Whether you live in a cave, a New York apartment or you just loathe mess, kitchen storage is one of those things that can either make your life easier or drive you completely insane.
Nope, you don’t have to gut-renovate your kitchen to make it work better for you – you need just a few smart tweaks.
Here are seven kitchen storage hacks that save space, and make everyday cooking a whole lot easier. And no, we’re not talking about smushing everything into mason jars.
1. The Pantry Staples for a Well-Stocked Small Kitchen
One of the most common pantry faux pases that people make is trying to stock their pantry like they live in a farmhouse with a walk-in larder. In a small kitchen,you need to make the most of whatever space you have.
The secret to stocking a small kitchen is to prioritize versatile staples that will stretch across meals: dried pasta, rice, canned beans, tomato sauce, oats, peanut butter, and a couple of spice blends. That’s your functional baseline.
Once you have a reliable setup, you will never find yourself puzzled by random half-used jars or past-dated mystery grains.
2. Utilize the Sides of Your Cabinets
The dead space above and around your cabinets? That’s prime real estate. Attach some adhesive hooks or a slim mounted rack to hang oven mitts, measuring cups, or perhaps a small spice shelf. You’ll be surprised at how much of your everyday-use clutter will disappear from your counter.
3. Vertical Stacking Shelves (Don’t Stop at One!)
You’ve probably seen those tiny wire shelves before, but most people will limit themselves to one or two. Therefore, consider stacking them. For example, you can have one near your plates cabinet, another under your sink, and one more near your dry food cabinet. Suddenly, your cabinets are pulling double duty.
They’re the 2nd floor of your storage.
4. Under-Shelf Hanging Baskets
Wire baskets that can slide onto your existing shelves will store snacks, dish towels, cutting boards, and more. It’s one of the most effortless ways to instantly layer without the use of screws.
Don’t pack them too heavy. They’re good for light, quick-access items.
5. Rolling Utility Carts
They are not just for hair salons. A slim rolling cart can fit beside your fridge or counter and provide you with transportable shelf space. Use it to hold oils, spices, and cooking sprays that would clutter your counter.
6. Magnetic Knife Strips (Which Aren’t Just for Knives)
These things are game-changers. Install one on your backsplash or sidewall and get your knives, scissors, peelers, and metal spatulas off the counter or out of drawers.
Say goodbye to reaching and rifling-around your drawer, while your hands are wet and there’s something sizzling on the stove.
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7. Collapsible or Nesting Tools
This is an obvious one, but it bears repeating. Opt for collapsible strainers, nesting bowls, and stackable containers. The less room you reserve for air, the more actual stuff you can keep in rotation and daily use.
Look for square or rectangular containers instead of round ones – they fit more snugly in a jammed corner.
Kitchen storage is not a matter of Pinterest perfection. It’s about daily function.
Get ruthless about what you actually use, design your layout with basic tools, and reorganize your pantry according to the space you do have.
