How to Make High Kitchen Cabinets More Accessible — 5 Easy-to-Reach Solutions
Expert advice on what you need to do to ensure you can reach even the highest of places in your kitchen


Faiza Saqib
High kitchen cabinets can be quite difficult to access, and they're often a victim of taking up clutter we probably no longer want to see or deal with on our kitchen countertops.
If you're wondering how to make your kitchen cabinets more functional, then the first step would be to ensure you're utilizing your space properly. Upper cabinets can often be overlooked, too. But, not to worry, as there is a way you can make high kitchen cabinets more accessible.
We spoke to a few professional organizers to find out how we can access hard-to-reach places and what options we should consider. Here's what they had to say about it.
1. Use a Step Stool
Whether you use your upper kitchen storage to store your fancy glassware or just your spare tins of food, don't take the risk of balancing on your counter just so you can reach them.
By far, the easiest way to reach those higher cabinets is with the help of a step stool, allowing you to safely reach your items without worrying about accidents. "I highly recommend a foldable stool to easily and safely access your items as they can be stored away when not in use," suggests professional organizer Kayleen Kelly. #
You can also get plenty of stylish options that will blend seamlessly with your kitchen decor. It might be a more rudimentary solution, but this reliable method has been used for centuries for a reason.
Price: $41.79
Was: $58.99
Available in two, three, and four steps — this product is easy to use and stored away when no longer in use. It will also allow you to reach those upper cabinets with ease.
2. Install a Pull-Down Organizer
There are plenty of more advanced solutions on the market to improve the utility of your high kitchen cabinets.
Pull-down organizers like this one from Amazon are clever tools that make it easy to access your items with baskets that slide down.
All you need to do is simply attach the tracking system to your cabinet shelves by screwing them in. The basket will then slide out and can be pulled down vertically for easy reach.
Price: $207.82
Was: $259.77
This pull-down shelf organizer measures around W x D x H): 30~32" W x 11" D x 22" H and can be easily installed with an installation manual and locator card.
3. Use a Lazy Susan
"To ensure they're within reach, arrange deep upper cabinets with the help of a kitchen organizer like a Lazy Susan," says Julie Peak, professional organizer and owner of The Precise Place.
They might remind you of the eighties, but these clever turntables are one of the best ways to easily reach the back of high cabinets (although you might still need a helping hand to get to them). "Maximize space and storage by choosing one with the same diameter as the cabinet," adds Julie.
To organize a corner cabinet, a lazy Susan will make it possible to use every inch of awkward space. These turntables attach to ball-bearing hardware and mount to a shelf that extends outwards as you open the door.
Price: $29.99
This 14" wooden lazy Susan makes for the perfect little upper cabinet organizer. It's made from wood with rich grain and comes in an easy-to-spin design.
4. Add a Rolling Library Ladder
It might be a costly installation, but if you have a more functional space, a rolling library ladder can make a genius (and seriously enviable) addition to your kitchen.
These ladders come on castors and attach to the space above your cabinets with a tracking system, allowing you to sweep around your kitchen like a Gothic librarian.
While they're only really worthwhile if you have a long row of cabinets along one wall, library ladders are becoming a far more popular design choice (plus it's guaranteed to be the coolest feature of your home).
Price: $1,599.99
Was: $2,687.99
Stylish and unique, this lightweight wood rolling ladder from Wayfair features a sturdy, solid aluminum rail and patented quiet glide technology. It's perfect for kitchens and pantries.
5. Think About What You Store Up Top
It might sound obvious, but spare some thought on what to store in your high kitchen cabinets. We're all about working smart, not hard, and by storing infrequently used items in your upper cabinets you'll be making day-to-day life far smoother.
"Things that are not frequently used can be stored in lightweight bins, bags, or baskets that are easy to grab," suggests organizer Melissa Gugni. "I also like to put things like entertaining supplies (fondue pots, chafing dishes) up there as well as seasonal holiday items. I access these heavier items with a sturdy, lightweight ladder that I keep nearby."
Ready to make your kitchen more convenient? Set yourself a weekend project and give your storage a rehaul with these smart solutions for high cabinets.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletters are your inside source for what’s shaping interiors now - and what’s next. Discover trend forecasts, smart style ideas, and curated shopping inspiration that brings design to life. Subscribe today and stay ahead of the curve.

Lilith Hudson is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Livingetc. She holds an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London, and has written for various titles including Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Advnture, the Saturday Times Magazine, Evening Standard, DJ Mag, Metro, and The Simple Things Magazine.
Prior to going freelance, Lilith was the News and Trends Editor at Livingetc. It was a role that helped her develop a keen eye for spotting all the latest micro-trends, interior hacks, and viral decor must-haves you need in your home. With a constant ear to the ground on the design scene, she's ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest color that's sweeping interiors or the hot new style to decorate our homes.
- Faiza SaqibRenovation Editor
-
Bouclé vs Corduroy — The Difference Between The Textured Fabrics That Have Captured Our Collective Attention Lately
For years, bouclé has captivated the interior design scene. But corduroy might be giving the quiet luxury fabric a run for its money
By Devin Toolen
-
The 70s Are Back, Baby, but Not All Trends From the Decade Deserve a Revival — Here's the Looks to Avoid That Will Just Date Your Home
From an overwhelming use of orange to toilet carpets (eww!), designers reveal which 70s interior trends are best kept in the past
By Devin Toolen
-
5 Kitchen Cabinet Details That Will Make Your Home Look More Expensive
From luxury hardware to textured cabinet fronts, don't overlook these finer details if you want your kitchen to look more high-end
By Lilith Hudson
-
Which Spring Home Scent Matches Your Star Sign? This Is What Your Home Should Smell Like Right Now, According to the Zodiac
Choosing a home scent that matches your personality is the best way to create a space that feels perfectly your own. So find your zodiac and the scent to match.
By Amiya Baratan
-
I've Discovered This Floristry 'Recipe' That's the Trade Secret to Elevating Your Grocery Store Flowers at Home
Commonly used to create the perfect color palette in interior design, this rule also works in floristry. Here's how to use it for your spring arrangements.
By Amiya Baratan
-
Should You Choose a Kitchen Island or a Breakfast Bar? Experts Weigh-in on the Debate
They may look alike, but designers break down the real differences in form, function, and everyday practicality
By Aditi Sharma
-
6 Mistakes That Are Making Your Kitchen Tiles Look Cheap and Not Elevated — And What You Can Do Instead
From size and grout to color and configuration, here's where you're going wrong with your kitchen tiling
By Lilith Hudson
-
Good Cooks With Even Better Style Are All Putting French Butter Keepers on Their Kitchen Counters — Here's Why
The French way of storing butter will guarantee soft, spreadable deliciousness at any given moment. I present to you, the butter crock.
By Amiya Baratan
-
These Are the Dos and Don'ts of Bamboo Plant Placement — Follow This to Avoid Bad Feng Shui
By following the experts' guidance on where to place this houseplant you can usher luck, wealth, and prosperity into your home
By Lilith Hudson
-
7 Kitchen Tap Mistakes You’re Making That Can Make Your Space Look Outdated — And What to Do Instead
Could it be that your choice of kitchen tap is causing your kitchen to look old-fashioned? Here's what the experts say
By Linda Clayton