Episode 662: How I Organized My Pots & Pans Cupboard: Simple Solutions for Kitchen Chaos
In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo dive into one of the most dreaded and clutter-prone areas of the home: the kitchen cupboards. Whether you’re struggling with chaos in your pots and pans cabinet or just need some fresh organization inspiration, this episode offers practical tips and clever solutions to transform your kitchen into a space that brings you joy.
From discussing the dreaded corner cabinets to lighting solutions that bring a smile every time you open the door, Kathi and Tonya walk you through realistic steps to declutter and organize. They share insights on dealing with duplicates, utilizing vertical storage, and even creatively using AI to find innovative products that simplify your life. Along the way, you’ll get a dose of laughter and encouragement to tackle your kitchen stress points one cupboard at a time.
Kathi shares her personal journey confronting specialty bakeware hoarding, how she finally let go of unused pans (and the wisdom of "donate not store"), and why using what you have right away can help you decide what to keep for good. Tonya and Kathi discuss real-life solutions for organizing cooking gear, including wire racks for bakeware, tower organizers for pots and pans, motion-activated light bars for dark cupboards, and the importance of measuring your space before buying anything new.
Listeners get practical advice for minimizing duplicates, creative ways to repurpose or donate excess, and encouragement to bless others with items that aren't regularly used. Kathi also recommends keeping a mini measuring tape in the kitchen, going through items in layers, and utilizing libraries or local lending programs for specialty baking pans. The episode wraps up with organization maintenance tips and suggestions for making the newly decluttered space easy and pleasant to keep tidy, including favorite cleaning routines and scents.
Enjoy a mix of actionable steps, cheerful banter, and reminders that even the most chaotic cupboard can be conquered—one practical, clutter-free step at a time!

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About Our Guests

Tonya Kubo
Community Strategist, Leader of Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group
Clutter Free Academy
Promised Resources
- Guide for Decluttering Kitchen Cupboards
Step-by-step downloadable guide to clean out your kitchen cupboard as discussed in this episode.
- Clutter Free Academy Facebook
Official Clutter Free Academy Facebook group for community support and sharing before/after transformations.
- Episode notification signup
Sign up to be notified when the next podcast is released.
- Kathi Lipp newsletter sign up
Register to receive regular organizing tips and podcast updates.
- Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group
Join for encouragement, questions, and community challenges.
Resources Mentioned
- Motion Activated Light Bars
Rechargeable, magnet-mounted, motion-activated light bars for kitchen cabinets—Kathi’s favorite storage discovery.
- Wire Rack Organizers for bakeware
Wire vertical racks for organizing bakeware like cookie sheets and muffin tins.
- Tower Organizer for pots and pans
Tower shelving system for upright storage and protection of pots, pans, and lids.
- Mini Measuring Tapes
Mini retractable measuring tapes for ensuring your new organizers will actually fit in your cabinets.
- Sabbath Soup: Weekly Menus and Rhythms to Make Space for a Day of Rest (Book)
Kathi Lipp's latest book helping readers meal prep for weekly rest and refreshment.
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Full Transcript
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