You opened your kitchen cabinet and had to test your reflexes when a can of fruit cocktail came flying at your head. You opened your full-size cabinets and a glass pot top fell on your toe.

Ouch!

It’s time for you to get a handle on how to organize kitchen cabinets. You may have to finally part ways with a few cookware items you haven’t used in years. There may be some DIY kitchen work involved. And you may end up using kitchen supplies in a new way.

But if you’re no longer interested in mealtime scavenger hunts, here are a few suggestions to tidy up your kitchen cabinets.

Don’t Underestimate Microwave Turntable Glass Plates

Before you buy that overpriced revolving or stackable spice rack, don’t underestimate that one extra microwave turntable glass plate you refuse to get rid of. You’d be surprised how easily it swivels in a cabinet, as long as the wooden surface is smooth. Not only will this stop you from having to take out each container of seasoning to find just one, but you’ll be able to do so without hogging up counter space.

Of course, in order to take advantage of this type of reduce, reuse and recycle method, your extra microwave wheel has to be small enough to fit inside one cabinet shelf. If it does, sequester your least-used seasonings in the middle of the wheel. Then, station all of your favorites by the wheel edges. Because of the thick texture of the microwave glass, the seasonings won’t tip over when you swirl the wheel.

A Place for Your Pot Tops, and Your Pots in Their Place

If you have pots with tops, it’s easy enough to turn the tops upside down so you can stack smaller pots on top. But if you have a few pots and tops that don’t match up, it’s time to buy a pot lid organizer. These cabinet shelving racks usually don’t take up much space. They’re designed to lay flat against one of your kitchen walls. Alternatively, you can mount them on the inside of your kitchen cabinet door. As long as the organizer is accessible and is not jamming against other cookware or the door, removing the lids will immediately give you more kitchen cabinet space.

Get Rid of BPA Takeout Containers

You’re already stubbornly holding onto your grandmother’s vintage Pyrex casserole dishes with that recognizable green and white pattern. And you’ve already bought a set of fancy Tupperware. So why do you need to collect all of those single-use plastic takeout dishes that you’re never supposed to use in the microwave?

Part of deciding how to organize kitchen cabinets is understanding some safety concerns.

Microwaving your food in single-use plastic containers results in exposure to bisphenol A, or BPA, and phthalates. These chemicals used to make plastic flexible and durable. And while they’re sturdy enough for your next online order, they were never meant to last a lifetime.

These chemicals, mainly BPA, disrupt your body’s hormones and have been linked to obesity, diabetes and reproductive harm. Even if you microwave food far more than you bake, broil, fry or slow cook, just pick a few Tupperware containers and casserole dishes instead. Get rid of the takeout dishes, or find another use for them such as organizing your garage utility drawer or keeping track of small office supplies (ex. rubber bands).

Invest in a Glass Dish Rack

If you have a bunch of wine glasses sitting loosely in a cabinet or taking up plenty of kitchen cabinet space, try a glass dish rack instead. Also useful in basement bars, mount these shelves on your kitchen walls or neatly slide into a corner of your kitchen cabinet. It’s up to you to decide how many you’ll need, but these racks reduce the odds of broken glass accidents or them crashing into each other.

Reevaluating the Bottom Dog Drawer Cabinet

Maybe you’re one of those pet owners who refuses to allow your dog into the kitchen (partially because of dog fur and mainly because of counter-surfing). Or, perhaps your dog’s water dish is in the kitchen and the pup always keeps you company while you prepare dinner.

No matter which side of the argument you’re on with that rule, there’s a pretty good chance that your dog’s food is in one of those cabinets. Canned food. Dry food. Pet medication that you need to keep at room temperature. Dog treats. Dog bones. Maybe random items like pet collars and extra harnesses.

Look inside this cabinet and consider possible better configurations for it. If you have non-food items in this same cabinet section, those can easily move to a bedroom or bathroom closet. Or, consider buying a hand-held basket of dog supplies. Keep the essential dog food items in this space instead. You may be able to clear one shelf solely from re-organizing pet supplies.

Recycle, Donate or Pack up Large Cookware and Dishes

You thought that bamboo steamer and the wok would get plenty of action in your kitchen. Meanwhile, you’re boiling vegetables in any pot on your stove. The wok itself has collected more dust than the back of your television. If you know you’re never going to use this cookware, give them to a family member or friend who will. Make a few dollars back by posting them on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Or, give them away for free on Freecycle.

Do a Food Audit of Your Canned Goods

If you’ve long ago given up on pork, there’s no need to have a collection of pork and beans. If you’re now comfortable living a vegan or vegetarian life, it’s time to get rid of the meat-based soups and meat-based instant noodles. (Give up the seasoning packets at the very least.) If you’ve long ago lost interest in that recipe book that required you to have a bunch of butternut squash soup or some other very specific ingredient that you’ve yet to use, it’s time to take advantage of the Little Free Pantry in your neighborhood.

If no one on your block has a free giveaway mini-house in their yards, stop by a Salvation Army or a Goodwill. Or, post free food pickup on Craigslist or Freecycle. Somebody somewhere really wants to gobble down your countless sliced carrot squares and your collection of canned Vienna sausage.

By parting ways with the foods and dishes you’ve never used (and barely want), you’ll quickly nail how to organize kitchen cabinets. And if you’re a little too good at it, the rest of your family will start complaining about you for throwing out something they actually wanted. Start slow. Enjoy the cleanliness.