Create Storage For Cluttered Kitchen Countertops With An Easy And Unique DIY

Cluttered kitchen counters, the junk drawer's extroverted cousin, often become moving targets that are near impossible to pin down. Between the mountain of coffee pods, that one rogue onion, and the four open jars of cumin (with an undiscovered fifth hidden in the shadows), we find ourselves spending more and more time scavenging through the wreckage just to make some tacos. But before you start eyeing expensive organizers or dreaming of a remodel, there's a simpler and far more economical fix.

That's where cube organizers come in. They're simple, stackable, and, when styled right, they make you look like you actually have your life together. Start with the basics: a cube shelf unit and a few good-looking baskets. That's it. Use one cube for coffee gear, another for grab-and-go snacks, and a third for wrangling produce that doesn't live in the fridge. The baskets hide the chaos, the cubes keep everything corralled, and the overall effect feels more boutique pantry than last-minute panic buy.

Feeling extra? Stack two units, add a topper, or tuck a skinny one into an awkward nook for a makeshift pantry. Even better for expanding your kitchen storage: mount cubes on the wall above your coffee maker or microwave. It lifts the essentials out of your way while still keeping them in reach. And with clear labels or matching containers, the whole setup looks intentional, not improvised.

Not every great storage solution has to cost an arm and a leg. Sometimes, it starts with a few humble wooden crates, a tray, and a trusty bottle of glue. Take this Dollar Tree DIY countertop organizer, for example. Simply stack a couple of Dollar Tree crates and trays into a tiered formation, glue them together securely (wood glue is your friend here), and you'll have a charming, vertical storage tower ready for your kitchen counter.

The beauty of this DIY lies in its versatility. Because the crates are raw wood, you can paint or stain the finished product to match your kitchen aesthetic. Need more accessibility? Mount your creation on your kitchen's best friend — a lazy Susan, and suddenly your organizer becomes a rotating tower ideal for coffee supplies, spices, or even a spinning snack bar. Short on space? Craft a compact version. Need extra storage? Add another layer.

Functional and customizable, this hack delivers a practical organization system tailored to your needs. It might lack the glossy finish of showroom organizers, but makes up for it with personality, adaptability, and zero plastic. Ultimately, organizing cluttered kitchen counters is about creating smarter systems. And this crate-and-tray tower delivers beautifully.