Lately I’ve been in full refresh mode around the house, and the kitchen was high on my list. Not just the pantry, but the cabinets and that one drawer we all have—you know the one. Random chargers, takeout menus, half-used batteries, maybe a screwdriver or two. It was all starting to feel like too much. I’d open a cabinet and instantly feel overwhelmed. Snacks were shoved wherever they’d fit, things weren’t staying in their place, and I could never find what I actually needed.
I finally gave myself a day to slow down and get it all back in order. I sorted through every shelf, every drawer, and found a few organizers that actually made everything easier to keep up with. The pantry feels calmer now, the cabinets are way more functional, and even the everything drawer is kind of satisfying to open.
If you’re in that same “okay, it’s time” mindset, I’m sharing what I used and what worked best for each space below.
Bringing Order Back to the Pantry
cereal dispensers | bamboo racks | rice dispenser | buckets | can holder | glass storage containers | turnable organizer | dry food containers
I swapped out a lot of our packaging for clear containers and it’s been a game changer. Pastas, beans, oats—everything’s easy to see, grab, and refill. I mixed in bamboo lids and simple labels to keep it looking minimal but still warm. It instantly made the whole space feel lighter and less chaotic.
The cereal dispensers are one of my favorite updates. So easy for the kids in the morning and honestly just fun to use. I also added a rice dispenser that makes scooping super easy—no more big bags tipping over or spilling everywhere. It’s one of those things you don’t think you need until you have it.
Cans used to take over every shelf, so I finally brought in a few bamboo tiered racks to keep them neat. I also added deep wood bins for snacks, coffee pods, and random kid stuff. Everything has a home now, and it’s made grocery restocks so much easier.
Simple Swaps That Made My Cabinets Feel Brand New
This cabinet might be one of my favorite changes in the kitchen. I cleared out the random packaging and replaced everything with these clear glass jars and oil dispensers, and the whole space instantly felt more calm and organized. The jars are airtight and hold more than they look like they would. I’ve been using them for oats, rice, sugar, breadcrumbs, and other everyday basics.
When the pantry starts getting too full, I’ve started storing the overflow of dry goods in these jars too—things like pasta, oatmeal, and popcorn. It keeps everything within reach without making the pantry feel crowded.
I also added a set of oil dispensers to keep olive oil, avocado oil, vinegar, and a few other favorites in one spot. Having them lined up, labeled, and ready to go has made cooking feel less like a chore and more like a moment I actually enjoy. Small upgrades like this really do make a difference in how the space works day to day.
Tackled the Junk Drawer
battery dividers | batteries | pencils | pens | dividers | hand sanitizer | mini clips | rubber bands | large clips | scissors
This drawer has been on my to-do list for way too long. I finally got around to organizing it with a few clear bins and a battery tray, and now everything has its place. Batteries, rubber bands, scissors, pens—all the little things that used to get lost are now easy to grab and actually stay where they belong.
It wasn’t a major project, but it made a huge difference. I’m not digging through clutter or mystery cords anymore, and it just feels calmer every time I open it. If you’ve been wanting to organize your kitchen or pantry but don’t know where to start, this is a great spot to begin. Small fixes like this really do change how the whole space feels.
Whether it’s the pantry, the cabinets, or that catch-all drawer everyone avoids, getting a few systems in place has made our kitchen feel so much more livable. I didn’t do it all at once, but even little by little, it added up. I’m sharing everything I used throughout this post in case you’re ready to tackle a refresh of your own.
Xo, J
