If we could have one superpower, it would be to magically expand our kitchens by six feet with a snap of our fingers. Unfortunately, that’s not very likely—but there are some ways we can conjure up extra storage space in cramped kitchens anyway. To maximize your kitchen storage, you can start by figuring out which spaces are underutilized and investing in clever organizers that take advantage of every square inch. Here are some of our favorite space-saving solutions to support you get the most out of your kitchen:
Over the Sink
Dishes can be a real hassle to clean up after dinner—and they’re also hard to keep track of when you have several going at once. If your kitchen is small, it probably doesn’t come with many extra cabinets or drawers where dishes could go while drying. So what are you supposed to do? Drip trays allow collecting water that would otherwise flow onto the counter or into a sink. They’re also a great way to keep dishes organized while they dry, especially if you have small children who are still learning to do the dishes. You can buy a drip tray cover at just about any store that sells kitchen supplies—but if you already have a dish drainer, you can easily turn it into one of these with just a little bit of duct tape!
The Empty Space by the Side of Your Fridge
If you have standard-sized cabinets, chances are good that there’s a gap between your refrigerator and the cabinet next to it. Fill this space with a slim rolling shelf; its low profile lets you store smaller items like condiments, spices, or canned goods without sacrificing valuable countertop real estate. This slim organizer has three height options that let you choose the one that lines up with your lower countertop so that it can hide out of sight yet within reach. The drawer can store glassware, bar tools, and even extra napkins. It’s a great way to keep everything in one place, so you don’t have to hunt for it when guests arrive.
Inside the Cabinets
Look inside your kitchen cabinets. If you see a lot of empty vertical space in-between stacks of cups, bowls, or plates and the shelf above them, you should invest in stacking shelves that can make use of this dead air space. Adding a bamboo shelf over your cabinets can double the space for dishes and cups. You can also use the space above your Sink or stove to store pots and pans. Adding a shelf that extends from the wall into your cabinets is an easy way to use this wasted vertical space. You can add baskets to hold dish towels and other kitchen linens on these shelves.
Under Open Shelving
If you have open racks in your kitchen, use the space below them by filling a basket with plastic wrap or tin foil and hanging dishcloths and oven mitts on hooks. It will also help keep your kitchen looking neat and clean. Under Sink If you have an under-the-sink cabinet, make use of the space by adding a basket to hold cleaning products. You can add shelves above this basket to store things like Tupperware or small appliances. The space below your Sink can hold cleaning products, rags, and towels. You can also add hooks to hang dishcloths on.
Hanging Overhead
Many kitchens have plenty of unused space, including on the ceiling. This three-tiered hanging basket takes advantage of that and can hold fruits and vegetables that don’t need to be refrigerated. You can also hang baskets on hooks for extra storage. It will allow you to keep cooking utensils and dishtowels off your counters. If you h a lot of baking equipment, consider hanging some shelves from the ceiling so that everything is easily accessible but out of the way. If you have limited counter space, hanging baskets can be a significant way to add some extra storage. You can also use them to hold things like cooking utensils and dishtowels off your counters. If you have a lot of baking equipment, consider hanging some shelves from the ceiling so that everything is easily accessible but out of the way.