4 Items Every Organized Kitchen Needs, According to NEAT Method Pros

If you get your kitchen organization inspo from Instagram, then you've probably seen some recurring themes. Matching clear containers, color coordination, customized storage systems—all of these elements can make for some aesthetically pleasing images. However, the organization ideas and items that look good in photos aren't always the same as the items that can actually hold up to your daily lifestyle and routines. So, we asked the experts at NEAT Method (who are helping us organize the 2024 Real Simple Home) to give us their honest advice on which organizational items are necessary—and which really aren't—to keep a kitchen tidy and functional.

Kitchen Organization Items You Need

Adjustable Cabinet Shelves

Wasting space is a big no-no in the world of organization, which is why Murphy and Hagmeyer think having adjustable shelves in your cabinets is a necessity. "In order to maximize storage in your cabinets, it’s important to be able to shift the height of each shelf and add shelves as needed," Murphy says. "This also allows you to accommodate taller items like vases and olive oil bottles."

Turntables

Have you ever had to empty out almost your entry pantry just to find something that was hiding in the back? Well, that's exactly the kind of problem that turntable organizers (also called lazy Susans) can solve. "We love turntables for optimal accessibility, especially in upper cabinets," Hagmeyer says. "Not only do they allow you to easily reach items at the back of the shelf, but they prevent those same items from getting lost."

Plus, these products aren't only useful in the kitchen. "We frequently use them to organize oils, condiments, vitamins, and more," Murphy adds.

Drawer Dividers

Without the right organizational tools, any drawer can quickly become a junk drawer. "Providing boundaries to separate categories is important in any space, but particularly in a drawer where items commonly shift," Hagmeyer says. Drawer dividers are incredibly useful tools for any drawer and all sorts of items, beyond just kitchen utensils. "Use [drawer dividers] to divide anything from long cooking and serving utensils to folded dish towels and pot holders," Hagmeyer adds.

Drawer Inserts

For a drawer where you need even more structure, Murphy and Hagmeyer recommend using inserts, particulary ones that can adjust and expand to fit your drawers perfectly. Just like drawer dividers, these can be used for lots of different items and purposes, from organizing your kitchen drawers to tidying up your home office supplies.

Kitchen Organization Items You Don't Need

Wire Shelves

"The main issue with wire shelving is that items don’t sit level and anything small or with feet can get stuck," Murphy says. "Additionally, wire shelves are typically fixed and cannot be adjusted, making it difficult to maximize space." Instead, opt for solid shelves that can be adjusted to fit your cabinets.

Knife Blocks

A knife block might look nice sitting on the counter—but it can take up valuable real estate. "Countertop clutter is a common issue in the kitchen and a knife block is just one more thing that contributes to that," Hagmeyer says. "If space allows, relocate knives to a drawer organizer in order to clear the visual clutter and support a calm space." Or, if you have wall space to spare, you can also opt for a magnetic knife strip near your food prep station.

Spice Carousels

We get it, a display of matching, neatly organized spices can be tempting, but in the end, they're not a very practical item. "These pre-filled carousels not only contribute to visual clutter when sitting out but they also prevent the ability for your collection to naturally grow or be customized," Hagmeyer says. "Bringing home any new spice jar instantly creates a storage issue. Steer clear [of spice carousels] and buy your own spices instead, decanting into matching jars if that’s your thing."

Too Many Custom Organizers

Custom organization can be a great thing in certain areas of the home (like your bedroom closet), but it doesn't always make sense in the kitchen. "Organization is not one and done," Murphy says. "As your needs change over time, so will your system. For this reason, we discourage expensive custom organizers throughout your kitchen. Opt for versatile products like spring form drawer dividers that can be shifted and repurposed."