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How to plan kitchen storage

Planned kitchen storage

Overview

A well-organised kitchen begins with thoughtful kitchen storage solutionsstorage. Whether you're updating your space or starting from scratch, good planning helps you make the most of every cupboard, drawer and shelf. From cooking essentials to cleaning products, everything needs a proper home. Here’s how to plan your kitchen storage to suit your lifestyle and make daily tasks easier.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Take stock of what you need to store

Start by walking through your kitchen routine and noting down everything you use. This includes more than just pots and pans - think about appliances, pantry storage staples, containers, utensils, baking tools, chopping boards and cleaning items. Consider what you use daily, weekly and only occasionally. Group these items into categories, which will help guide your layout and storage solutions later. This step ensures your kitchen is tailored to the way you live and cook, helping to reduce clutter and save time.
List down the stock that need to store

2Break your kitchen into practical zones

A smart kitchen layout design includes clearly defined zones for prepping, cooking, cleaning and storage. Planning in zones helps you position everything where it’s most needed. For example, keep chopping boards, knives and mixing bowls close to your preparation area. Store pots, pans and cooking utensils near the cooktop or oven. Place cutlery and dishes within easy reach of your dining or serving area. Cleaning items should stay near the sink or dishwasher. Thinking in zones also helps you decide which cabinets or drawer options best suit each part of your kitchen.
Define kitchen into practical zones

3Use drawers in your lower cabinets

Drawers are a smart and ergonomic choice for your base cabinets. Unlike cupboards, drawers let you access items easily without crouching or rummaging. Deep drawers are perfect for storing saucepans, mixing bowls and baking dishes. Shallow drawers are best for cutlery, cooking utensils and smaller kitchen tools. Dividers and organisers can help keep things in their place. Using drawers helps keep your kitchen tidy and functional, especially during busy mealtimes.
Use drawers in base cabinets

4Make use of tricky corners and tall spaces

Don’t let awkward corners become wasted space. Consider installing pull-out carousels or corner drawers that allow you to access items tucked away at the back. These are great for storing items you use less frequently but still want within reach. If space allows, add a tall kitchen pantry unit with pull-out shelves or wire baskets. These make it easy to see everything at once and prevent items from getting lost at the back of the cupboard.
Make use of tricky corners and tall spaces

5Think vertically to maximise space

Take advantage of the full height of your kitchen by extending your storage up to the ceiling. Overhead cupboards are ideal for items you don’t use every day, like seasonal platters, extra glassware or small appliances. You can also add open shelves to display cookbooks or decorative items, though it’s best to keep these away from cooking areas to avoid grease build-up. Vertical storage is especially useful in small kitchens, where every bit of space counts.
Maximise space vertically

6Add finishing touches to keep things organised

The small details make a big difference. Drawer organisers help keep everything in place, from utensils to cling wrap. In-cupboard bins keep your rubbish and recycling out of sight while making them easy to access. Depending on your layout, you might also consider using hooks, rails or under-shelf baskets to get the most out of every inch of storage. These touches help create a kitchen that’s not only functional but also enjoyable to use.
Add finishing touches to keep things organised

7Make your island bench work harder

If you have an island bench, think of it as more than just a workspace. Add storage options underneath, such as drawers for everyday utensils or cupboards for larger items. Open shelving can be handy for displaying cookbooks or housing baskets for fresh produce. Using both sides of your island increases its functionality and can free up space elsewhere in your kitchen.
Storage underneath island bench

8Now that you’ve maximised your kitchen storage

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.