Everything you need for a task should be located as close to that task area as possible. Towels closest to the sink, garbage bags stored with a few at the bottom of the can and the box of bags close to the can, pot holders within reach, etc.
I am also short @keobooks. Keep a folding step stool in or near the kitchen. I invested in good quality step stools. One is in the kitchen, another in the basement, one in the bathroom (it doubles as our hair trimming chair, my son’s stool and a place to set down clothes), and yet another in my bedroom closet. Having them around prevent me from getting sidetracked when doing a chore.
Store things you use less often as high as the items will fit. I’ve re-adjusted my cabinet shelves so that the highest shelves just store platters and roasting pans.
Store items you use once or twice a year out of the kitchen (if possible). We keep items for roasting the immense Thanksgiving turkey in a flip top lid down on a stainless steel rack in the basement.
When purchasing actual storage items, make certain that you can easily see what you have stored inside. A label maker is a useful tool to permanently organize your kitchen. It helps if your family members can read/know where things belong.
If you are the type of person that can’t keep Tupperware/storage wear properly stored, get rid of it. We keep only pyrex for storing. I find it’s a lot less likely we’ll lose a lid…besides, it’s healthier to use and has more usage.
Keep spices where you use them. I have a cabinet unit just for baking goods. That is where I keep the baking spices, the baking utensils, the muffins pans, mixing bowls I use only for baking-etc.
I keep the cooking spices in a drawer near the stove. The spices I use daily are kept out within reach (cinnamon by the espresso maker, sea salt & pepper hang on a magnetic strip by the stove top).
I re-adjust the kitchen as needed. If I notice a task is taking longer than it should or an item keeps getting left out, or put back in the wrong spot, I re-organize to accomodate the need.