If you are frustrated by the small size of your kitchen, this blog post is for you. Having a small kitchen does not necessarily mean having cluttered cabinets where all the stuff is stacked messily. By organizing wisely, you can expand your storage space, maximize efficiency, and maintain a tidy look.
In this blog post, we will provide ideas for how to organize a small kitchen and help you have a neat, clean, and efficient kitchen in which all the items you need are easily accessible.
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The Challenges of Small Kitchens
A major part of your life happens in the kitchen. Kitchens are the space in which you prepare food, cook, dine, gather, and spend quality family time. So, having a small kitchen can make things tough. Here are some common challenges you may be dealing with:
- Limited counter space that does not leave you with enough room for meal prep or appliances.
- Insufficient storage space leads to cluttered cabinets, so you have trouble every time you want to find an item.
- A cluttered look that seems impossible to get rid of, making you feel miserable.
25 Ideas to Organize a Small Kitchen
Even the smallest kitchens can be organized, clutter-free, smart, and functional. The key is to know how to use every inch of the space properly to increase storage space, make use of otherwise unused spaces, reduce unnecessary movements, and create a functional kitchen.
Here are 25 ideas to organize a small kitchen:
Install vertical shelves to use wall space more effectively
In a small kitchen, you can add to the space by getting the most out of your vertical space. Installing vertical shelves helps you increase your storage space while keeping your items within reach. Also, vertical shelves draw the eye upward and create an illusion of a larger space.
Vertical shelves are ideal for storing small items such as spices, jars, or small appliances. You can consider installing vertical shelves above counters or near the ceiling. Keep the shelves tidy for a more integrated look.
Use magnetic strips to store knives or spice jars on the wall
Magnetic strips are a brilliant idea to keep your knives and metal spice jars within reach, without occupying your storage space. This way, you can keep the knives and spices in order and empty your drawers to store other appliances.
Mount magnetic strips on the backsplash near the stove or prep area for easier access while cooking.
Add hooks under cabinets for hanging mugs or utensils
Do not underestimate the effect of having a few hooks under your wall cabinets. You can also use S-hooks on a rail to have versatile hanging options. Use the hooks to hang mugs, pans, cutting boards, towels, cloths, etc.
This way, turn the useless under the cabinet area into a storage space. Also, this idea keeps your items in order, reduces the mess in the drawers, and frees up space to store other items in the drawers and cabinets.
Use stackable containers to save space in drawers and cabinets
Sometimes, having more space is just about organizing things. By using stackable containers, you can organize your items, make the most of vertical space inside cabinets and drawers, reduce clutter, and simplify finding the item you need.
Use clear containers, so you can see the inside and find the item you want more easily. Stackable containers are especially ideal for storing dry goods or baking supplies.
Hang a pegboard for pots, pans, and kitchen tools
Pegboards are highly customizable storage solutions that transform empty wall space into a versatile organizing system. Pegboards are available in different sizes, ideal for storing items of various sizes.
In the kitchen, you can hang a pegboard on an empty wall and hang different items such as pots, pans, spatulas, or other utensils. A pegboard helps you empty space in drawers and cabinets, keep your frequently used items within reach, and adds an industrial or rustic charm to your kitchen.
Use tension rods inside cabinets to divide items
Tension rods are another inexpensive, versatile solution to organize items and add to your storage space. You can place them vertically or horizontally inside cabinets as dividers. You can also use them as a shelf for smaller items.
Tension rods prevent items from sliding or stacking messily, keep the items in space, and make them accessible.
Add a rolling cart for extra prep or storage space
A rolling cart is another idea to organize a small kitchen. Rolling carts are flexible solutions for adding storage or counter space to your small kitchen. The positive point about rolling carts is that you can move them around as needed or park them out of the way. They come in various models with shelves, drawers, or racks. Choose the one that best suits you.
Store cutting boards and baking sheets vertically
Cutting boards and baking sheets occupy much space if kept horizontally. Store them vertically, using dividers or tension rods to free up space for other items. This method also provides easier access to them; you can grab the piece you want easily without disturbing others.
Use clear bins with labels in the fridge and pantry
You can use clear bins to organize items. This way, you can group similar items in the fridge and pantry, reduce visual clutter, and make it easier to find what you need. For more comfort, you can label the bins to avoid confusion.
Add a shelf riser to double the space in cabinets
Shelf risers help you expand vertical storage space inside the cabinets. Shelf risers are available in various sizes, and you can use them to stack plates, mugs, or canned goods without crushing the items below.
Hang baskets from the ceiling or above cabinets
Hanging baskets from ceiling hooks or above cabinets is a creative idea to provide more space for storing lightweight items and transform the look of your kitchen. Using baskets adds a rustic, cozy feel to the kitchen, while keeping your items easily accessible but out of the way. Use baskets to store onions, garlic, kitchen towels, etc.
Install pull-out shelves or drawers in lower cabinets
Pull-out shelves or drawers are another way to make deep cabinets more accessible and maximize storage efficiency. Instead of digging around in the dark spaces of corner cabinets, pull-out shelves, and drawers help you access your items easily. This way, you can use the otherwise hard-to-reach corners of your cabinet more efficiently.
Use the back of cabinet doors for small racks or organizers
Cabinet doors are not just for keeping your items and appliances out of sight. You can use the back of cabinet doors to expand your storage space. Attach racks or hooks to store small items like spice jars, cutting boards, or cleaning supplies. This way, you can keep the counter clutter-free while having your items within reach.
Group similar items together by function (e.g., baking, breakfast)
To have an organized kitchen in which you can access your items more easily, you can group similar items together by their function. This way, you can streamline your kitchen workflow. For example, you can group your baking supplies, cooking utensils, breakfast items, etc., to reduce search time.
Rotate seasonal or rarely used items to higher shelves
You can also sort your items by how much you use them. You want to keep everyday items within reach, while some items are used only once in a while and can be kept elsewhere. Use higher shelves and hard-to-reach spots to store items you rarely use. This way, you can empty prime space to keep your daily essentials.
Limit countertop appliances to daily use only
Countertops are a great place to store items you use daily. On the other hand, countertops are your prep area. Also, too many countertops look messy and can feel overwhelming. Just keep the items you use every day on the countertop, like the coffee maker or toaster. Store other appliances, such as mixers or blenders, in cabinets to maintain a clean look and provide enough prep work space.
Store dry goods in uniform, stackable containers
Use uniform, stackable containers to store dry goods, such as flour, sugar, pasta, and beans. Uniform, stackable containers add a cohesive look and maximize your cabinet space, and keep ingredients fresh. Use clear containers and label them for clarity.
Use drawer organizers for utensils and small tools
Drawer dividers are another simple, budget-friendly, yet highly effective way to avoid clutter and keep drawers neat and tidy. You can use adjustable dividers to create compartments according to the size of your small utensils. You can use dividers to store measuring spoons, utensils, or small gadgets.
Add a fold-down table or cutting board to save space
If you do not have enough prep or dining space, consider adding a fold-down table or cutting board. This smart idea offers you extra prep or dining space, and you can fold them down when not needed.
Hang a dish-drying rack over the sink when needed
To free up space on the counter, you can hang a dish-drying rack over the sink, instead of taking up the counter space. A hanging rack helps you keep the counter clear, also the water will drip directly into the basin. You can consider foldable or removable racks, so you can easily fold or remove them when not needed.
Declutter regularly: donate what you don’t use
If your kitchen still looks cluttered and busy, let go of some of your unused items. Check your kitchen appliances regularly, see if you really need all you have, especially check the bulky appliances that take up much space. If you have not used some items for the past year, it may be time to donate them.
Install under-shelf baskets to use “air space” in cabinets
Under-shelf baskets are another simple, inexpensive way to maximize space in the cabinets. They help you convert air space into useful storage spaces. You can use these baskets to store various items, such as snacks, dish towels, and cutting boards. By doing so, you can use the often-wasted vertical space in your cabinet, keep the inside of the cabinets neat, and reduce the clutter.
Use labeled jars and baskets to maintain order
Jars and baskets are a must in kitchens to maintain order. They are available in different sizes, so you can use them to store items of different sizes. To maintain a coherent look, get matching jars for items of similar groups. You can use jars to store goods such as flour, rice, or snacks. Label them to be able to find what you need quickly.
Put similar items in each basket for more order. Then you can store the baskets inside the cabinets or pantry. This way, you can have easy access to your items while keeping the kitchen tidy.
Keep only essential duplicates (e.g., 2 spatulas instead of 5)
Do you have to search the drawers for several minutes every time you need a knife or spatula? Check if you have several items of the same type in your kitchen. Do you really need 5 spatulas, peelers, or knives? Keep one or two of each item you truly use and donate or store extras out of sight. This way, you will have tidier drawers and it will be easier to find the items you need.
Create kitchen “zones” to streamline tasks and storage
To have a smarter kitchen, you should define zones and organize your tools and appliances accordingly. Assign different parts of your kitchen to cooking, prepping, and dining, and keep the items of each part close to the area to maximize efficiency and organization.
You can keep cooking tools near the stove, prep tools and cutting boards close to the countertop, and group baking items together in one cabinet. This way, you can find the items more easily and minimize unnecessary back-and-forth in the kitchen.
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