Do you ever feel like your kitchen is just too small to stay organised, no matter what you try?
We’ve spoken with many of our customers across Australia, and one thing stands out: smaller kitchens can feel overwhelming when cupboards are packed and benches are covered. But we’ve also seen first-hand that with the right ideas, even a compact kitchen can feel open and functional. Here are ten simple, practical tips that actually work in real Australian homes.
Make the most of your fridge
The fridge can quickly become a mess if everything is piled together. What we’ve found is that grouping food in clear containers makes it easier to see what you already have. That way, you avoid doubling up and reduce food waste. Adding stackable containers also creates more shelf space and keeps things neat. If you’d like more inspiration, here’s an article we wrote about organising your fridge that goes into more detail.
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Keep things where you use them
One of the simplest ways to keep your kitchen flowing is to store items right where you need them most. For example:
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Place cooking utensils near the stove
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Keep mugs close to the kettle
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Store dishwasher-safe plates and bowls right by the dishwasher
We’ve found this small change saves time every day and makes the whole space feel easier to use.
Invest in pantry containers
Homes that use pantry containers and canisters often feel calmer and more organised. Clear containers keep dry goods fresher for longer, and labels help you quickly find what you need. It also makes meal planning and grocery shopping far easier because you can see what’s running low at a glance.
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Use your walls and vertical space
When cupboards are shallow or bench space is limited, walls can make a big difference. We’ve seen families free up entire drawers just by hanging utensils or pans on a wall rail. You can also:
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Add small shelving units above benches
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Use hooks inside cupboard doors
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Stack vertically with shelf inserts
These are simple changes, but they open up valuable bench and cupboard space in an instant.
Re-think your under sink area
The cupboard under the sink doesn’t need to be a black hole. Using pull-out drawers or stackable baskets can turn it into a practical space. We shared some ideas in this article on under sink storage, and while it’s written for bathrooms, the same approach works perfectly in kitchens too.
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Store items by frequency of use
Another trick that always works is arranging items based on how often you use them:
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Everyday dishes and glasses should be easy to reach
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Rarely used baking trays and specialty tools can sit higher or further back
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Small appliances used weekly can stay on the bench, while once-a-month items are stored away
This saves you from having to shuffle items around every single day just to get what you need.
Think about your bins
Bins are essential, but they don’t have to dominate your kitchen. We often recommend slim bins or pull-out bins that tuck away neatly under the bench. They free up floor space, keep the area looking cleaner, and still handle the demands of a busy household.
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Reuse containers you already have
We’ve seen plenty of households save money by reusing sturdy jars from peanut butter, coffee, or mayonnaise. These wide-mouthed jars are great for storing dry goods like flour, sugar, or rice. It’s a sustainable approach that keeps your kitchen tidy without buying everything new. If sustainability is a priority for you, here’s another article that discusses reducing food waste in Australian kitchens.
Use smart organisers
Simple tools like plate organisers, spice racks, or utensil canisters can instantly bring order to your cupboards and benches. Storing baking trays upright in a rack instead of stacking them flat, for example, makes them easier to grab without a struggle. You’ll find plenty of helpful products in our kitchen storage solutions collection.
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Rotate what you keep in your kitchen
Not everything needs to live in your kitchen full-time. Moving infrequently used appliances or seasonal cookware into another part of the home frees up valuable space. You can always bring them back in as you need them. For more household tips beyond the kitchen, our home organisation services can help design systems that suit the way you actually live.
Ask us for advice
Every kitchen is different, and we’ve seen first-hand how small changes can make a big difference. Whether it’s choosing the right spice rack or planning a full pantry fit-out, we’re here to help. You can always get in touch with us if you’d like tailored advice for your own space.
