There’s nothing worse than running out of storage space in your kitchen, forcing you to find an alternative solution. Whether you’re looking for storage hacks to put you on before purchasing a new kitchen or indefinitely, you’ve come to the right place.
Some top hacks for kitchen storage include using drawers and utensil bars for knives, pots, and pans. You can also use hooks to hang up your mugs or measuring cups and add shelves above the sink or stove for extra storage. If you have high shelves, slot in a piece of wood to make two shelves, and get a step stool for easy access.
These are just fingertip hacks, but there’s much more that you can do to increase space in a small kitchen. This article will provide you with several storage hacks to increase storage space in your kitchen, using some clever, quirky, but storage-efficient designs.
Top Hacks for Small Kitchen Storage
Let’s get right into it and look at some of the top hacks for increasing storage space in a small kitchen.
1. Maximize Usage of All Vertical Space
A small kitchen does not have the luxury of space, so you have to sacrifice horizontal space and maximize vertical space. Utilize every inch of your walls by adding shelves, hanging racks, or pegboards to store items like pots, pans, and utensils.
If you have particularly deep shelves, consider turning one unit into two. Just insert a correctly fitted piece of wood (or other material) either slotted in or drilled into the shelving unit.
Halving your shelves creates twice the amount of space, whether that’s for storing food, kitchen utensils, or cooking and recipe books. You’ll need a portable step stool to reach the higher shelves.
Often, in many kitchens, knives and utensils take up a big chunk of the storage space. Instead, why not opt for a knife or utensil bar? Magnetic knife racks are also a great way to free up counter space. They can hold several knives and other metal utensils while freeing up drawer space.
Custom, tall, and slim cabinetry is another excellent way to take advantage of vertical space. These cabinets reach up to the ceiling, providing additional storage without taking up much floor space.
2. Use Multi-Functional Furniture
Functional minimalism is of utmost importance when you’re dealing with limited kitchen space. That’s also where custom ingenuity comes in to solve the storage issue. You need furniture that serves more than one purpose.
A kitchen island is a great example of multi-functional furniture. Use it as a prep station, cooking space, and even dining area by adding stools or chairs.
Another option is to use a small rolling cart. It should have shelves or drawers for extra storage and as an additional prep surface when needed. It can also be a serving cart during gatherings or parties.
What about furniture with built-in storage? Think of hidden compartments or coffee tables with drawers and shelves. You can also hide compartments within benches or build storage into the sides of your dining table.
Foldable chairs, stools, and tables are also great space-saving options. They’re easy to store away when you need the extra floor space.
3. Maximize Cabinet Space with Organizers
Another kitchen hack for storage is making the most of your cabinet space. One way to do this is by using organizers.
Vertical dividers help organize baking sheets, cutting boards, and trays. A tiered shelving unit inside your cabinets can also help to stack smaller items like plates or cans.
Door-mounted racks are another way to maximize cabinet space. They can hold spices and cleaning supplies or even hang small pots and pans.
Drawer organizers are useful for separating utensils and keeping them tidy, as well as for organizing small kitchen gadgets like measuring spoons and whisks.
Apart from organizers, drawer dividers can also help maximize cabinet space. Separating items into categories like baking supplies or cooking utensils makes it much easier to find whatever you need while saving space.
Rods are excellent for hanging dish towels, cleaning tools, and pots. There’s a way you can organize your pots, pans, and lids all in one place, saving you time and frustration.
Dangle a pot rack from the ceiling or mount it to the wall above your stove. Don’t forget about utilizing the space under your cabinets. Install hooks or racks for hanging mugs, tea towels, or even pots and pans.
You can also add shelves underneath for additional storage.
4. Add Hooks to Cabinet Doors and Cabinet Sides
You likely have one or two cabinets that are not connected to another surface and not in the way of an entry point or doorway. Add small hooks to the side of these, a great solution to hanging utensils, chopping boards, pots, pans, or anything that doesn’t quite fit in your standard footprint.
Make full use of cabinet and cupboard doors. Once again, you can add hooks to hang utensils or perhaps add a blackboard to write down recipes, notes, or measuring units. You can also use over-the-door racks inside cabinet doors to hold things like aluminum foil and plastic wrap.
Another trick is to add a towel bar or rack to the back of your cabinet door, perfect for hanging dish towels or even aprons. These small additions may seem insignificant, but they can make a big difference in freeing up space in your kitchen cabinets.
5. Use Clear Containers for Pantry Organization
Keeping track of your pantry items and having them organized is always demanding. Often, items get pushed to the back, and you forget about them, only to discover them months after expiration.
So, rely on clear containers for storing dry goods like:
- Pasta.
- Rice.
- Cereal.
- Snacks.
- Brewed Coffee.
- Dried beans and lentils.
- Nuts and seeds.
- Dehydrated fruits and vegetables.
- Baking ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder.)
- Fermented foods (pickles, sauerkraut.)
Clear containers allow you to easily see what you have on hand and how much you have left. It helps you avoid unnecessary purchases and excess packaging that often wastes valuable space.
Labeling these containers with their contents or expiration dates can also help keep your pantry organized. It also gives your pantry a cohesive look, making it feel more put together.
6. Optimize Counter Space
Before I go over this DIY kitchen storage hack, let me point you to a more detailed guide on how to save counter space in a small kitchen. This tip is just a quick recap of it all.
- Use a mounted knife magnet above the counter and below the cabinets to free up drawer space and keep your knives easily accessible.
- Install hooks or racks on the counter backsplash for hanging pots, pans, and utensils.
- Utilize vertical space by screwing into place hanging baskets for storing frequently used items like spices, oils, and cooking tools.
They may seem small, but you’ll make a tremendous difference, freeing up counter space and making your kitchen look more organized. Plus, having everything within reach while cooking can save you time and effort.
7. Don’t Forget the Ceiling
While this may not be a DIY hack, it’s worth mentioning that utilizing your ceiling space can also add extra storage in your kitchen.
Installing hanging pot racks or shelves from the ceiling can provide more storage for cookware and other kitchen items. Expert technicians will safely install these for you, so you don’t have to worry about any accidents.
Still, don’t go for this option if you have kids or pets who may accidentally bump into the hanging items. Safety must always come first.
You can also use your cabinet tops to store infrequently used appliances or large platters and serve dishes.
Maximizing every inch of your kitchen, including the often overlooked ceiling space, can help keep things organized and clutter-free. Plus, it adds visual interest to your kitchen design.
Come to Us for Custom Small Kitchen Remodeling
If you found these hacks useful, you may end up realizing a kitchen remodel is what you actually need. It’s not just about looks but functionality, too. If you want to make the most of your small kitchen, look no further.
We specialize in custom kitchen remodeling, maximizing space and functionality while creating a beautiful and practical design. Our team of experts strives to understand your unique position and curate a personalized solution.