for Organizing Upper Cabinets
The high ceilings of wall cabinets present prime real estate for building up your storage. Take advantage of their height with these organization solutions to effectively use all the available space.
Tiered Shelving
Stacking two or three shelves vertically is an easy way to double or triple your usable cabinet space. Opt for shelving material likewire or wood that allows visibility of items in the back. Install shelves using standards and brackets or DIY a system using dowels, boards, and cup hooks. Use tiered shelves for dishes, small appliances, or pantry items.
Cabinet Dividers
Dividers customize cabinet interiors by segmenting the space into smaller compartments for organized storage. Consider fixed wooden dividers, adjustable metal inserts, or wire bins that attach to cabinet walls. Use dividers to neatly corral spices, foods, Tupperwares, cooking utensils, and more. Position them to maximize your cabinet layout.
Over Cabinet Storage
Take advantage of the often wasted space above cabinets with extra shelving and storage. Install shallow premade wall-mounted cabinets or wire racks to hold items like small appliances, cookbooks, or barware. For safety, securely attach any overhead storage and don't overload it with heavy items.
Solutions for Organizing Awkward Spaces
Deep cabinets often have challenging voids, gaps, and corners where space gets lost. Don't let these tricky spots go to waste - there are creative ways to tame unruly cabinet spaces.
Blind Corner Cabinets
The space in blind corner cabinets with an angled false wall is tough to access. Use pull-out shelves installed vertically to provide easy access to the blind spot. Swivel shelving creates usable tiers that spin out. You can also install a lazy susan in the void to take advantage of the full space.
Underused Drawers
Deep drawers with short ceilings leave a lot of vertical space unused. Maximize these narrow drawers by installing dividersthat segment the space or custom inserts sized to fit smaller items like utensils and spices. You can also stack trays or baskets to double the storage capacity.
Don't let the back corners of your kitchen cabinets become a black hole for random items. With smart organizational systems like pull-out shelves, lazy susans, vertical storage, and cabinet dividers, you can conquer clutter and maximize every inch of your deep cabinet space. An organized kitchen with a place for everything will make cooking easier and more efficient.