![1. Toss Out Old Food](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/organize_your_kitchen_3.jpg)
1. Toss Out Old Food
Take everything out and ask yourself honestly: Am I really going to use that? If it’s open or past its prime, toss it. If you aren’t going to use it, donate cans and sealed items to the food bank.
![2. Make Food Categories](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/organize_your_kitchen_2.jpg)
2. Make Food Categories
Take stock of what’s left; clear categories should emerge. Keep baking supplies on one shelf, grains and pastas on another. Keep snacks on a middle shelf for easy access.
![3. Use Containers](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/organize_your_kitchen_1.jpg)
3. Use Containers
Seeing double? Put bulk foods into jars or plastic containers. Use baskets to hold small packages, and magazine files to keep boxes of pasta upright.
![4. Use Vertical Space](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/organize_your_kitchen_7.jpg)
4. Use Vertical Space
Chances are you have more height than depth to your space. Take advantage of that height by installing risers to stack cans and boxes.
![5. Get Everything Within Your Reach](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/organized_kitchen_5.jpg)
5. Get Everything Within Your Reach
Not everyone is blessed with slide-out shelving. Make items in the back easier to reach by arranging them in plastic trays — felt pads on the bottom will really get things moving.
![6. Make Use of the Sides](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/organize-your-kitchen-6.jpg)
6. Make Use of the Sides
Repurpose shoe pockets and hang them inside cupboard doors to hold snacks and spices.
![7. Make Things Accessible](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/organized_kitchen_4.jpg)
7. Make Things Accessible
Take your favourite cooking oil, vinegar, and seasonings and arrange them neatly by your workstation. Not everything belongs in the pantry.