Last month, my friend Lila was frustrated with her tiny apartment kitchen. Her two narrow cabinets were a jumble of spices, mugs, and measuring cups—she could never find what she needed without rummaging for 5 minutes. She didn’t want to splurge on expensive organizers, so we tried repurposing items she already had. By the end of the afternoon, her cabinets were neat, and she saved $40. Here are the 5 methods we tested.
5 Repurposed Ways to Organize Small Kitchen Cabinets
1. Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer for Snacks & Spices
Take an old clear over-the-door shoe organizer and hang it on the inside of your cabinet door. Each pocket holds small items like snack bags, spice jars, or travel-sized condiments. It’s perfect for freeing up shelf space.
2. Tin Can Spice Racks
Clean empty tin cans (from beans or soup) and paint them if you want. Glue or nail them to the inside of your cabinet walls in a row. They hold spice jars securely and add a rustic touch.
3. Cereal Box Drawer Dividers
Cut cereal boxes to fit the depth of your cabinet drawers. Fold the top edges for sturdiness. Use them to separate utensils, measuring spoons, or napkins. No need for plastic dividers!
4. Wine Rack for Mugs
A small, unused wine rack fits perfectly inside a cabinet. Place it horizontally to hold mugs upside down—this saves space and keeps mugs dust-free.
5. Mason Jar Lids as Shelf Liners
Glue mason jar lids to the bottom of your cabinet shelves. Screw mason jars (filled with grains, nuts, or spices) into the lids. This creates vertical storage and keeps items fresh.
Method Comparison Table
Here’s how each method stacks up:
| Method | Tools Needed | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoe Organizer | Hammer, nails (or adhesive hooks) | $0–$5 (if you don’t have one) | Easy to install, holds many items | May not fit very narrow doors |
| Tin Can Racks | Scissors, glue/nails, paint (optional) | $0 | Sturdy, customizable | Requires some assembly |
| Cereal Box Dividers | Scissors, tape (optional) | $0 | Quick to make, fits any drawer size | Not as durable as plastic |
| Wine Rack for Mugs | None (if rack is already available) | $0–$10 (thrift store find) | Saves vertical space, keeps mugs clean | Only fits mugs of certain sizes |
| Mason Jar Lids | Glue gun, scissors | $0 (if you have jars/lids) | Air-tight storage, looks neat | Requires drilling (optional) for extra security |
Wisdom to Remember
“Waste not, want not.” — Traditional Proverb
This old saying sums up the spirit of repurposing. By using items you already have, you not only save money but also reduce waste. Lila’s favorite method was the tin can spice rack—she painted them mint green to match her kitchen, and now her spices are easy to find.
FAQ: Common Questions
Q: Can these methods work for bathroom cabinets too?
A: Absolutely! The shoe organizer is great for toiletries, and mason jar lids work for cotton balls or Q-tips. Just adjust the items to fit your needs.
Q: How do I keep the cereal box dividers from getting wet?
A: Cover them with clear packing tape to make them water-resistant. This way, they’ll last longer even if they get splashed.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend a lot to have organized cabinets. Start with one method—maybe the cereal box dividers if you have extra boxes lying around. Small changes can make a big difference in how your kitchen feels. Give it a try, and let us know which method works best for you!
