10 Smart, Family-Friendly Ways to Tame Kitchen Clutter

Keeping your kitchen neat and orderly is possible, but it's a family affair. Here are some easy ways to get the clutter and chaos under control.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Keep It at Kid Level

Place go-to snacks, utensils and dishware in lower cabinets and drawers so little ones can help themselves (when appropriate).

Self-Serve Healthy Snacks

Like most parents, you've realized that portion control is the name of the game for a healthier diet. Pre-package healthy treats into small bags, jars and plastic containers so when snack time hits, portions are just right.

Lunch Prep Station

Streamline the process by creating this simple lunch prep station. Keep lunchboxes, water bottles and utensils, along with pre-packaged snacks, all in one area for fast packing.

Kids' Cutlery Caddy

Separate the grown-up cutlery from the kid stuff by adding hook-and-loop tape to a drawer organizer, then attach it inside a lower cabinet or door for easy kid access.

Keep a Lid on It

Organize plastic lids by mounting an old magazine file to the inside of the cabinet so you can easily find the correct lid. If you have a million lids, hang a file designated specifically for each size lid.

Wrangle Water Bottles

Repurpose that old wine rack into something you'll use. Every. Single. Day. The small-scale cubbies are perfect for wrangling your expansive water bottle collection.

A Place for Everything

Kids are more likely to stay organized when they know exactly where their stuff should go. Playful labels can ensure lunchboxes end up inside the cabinet rather than strewn across the kitchen table.

Easy Drink Station

Encourage healthy hydration by keeping lightweight cups close to the water dispenser. Assign a color for each child, then glue a medium-sized magnet onto the back of each cup.

Corral Shopping Bags

Make the most of the pantry wall space by repurposing old file organizers. They’re the perfect spot to store recycled paper bags or grocery totes.

Next-Level Chip Clips

If your pantry has wire shelving, take your chip-clip game to the next level by adding S-hooks into the mix. Hang kid-appropriate snacks at their level and others up higher.