We all wish for a big kitchen with enough free space and enough cupboards and cabinets to store our kitchen utensils and appliances. But the reality for most of us is the opposite. More often than not, there is a need to add extra storage space into your small kitchen. This is usually because the existing storage cannot comfortably hold all our items without looking like a war zone.
If you continue to leave items on the countertops, there will soon be too many of them, making the kitchen look ugly. The kitchen is where you make your meals. So, regardless of the size, it must always look tidy. If you need help with kitchen organization and storage, we have a solution for you somewhere before the end of this page.
How to Add Extra Storage Space into Your Small Kitchen
1. Roll in the Island
A small kitchen barely has enough space for an island. However, if you go for a rolling kitchen island, you will kill two birds with a stone. Rolling kitchen islands are portable and can be easily moved around the kitchen. This means you can position the island wherever you need it most at any given time. And you can tuck it away against a wall or in a corner to free up floor space when not in use.
Also, many rolling kitchen islands come with additional features such as shelves, drawers, or cabinets for storage. They can also have drop-leaf extensions that provide extra workspace when needed. This versatility allows you to use the island not only for food prep but also as a serving station, storage unit, or even a temporary dining table.
2. Remember, the Dining Is a Sister to the Kitchen
Be bold in using the dining area to your advantage. If it seems impossible to add extra storage space into your small kitchen, make the dining help. There are different ways you can do this. One way is to go for tables with storage underneath.
Another way to do this is to place a sideboard or buffet against a wall in the dining area. These furniture pieces often come with cabinets, drawers, and shelves, offering valuable storage space for kitchen items that may not fit in the main cabinets.
You can also install open shelves on a bare wall in the dining area. Use these shelves to display decorative kitchenware, cookbooks, and other items, which adds storage and creates a visually appealing display.
3. Install Pegboards and Magnetic Strips
You’ll make the most of your vertical wall space when you install pegboards and magnetic strips in your kitchen. Hence, keeping your countertops and cabinets clutter-free. Hanging frequently used items like pots, pans, utensils, and cutting boards on these storage solutions means easy access and clear visibility, saving you time and effort during cooking.
The best part is you can customize the setup to fit your needs, and they add a touch of style to your kitchen walls. These space-saving, easy-to-install solutions help utilize odd spaces and reduce cramping. Thereby making your kitchen more organized and enjoyable to work in.
4. Use the Sides of Cupboards and Drawers
Most people like to leave the sides of their cupboards free. However, suppose you have a small space and intend to maximize it. In that case, the sides of your cupboard are perfect for storing light and simple utensils. This way, you can add extra storage space into your small kitchen. Install door-mounted racks or organizers on the inside of cupboard doors. These are perfect for holding items like spice jars, cutting boards, or small kitchen tools.
You can also attach hooks or rails on the sides of your cupboards to hang mugs, cooking utensils, or dish towels. This keeps frequently used items within reach and frees up space inside the cupboards.
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5. Maximize Your Cabinet Too
You can add a few items to your cabinet if you use the inner part of the door. You can install door-mounted racks, shelves, or organizers on it. These are perfect for storing lids, cutting boards, baking sheets, or cleaning supplies. Also, you can use spice racks that attach to the back of cabinet doors to keep your spice jars organized and easily accessible.
Another thing you can fix on the door of your cabinet is a wire basket. Hang wire baskets or bins on the back of your cabinet doors to store items like kitchen wraps, aluminium foil, or plastic bags.
Alternatively, you can use underneath the dividers if you do not want to use the door. Fix hooks under the dividers separating the cabinets and hang cups or other utensils on them.
6. Go All the Way Up
Have you considered storing items on top of your cupboard? If you want to add extra storage space into your small kitchen, consider going all the way up. Most cupboards are not high to the ceiling, and many people do not consider storing items on top of them. A waste of valuable space! Get some beautiful storage baskets and send some items up there. However, these should be things that you do not often use So that you do not need to climb up too often.
7. Invest in Furniture With Hidden Storage
Investing in furniture with hidden storage is a smart way to optimize space and store items more efficiently in the kitchen. These furniture pieces, such as kitchen islands with drawers or dining benches with hidden compartments, allow you to make the most of underutilized spaces. Hence, keeping countertops and cabinets clutter-free.
Moreover, these multifunctional furniture solutions not only offer storage but also serve practical purposes. Thereby enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of the kitchen.
8. Redesign Your Pantry
For a small kitchen, it will help if you design a pantry that accommodates more stuff than a regular one would. For instance, you can install adjustable shelving to accommodate various item sizes. And use pull-out drawers with compartments or lazy susans for easy access to items at the back.
Also, consider a roll-out pantry unit for narrow spaces. A roll-out pantry will be a good substitute if there is no space in your kitchen for a large-sized cabinet.
Final Words
There are many opportunities where you can add extra storage space into your small kitchen. However, you may not have considered these spaces as storage solutions. Or, you didn’t know how to use them to your advantage. This article has provided up to eight unique ideas and how to apply them. Hopefully, this helps you organize your kitchen better.
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