Control Drawer Chaos

Spices
“I go into people’s houses and see the greatest hits of every home they’ve ever lived in—dry mustard and tarragon from their first apartment that have made the move with them seven times. Toss the oldies and anything you never use.”

Stadium seating: Designate a drawer (in a cool spot, away from the oven) for your 12 most frequently used spices. Jars can sit pretty without disappearing into the darkness of a deep cupboard— and labels are easy to read. Whole spices are good for three years, ground spices for two. In-Drawer spice-rack set, $28, containerstore.com.
Matching containers: Clear glass looks clean and crisp and lets you see what needs refilling. Spice jars, $20 for 12, williams-sonoma.com.
Side-by-side storage for tools: Spice-related gadgets, like measuring spoons and a zester, can fill out the drawer.