How to Organize a Messy Kitchen - Before and After Kitchen Organization

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Today we are cleaning and organizing a messy kitchen fast and on a small budget. Check out the before and after and hopefully you will be inspired by some of these easy and inexpensive kitchen organizing tips.
As a Professional Organizer, I often have to tackle messy spaces on a very short timeline and with a very tiny budget. I am so excited to be able to actually show you the transformation of this space. In under 3 hours we organized and cleaned this kitchen for this busy family of five. By using simple Butterfly approved solutions, hopefully this family will be able to maintain this kitchen organization for good!
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[@Megsother28]

Please thank whichever family member allowed you into their home for this. I know I’d be embarrassed bc it wasn’t perfectly clean, but it helps SO many of us who need to see your plans in action in order to get ideas. Thank you, anonymous family member! 😬

[@carlamariev]

Megsother28 agreed!!

[@heatheryohe8874]

I agree it helps to see her in action 😊 gives me ideas on how to do my space. I wish she was near by so she could do my space

[@jewellevy]

And lucky family member that gets a new start!

[@amandacollins518]

This kitchen is so much like my own.

[@annamanion1627]

My favorite was the container of strawberries.... That is sooo my house, only difference is the container would be empty and left for "somebody" to dispose

[@moniqueforrester674]

I really like that this isn't a "Pinterest worthy" makeover. Makes me feel like a nice functional space is within my reach.

[@louiserucker5805]

I love what you do. I love your bubbley personality. God BLESS!

[@julialong743]

agreed i really don't find pinterest worthy organizing helpful in the long term

[@kishimojin7]

Monique Forrester the

[@paulrichard4945]

Excellent Video! Forgive me for the intrusion, I am interested in your initial thoughts. Have you considered - Mahorrla Control Clutter Method (do a search on google)? It is a smashing exclusive product for decluttering your home without the normal expense. Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my close friend Aubrey after many years got astronomical results with it.

[@Hazel_Fox22]

Late to the game here. Sorry 'bout that. I wonder why we all feel the need to have "Pinterest Worthy" homes. Real people have real lives and real messes so the kinds of systems Cas and the rest of us implement are the norm and should not be judged by studio set style pinterest photos. Like you said, Monique, we need functional spaces that are within our ability and financial situations. (That all being said, I've resisted and never made a pinterest account because I don't need another time suck that makes me feel that what I do and how I live isn't good enough....heehee)

[@mongaloogirl]

I LOVE this style of organization makeover. It feels like there's SO much pressure to make everything "Pinterest worthy" and that's not often how life really looks!

[@vivianhudacek1556]

I am amazed that you could do that entire kitchen in 3 hours, even with help from the resident. Wow!

[@cassierennoldson3185]

I love these videos. Helps me realise that I don't need a show home pintrest worthy 'look' as long as it's functional. I've been watching your videos for 7 months now & you have helped me get rid of so much clutter & tidy up my life. I used to be a hoarder. I have taken 25 boot loads to goodwill. Sold $1000 of stuff on sites & taken out 7 garbage bags of junk. In 7 months. I still have the master room, spare room, study, hall cupboards & the last sweep of the toy room to go! 🙂 thank you for changing my life, i feel less anxious & my surfaces are clutter free!

[@deborahgate965]

cassie rennoldson I just wanted to tell u what an AMAZING job u r doing! Congratulations on all your progress so far! I'm also a recovering hoarder so I know what it's like. Cass has helped me so much too.

[@cassierennoldson3185]

deborah gate after i had my second child & i was home on maternity i spent probably the first two months on the couch with a newborn that wouldn't sleep unless held lol. A lot of time to ponder happened. Once i had him settled into life, napping & sleeping, i looked for something to entertain me for the next 7 months until i returned to work. I remember hating cleaning & realised why. Because there's stuff everywhere! Moving stuff to clean was such a chore. I started going through cupboards & was like why do we have 3 kettles?! It's then i realised i had huge issues letting things go. So i wen through every room & got rid of 'easy' things to let go. & most recently i've tackled each room in more depth & been totally ruthless. Once i did one room (the kitchen) I actually enjoyed being in there & enjoyed cleaning it. My anxiety left in that room. A few months ago someone local lost everything in a house fire. So i contacted them & said i had essentials they were welcome to. I didn't want anything for it i just wanted it gone. Decluttering my life the last few months has been a huge relief on my mental health. I've changed the way i view items & no longer hoard things. Every day i declutter & think what can i get rid of rather than avoiding the junk everywhere. It's been amazing🙂

[@whatwouldpicarddomakeitso2581]

Please tell them it was so appreciated that they shared their kitchen with us.also your hair looks so shiny and pretty Cass.

[@KMWeir]

You are so kind in how you speak of your clients. That has to make people who are embarrassed of their clutter feel so much better.

[@emosback65]

I love that you take into account what the family truly needs and their styles of organization

[@MultiDragonfly17]

Cas, you are the only person I've seen actually look at what is and isn't working before getting started. You tailor the plan to the people, I love that. Now I understand why I need to SEE my stuff. Lol!

[@madonnawayne4130]

Very non-judgmental, busy as a bee, lovely, you give us hope that we can make changes. Keep it coming, you are the tops.

[@marylandgirl7358]

I'm loving all the "real" organizing videos, especially for butterflies.

[@matilda2]

Thank you home owner for keeping it real. Huge help for us butterflies

[@boxiebabe333]

Can't believe you were able to accomplish so much in just THREE hours! Good job!

[@mjsr1976]

Hi Cas, I love how "real" this kitchen is. Thank you for keeping it real.

[@KaysCreativeHome]

Absolutely incredible. We need a part 2 to show how you reorganized the rest of the cabinets. TFS.

[@hunagirl6]

"Train themselves to tidy as they go." Would love some tips on that!

[@elizb8421]

You are AMAZING! Don’t beat yourself up, your one of the few You-tubers who is honest! Thank you😘👍👍🦋⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😉

[@kikisisi9410]

Thank you so much & please tell the homeowners how much we appreciate them letting us see their kitchen! It looked "real" & better than ours right now! How many people live there? We have 5 people who put things "down" & not "away". That is NOT a criticism or judgement - none of us have reached "perfection" to judge anyone! I think I'm living w/ "Butterflies" (not sure what I am - except paralyzed by clutter!). Gonna look for some more of your awesome videos to share w/my family. We need motivation & direction!

[@ursulawoditsch4250]

You are the reason i clean my house now!!!!!!!! Sometimes i have to look your videos for one hour before i can start cleaning- sorry organizing. The word organizing is tue Clue dir me. I'm dooing the 30 days decluttering now . Thank you so much.

[@chatterboxcorner]

I love these kind of videos! Its like an episode of a tv show. Would love to see more organizing videos where you transform other peoples spaces!

[@cristianerocha9835]

What a change! 3 hours ! You are a champ!!

[@liannegoosens]

I would love to see more of these videos! Very inspiring and makes me want to plan an afternoon to do my own kitchen. I have so much respect for your family member to show her kitchen for the entire world to see. It actually encourages to see that we're not alone here. Good luck on your new channel!!

[@calico27]

This is so relatable!! This is what my house looks like - constructed 100 yrs ago.. and a mess right now. Oh what I wouldn't give for Cas to come help me!!! Thank you for sharing this transformation. ❤

[@lisadearing5960]

I recently transformed my broom closet into a second pantry. My mother in law recently moved in with us and she likes to buy canned goods! My husband added 8 new shelves and I still have a small area for my ironing board and Swiffer! Wish I would’ve done this years ago! What a great feeling!

[@janicebradford9780]

I love your Hollywood hair. You look very glamorous. I remembered you were going. My husband and I went to Vegas for our honeymoon. When we got home I had outgrown my clothes. I love prime rib and it was everywhere on the specials. We did a lot of sight seeing, the Hoover Damn and the Mountains. We missed the Grand Canyon because it rained for the first time in years while we were there and the helicopters weren’t flying people to the Canyon. You are a miracle worker. You had that house,straightened up in 3 hours. Are you sure you aren’t Wonder Woman. Love your videos. They keep me going and moving. Thanks Janice

[@candicewaller403]

These kind of videos are my absolute favorite. I hope more of your clients let you film. Seeing an actual home that has real problem areas getting fixed is so much more helpful to me than seeing an already organized space. Do you ever do garages? That's my organizing problem area. It has to accommodate so many purposes: different kinds of storage, laundry, yard stuff, car stuff, outdoor fun stuff and tools. I've been trying to re-imagine it in zones, but I always get stuck.

[@auntiedoodles6898]

My gosh! You are ADORABLE!!!! I loved your Vegas story!

[@grannybekmakes]

You are literally one of the most real people on KZbin, and I love you! I also love your "end" of the videos, real talk, real mom, real kid meltdowns, real wife, real life. Can't wait for your weight loss channel. Much love from Alabama❤️

[@terimaue4155]

You are awesome. Loved this kitchen makeover. Perfect, logical and not spendy and over the top! btw, stop saying you are old. I am 62, fun loving and I am not old! Well, that is what I tell myself! Going on a European River Cruse in a couole of months. I don't drink much, but I still have fun!

[@vernamyspencer2158]

This video was so helpful! I will watch it again before I help my mother-in-law, who is a butterfly, organize her kitchen early this summer when she's home again. Thanks so much for showing us how to go about this.

[@LittleMissLovely86]

The after looks amazing. Even though it’s an older kitchen, it looks so much better when it’s organised. Looks great Cassie 👍

[@lindad5037]

I just love watching you Cass! It is so refreshing to see real life videos that aren’t “Pinterest worthy”. Great job! Btw I love your personality, you are hilarious:)

[@kevinhernandezgarcia6538]

Your idea of bins and butterflies helped me identify how I could help my bf organize and sort his family car. Definity is a busy drop-and-go family. color bins helped us create a plan on how to identify which stuff belongs to which family member. This simple solution allowed him to empty his car and get the family to pick up the specific stuff that belongs to them instead of being overwhelmed. having to sort on their own. The busy family can still drop and go and the bins will help them transition to picking up after themselves.

[@Clutterbug]

That's aweesome!

[@stayhungrystayfoolish7751]

I really like ur style of explaining things.......u r a good and sensitive organiser.....u tell them what is wrong without ever being negative in ur approach.....butterfly and bugs concept was so cute for their personality trait without being rude

[@casceh36]

Really cool to see some ones real kitchen go through that change! Thank you!

[@dd13abc32]

I really liked how you walked thru your process in analyzing and providing solutions and how it relates to the specific "bug".

[@chrystaltuckness5298]

Love! My dad put a small lip on the front edge of a shelf or two, then put the back pegs up one set of holes so that when cans were laid sideways, they would roll toward the front

[@danacobb2229]

Oh and you were beautiful then and still are now! Way to go with YOU! ❤️

[@marysprenger4591]

Finally, a before and after. not just someone yakin'!!! this shows that not only that it can be done, but how to do it. I have found the round flat lazy Susans helps with spices and tiered wire racks in different elevations helps to see what is in the back of the self, very inexpensive and found at Walmart. thank you for sharing!

[@neeruthakur2011]

Just Amazed! From fully messed kitchen u made it dream kitchen that too within 3 hours.

[@user-tb8fh3wl6i]

Thank for the tips! I would like to recommend “labeling” the edge of the shelves with a label maker or label decals. This has helped keep my cabinets organized over the years and works well for when I have guests over. Also, I have saved much time labeling lower cabinets (label on the bottom end of shelf) not edge. I no longer have to stoop down into each cabinet trying to find missing items because contents is labeled right there. This also works for the garage ,our family boat. I labeled the areas on the outside of some cabinets which helps for emergencies supplies like fire extinguishers etc. Other cabinets I label on the inside. This save time and helps keep everyone organized and they know where to find items and put back quickly and easily. Best to you all. I’m still trying like the rest but doing much better. 😎👍🏼

[@Lashlove16]

Great organization ideas!!! Simple and functional. Everyone needs to get the Pinterest perfect ways out if their lives

[@MsBonniBee]

Absolutely love these types of video's - please make more of them? It's interesting seeing 'real' space problems. The slim cupboard on the side converted to pantry shelves, it genius!

[@leannemurphy8159]

I love you Clutter Bug. I love to watch your stories. well done. You bring me joy.

[@neweverymorningmercy3491]

I bet the family really appreciates the decluttering and new systems, I hope they are able to work them. You made such a difference. I had a problem area in my kitchen, years ago, it was a drop zone that shouldn't have been, things would pile up and look horrible. I cleaned it off and declared it a "no drop zone" and from that day forward (with the rare exception) it's stayed clear, kind of surprised me how well it worked, sometimes you just have to "declare" something.

[@Naturalchic3]

I started to get a little teary-eyed over the "after" footage. I recognize the "before" as my own kitchen with homeless clutter on many flat surfaces and disorganized, random cupboards. Seeing a kitchen go from daily chaos to organized tranquility gave me a sense of hope and a desire to get going on my own space! Thank you :)

[@Clutterbug]

I'm glad you were feeling inspired! It didn't take long either! Under 4 hours to organize everything!

[@kathyw9256]

I just LOVE organizing videos!! What a difference this made / fantastic.👍👍 Yes Las Vegas is crazy busy town. I love those slots machines. Nice y’all were able to visit. The low humidity is what I love. My hair doesn’t frizz there. Can’t wait for weight loss channel! 👍❤️👍

[@abbaalexander8332]

Thanks for offering this video to the public. I am a housekeeper and I have some cleaning issues sometimes.

[@mmvranch]

I don’t have a stop switch either! Thats why I’ve been sober for 14 yrs, and yea, not even gonna go to Vegas, EVER! Lol! Reno, maybe! Love this video, as always you make me laugh and remind me what I SHOULD be doing to keep my house organized! Keep up the great work Cas!

[@christyroberts9181]

Love that this was a real, lived-in kitchen! Most pinterest-worthy spaces seem to be so staged and unattainable. This was so different in the best kind of way!

[@AsdfgAsdfg-zz5cn]

Great to see your skills in action, in a ”real life home”!

[@leannneshort4374]

I love that your vids are short and sweet, full of practical tips and info and not a lot of blah, blah, blah. THANK YOU!

[@leezasims1644]

You achieved so much in three hours x Great job xx 💕💕💕

[@justinewhite-hadley3138]

Ha!! And I love your honesty!! I can't drink either-being 40 now hangovers last DAYS. No thank you!!!! We love you, Crazy Pants and All!!

[@deannededemariehampton768]

Thank you so much for sharing your great ideas, it really helps. Since I’m retired and on disability decluttering and organizing can be an issue so I always appreciate any ideas. Thank you again and a huge thank you to your family member for allowing us into their home.

[@jonakjackson]

Thank you, Cas! You ROCK! Keep the videos rolling! I love your bubbly personality. Your love for what you do shines through!

[@bpjackson1325]

You are a good woman helping us. Thank you

[@justcallmejo702]

I soo need help with getting my place clean, decluttered, and organize. Ever since I lost my 15 year old son in 2015 I have completely let my place get so out of control and it’s taken me this long to start to want to get back on track. Which could make a happy husband for sure. Between my RA and depression it makes things tough sometimes. I have limited space and way to much stuff. I’m very embarrassed of my home and of myself that it’s come to this. I am crying through this whole video. Thanks for your video. First video I’ve seen of yours. 🤷🏻‍♀️🍁🍂

[@Nona-no6vo]

Sorry for your loss . I lost my brother recently at the age of 40. I know how hard it is. You are in my prayers dear. ❤️❤️🌹🌹

[@missyelle2749]

OMG !!! Thanks for sharing this. I can't wait to see you tackle all the mess and clutter in the remainder of this house. You can do an entire series on this home, you already can tell there's at least 7 other rooms in the home that are in DESPERATE need of your touch. Thanks for showing this real home nice to see other people's junk and messy homes. You have an eye for figuring it out. I'm sure your Aunt was so pleased with this 1 room! Can't wait for the rest of the other messes to be transformed!!! Way to go 😊

[@cmwishon]

Hahaha....that is what Vegas is about!!! You are right...what happens in Vegas...stays in Vegas! I am in Arizona and I love to go to Vegas, there is so much to see...and the entertainment whether a show or a show on the street...amazing and always a good time. You did a great job in that small kitchen!

[@TheLorikate]

You are gorgeous and honest, funny and beautiful. Thanks fur the tips and for making me smile. X

[@vignettevlogs1571]

Fantastic job Cass....love how you just like that, made a new pantry.

[@nuttallvlogs2362]

Your hair looks great! Xx

[@pinknleopard]

Whoa awesome work! I'm a butterfly and after years I feel like I've just now taught myself to keep my kitchen not cluttered! It's been a process because I was bad at picking up after myself and I just had dumping grounds all over my counters. Lol

[@jessical2962]

Love how you said it isn’t Pinterest worthy, but it’s functional. It’s so easy to get lost in thinking something has to be “pretty”. “Pretty” is nice, but if it doesn’t work in the long run it doesn’t really matter.

[@kathleenhoffman3483]

Brilliant on the redo of that kitchen!! I think they can actually eat on the table now! I couldn't believe you did the cupboards too, I thought you were only doing the counters! Shows any thing is possible if you organize like a clutterbug! And can I just say you looked refreshed, renewed Beautiful in the video, I thought you looked thinner too! Maybe all that walking started you on the weight loss never ending Journey. Thank you for always putting a smile on my face at the end of your videos, It's my happy time when I watch your videos. And I have both your books, and I think you are a hope for all of us, you can organize, we can too!!

[@tmo3973]

Thanks for showing how you approach the task with a client.

[@JustMe-cl4vl]

A functional kitchen after your great organization of it all. 👏 👍 🌞🍍

[@Michelle88elle]

Sooooo helpful! Looks almost identical to my house 😆 please do more of these!! Especially for us hopelessly cluttered folks 👍 thank you!!!

[@hellybelle5]

It sounded like she was describing my family and I! 😄 This is super helpful! 😊

[@katia.luna213]

Oooo, that kitchen came out NICE! It's still Pinterest worthy in my book! Those lil' shelves just needed some paint. YOU HAD ME CRACKING UP! I still need to go to Vegas. Should've planned to do that for my 30th about a month ago, but LIFE.

[@heatherk569]

Aw I love you so much! You're so talented, funny, and genuine! It's so very endearing!

[@heatheryohe8874]

I loved to see how you organized the kitchen! Trying to organize here and it can be difficult. Especially when my husband and kids are like pack rats. Plus my husband wants to save everything! Drives me crazy. Glad you enjoyed your time with your husband in Vegas 😊😊

[@michellekulas282]

This makes me feel good about my own kitchen, lol. I like that you said it doesn’t have to be Pinterest-worthy... sometimes perfectionism gets in the way of organization.

[@gillianmuspic2337]

I would love an update on this family in a few months to see how it is working for them and any adjustments that needed to be made

[@kerrihuffstutler9536]

I just found out about your channel. I LOVE organizing. It's something I enjoy doing especially when it's a hard project. I just realized I'm totally a ladybug.

[@Lulutrg]

I'm a butterfly for sure! What a great transformation

[@asdf-JKLL]

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate how great her hair looks in the intro!?! So freaking pretty! ♥️

[@haggiem]

I’d like to see the island bench relocated at right angles with the stove to serve as a breakfast bar (with stools added) / come prep area. Another smaller desk or bakers stand can replace where the bench used to be. Bonus floor space and overall room flow will give the room a more defined and functional look.

[@AngiLundy]

Omg you are literally my spirit animal ... I too have no off switch lolz. Excited about your weight loss channel!

[@compassion2126]

Yes more of these! Amazing transformation. I also like how you told us the plan and step by step.

[@Evita_Raylena]

I gasped when you showed the before cabinets! 😳 That would drive me bonkers!!

[@intigniadickey2224]

I can't believe you did it all in just three hours. It would have taken me a week.

[@catg714]

So.. Only 2 mins into video & I just have to tell you...the messy kitchen is MY kitchen!! And I hate it!!! Too many people in this house & not enough space! You are motivating & inspiring me for an overhaul & to put my foot down! lol - thank you! I'll let you know how it goes... Perhaps give you before/after pics on FB... FYI - We have a somewhat small kitchen & have to have two refrigerators as they're just too many of us... 4 adults, 1 child & 1 dog...

[@CoralJoyTravel]

It's so nice to see that you can make such an impact in a space in just a few hours! Very motivating, indeed!

[@dreamingfool2]

Love the decluttering of the kitchen! So simple and budget friendly! I can't drink alot either. Nor my husband, not that he gets drunk, he won't make it that far, alcohol makes him tired. 2 beers and he's out. I on the other hand, am from a family of alcoholics. Not raging alcoholics. But I've lost family to alcoholism. So I just don't over drink, I just don't find a need to.

[@soniamcvey1307]

I am so pump up that this weekend I am going to organize my kitchen. thank you.

[@Innerstrength111]

This is great, I love how you keep showing the before and after! This video is so true to life. Thank you for sharing!!

[@leaht4505]

You did such an awesome job- kept it real, thanks for all the ideas, Cassie!💜

[@elennasofianos545]

i love how realistic this is . NICE JOB!!

[@girlluvmp3]

Hi Cas! I love how you showed not only how you organized the kitchen, but the whole process before that - asking for pictures, the way you assessed what needed to be fixed... I'd love if you kept sharing those tips as well! Great video 😊

[@sherrytee2962]

Loved that it was a REAL kitchen and loved loved loved that you really broke down what was going on with their habits and then linked it all back to your clutter bug philosophy providing simple but real solutions they should be able to maintain rather than ideas and tricks just for the sake of it, really good 👍💖

[@mariagalbick7729]

I would love to see you do a follow-up video months later to see how it worked for them and what if any adjustments they needed to make.

[@shawnandlisamason9533]

Glad your feeling better Cass

[@jlynn8843]

Wow!! This turned out great! One thing though, I like a "messy" fridge. Pictures, drawings, magnets.. looks much more homey than a blank fridge...

[@saravarsanov8660]

I have an organizing tip . When you need to bring something with you when you leave your house put it in front of the front door so you have to see it when you leave . Also , write notes and leave in front door so they will remind you of things to do .

[@DONNAFAITH7]

You could also add cork board to the inside of the cabinet doors. I took all the baking pans and other things i use only during the holidays and made a holiday baking bend and stored it in order to have more room.

[@Mejiaelis]

As a person who spends tons of time in the kitchen (because I love cooking) so i love an organized space that’s functional rather than Pinterest worthy anytime. I love a realistic space

[@pam5389]

Maybe if I watch this when I'm ready to clean it will get me going 😊😉. thank you..

[@laceyh4837]

When my husband and I went for our honeymoon, I was 13 weeks pregnant. I couldn’t eat much because I’d get so full only after a few bites. I have no regrets and we still had a ton of fun there!! And now my baby is almost 1!!!

[@kzeb245]

I love this Cozy kitchen with the bathroom in the corner

[@Clutterbug]

Yeah, the bathroom is a weird placement, isn't it?