If you aren’t blessed with a big kitchen, there are still plenty of creative storage hacks you can implement to make the most of your teeny-tiny space and create a more enjoyable space to cook and meal prep. Here are our best small solutions to keep your kitchen more organized and welcoming, even if you’re on a budget.
Embraced tiered multifunctional shelving
Instead of getting just regular shelves, you can get a unit that has shelving on top, small pull-out tools for kitchen essentials, and hooks for mugs underneath, offering a clever storage solution for multiple items in the same space.
There are also hanging shelves with different tiers that can be hung off a fridge or the side of a cabinet.
Using empty space above your cabinets
Some people choose to decorate this area, but it’s a hidden gem for storing items you won’t use every day.
Think seasonal or holiday items, which you can even hide in decorative bins for a less cluttered look.
Use space under shelves
If you have a ton of spices and don’t have enough counter space for a dedicated place to put them, you can place a small hanging shelf inside a pantry or cabinet to free up additional space and allow you to organize your spices with better visibility.
Storage baskets on top of the fridge
Yes, your fridge counts as a shelf too! You can store dishes you don’t use often, or you can place baskets on top of them to contain items like extra bags, bread, chips, or anything else. The baskets will help hide these items, allowing for a more streamlined look.
Go magnetic
Empty walls and surfaces are begging to be taken advantage of in a tiny kitchen. You can install magnetic strips to keep knives and other utensils off the counter, or place small magnetic tins to the side of the fridge to store spices.
Take advantage of the gaps
Every inch matters when you have a small kitchen. You can place a slim rolling storage cart in gaps between your counter and fridge or stove, where you can keep tinned items, oils, and spices. Expandable racks are ideal for holding lids inside cabinets to stop them from clattering and rolling out.
Invest in nesting gear and collapsible items
If you want to start small rather than making big changes to cabinets, you can use items like a collapsible colander, nesting mixing bowls, stackable fruit and veggie bowls, and nesting measuring cups that conveniently stack into a single unit.
Use an over-the-sink caddy and cutting board
An over-the-sink organizer holds everything from sponges and scrubbers to bar soap and cleaning essentials. It hangs over the sink, meaning water won’t get on the counters, and easy detachment gives you full access to your sink, while extendable bars on many let you place it vertically or horizontally.
On the other hand, over-the-sink cutting boards free up counter space.
Replace a kitchen island with a versatile kitchen trolley
Small kitchens don’t have space for an island, but you can use a compact trolley or cart on wheels as a makeshift island to cook and prep meals.
The portable nature also means you can move it out of the way when needed or even use it as a bar cart when guests are over for a sleeker look.
Use a utensil organizer
Brands like OXO have adjustable and extendable separators that you can move around as well as pull-out sections that you can push underneath the main tray, letting you see everything at a glance and ensuring things aren’t lost underneath each other. There’s nothing worse than getting a storage solution that doesn’t fit, so remember to check dimensions beforehand.