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  5. Declutter Your Kitchen for Less with These Budget-Friendly Storage Ideas

Declutter Your Kitchen for Less with These Budget-Friendly Storage Ideas

Caitlin Sole headshot
By Caitlin Sole Updated December 30, 2021
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freestanding kitchen shelves
Credit: Scott Little
You don't have to shell out big bucks to get a beautifully organized kitchen. These affordable kitchen storage solutions help you organize cabinets, open shelves, islands, pantries, and more, even on a tight budget.
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Hang Floating Shelves

floating kitchen shelves
Credit: Jeff Herr

If you have a bit of extra wall space but not enough room for cabinetry, add a pair of floating shelves. Install hooks under the bottom shelf for hanging coffee mugs, utensils, or hand towels. Style open kitchen shelves with daily essentials, like coffee mugs, drinking glasses, and plates or bowls, for easy access to your most-used items.

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Organize Water Bottles

kitchen cabinet storage
Credit: Jay Wilde

Keep water bottles within reach and in view by stacking them in magazine files. This cheap kitchen storage essential can be found at dollar stores so you can save when organizing your cabinets. Rest the inexpensive organizers on their backs for quick grab-and-go access.

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Add Freestanding Shelves

freestanding kitchen shelves
Credit: Scott Little

Bookshelves aren't limited to reading materials. Locate one near your kitchen to store all your cooking odds and ends. Stack the storage unit high with dishware, spices, and cookbooks to free up cabinet space.

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Gather Loose Lids

tupperware lid organization
Credit: Jay Wilde

Utilize thrifty organizers to make over the chaotic space where you stash food-storage containers. A wall file mounted to a cabinet door is an easy solution for separating plastic lids from bases. Stack lids from largest to smallest to easily identify the size you need.

Related: Genius Solutions for Food Storage Containers

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Incorporate Clear Containers

glass food storage containers
Credit: Michael Partenio

Keep a uniform look on your countertops with clear storage containers. Buy them in bulk online from kitchen supply stores for less. They're good for storing dry cereals, pet foods, and snacks, too. Even apothecary jars with lost or broken lids can be used to store a countertop collection of rolling pins on end.

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Hang Pegboard

pegboard kitchen storage
Credit: Adam Albright

A simple pegboard makes use of blank walls to store a variety of kitchen items. This customizable solution works for pots and pans, as well as clunky utensils, like whisks and big spoons. Combine multiple sections to create a wall of cheap kitchen organization.

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Try Tension Rods

kitchen drawer tension curtain rods
Credit: Jay Wilde

Rethink how you use inexpensive tension curtain rods. Place rows of the affordable window-treatment hardware inside a cabinet to create adjustable compartments. Use them to keep plastic food-container lids, baking sheets, or serving trays upright and organized.

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Label Pantry Containers

pull out cabinet organization
Credit: Paul Dyer

Maximize the space in your pantry with labeled baskets in bright colors. Group individually wrapped snacks and breakfast essentials out of their boxes and in the bins to make mornings a breeze. For added pantry organization, label shelves with the category of its contents as well.

Related: Pretty Printable Labels to Organize Your Pantry

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Turn Cabinetry into Open Shelves

Don't want to spend money on new shelves? See how to convert your existing cabinetry into open shelves. This DIY project can help a small space seem larger and provide quick access to kitchen essentials.

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Utilize Hooks

Wall hooks for letter and leash storage
Credit: Marty Baldwin

Add hooks to the back or side of a shallow cabinet near the family entry to keep track of keys, umbrellas, bags, and anything else you might need as you head out the door. Screw-in cup hooks are ideal for holding keys; use removable adhesive-back hooks for other items so you can change the arrangement and number of hooks when needed.

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Organize Kitchen Drawers

open drawer full of assorted baking utensils
Credit: Marshall Johnson

An average drawer becomes more purposeful with the addition of a drawer organizer. A compartmentalized insert neatly stores utensils. Add labels to the compartments to designate spaces for specific items. Alternatively, look for cheap kitchen storage containers at dollar stores, like the plastic containers in the this baking drawer, to group like items.

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Install Island Add-Ons

black kitchen island utility hanger
Credit: Lincoln Barbour

Not all storage belongs behind closed doors. Make frequently used items easy to find and access when you outfit the side of an island with affordable add-ons. Consider bars for tea towels and paper towels or a repurposed wire bin to house cutting boards and rolling pins.

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Incorporate Shelf Risers

kitchen baking storage
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour

A collapsible riser designed for cabinet interiors lends heightened storage when tackling hands-on recipes. Prepare a workstation by arranging ingredients in the created space underneath, and set dishes and utensils on top. Once you're finished cooking, collapse the riser flat and store it in a pantry or base cabinet.

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Build an Island from Cabinets

kitchen with blue organized island
Credit: Adam Albright

Casters and a countertop take standard sofa tables to a new level. Attached, the tables create additional storage, while wheels transform it into a portable island and food prep station. Roll it in when you need extra counter space or a set of specialized tools stored within.

Related: How to Build Your Own Kitchen Island from Cabinets

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Employ a Wire Rack

stainless steel kitchen shelving
Credit: Brie Williams

Take a cue from restaurant kitchens and add a stainless-steel storage shelf to an empty wall in your kitchen. This approach maximizes the height and bare wall space. Outfit an affordable wire rack with seldom-used small appliances, perishables purchased in bulk, or dishware saved for special occasions to free up space in your cabinets and pantry for items you use regularly.

Related: Freestanding Pantry Storage Ideas

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Hang Baskets

hang baskets in kitchen
Credit: Kimberly Gavin

Baskets are helpful for organizing kitchen utensils, cleaning supplies, and fresh produce. Place a pair of baskets above a sink using a metal rod or adhesive hooks for easy access. A wire design allows you to see contents at a glance and helps wet dishes and sponges dry quicker.

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Attach Corkboard to Cabinet Doors

cork board cabinet pantry
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour

Applying cork to a door face or cabinet interior is a handy way to organize notes and lists. Use spray adhesive or double-sided adhesive strips to apply the inexpensive sheets of corkboard. Store recipes, chore lists, and coupon clippings on the boards while keeping the surface of your cabinetry clutter-free.

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Turn a Caddy into Spice Storage

countertop galvanized metal organizer
Credit: Greg Scheidemann

Repurpose a vintage metal caddy or milk crate as moveable spice storage. Stock it with salt and pepper, frequently used spices, oils, and fresh herbs to season meals at the table. Keep the holder near food prep and cooking zones, then transfer it to the table during meals.

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Organize Your Freezer with Containers

labeled freezer storage
Credit: Adam Albright

If the items in your freezer are expiring because you can't find what you need when you need it, seek out low-cost storage for a tidy refrigerator. A trip to a dollar store or down the clearance aisles at the home center can yield storage bargains galore, including colorful wire bins for sorting frozen meat. Opt for stackable clear containers to keep foods tidy and on view; add labels to note contents and "use by" dates.

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Mount a Knife Rack

kitchen knife storage
Credit: Edmund Barr

A blank wall holds untapped storage potential. One strategy to put this space to work for pennies: Add magnetized strips to one side of a finished board, and secure it to your backsplash to hold knives. This makes knives easy to grab and use, plus simple to put away.

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Set Up a Cleaning Station

over-the-door metal caddy
Credit: Adam Albright

Keep your cleaning supplies organized and ready to use with an over-the-door metal caddy. The lower rack is perfect for holding bottles of supplies, while the upper rack keeps sponges and scrubbers at the forefront.

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Add Shelves to Pantry Doors

cabinet added storage shelves
Credit: Michael Partenio

Multiply the capacity of any cabinet when you add storage to the interior side of the door. Six shallow shelves fit neatly between this door and the interior shelves to offer space for single-file lines of little luxuries and kitchen dry goods. Lips on each door shelf keep items from tumbling off.

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Consider a Plate Rack

wood plate rack blue wall dining table centerpiece
Credit: Carson Downing

A plate rack offers a pretty way to display dishes while storing them safely on edge. Position your plate rack in a spot that's convenient to the dishwasher so dishes are easy to put away or near the dining table for quick access. For a budget-friendly option, build your own DIY plate rack.

Related: 31 Creative Ways to Store Dishes and Utensils That Go Beyond Cabinetry

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Fashion a Pot Rack in a Pinch

s hook pot rack
Credit: Michael Partenio

S hooks suspended from the ventilation hood above the cooktop make simple, stylish storage. Hang a collection of shiny copper bowls or other vintage cooking pieces.

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Fashion a Baking Center

measuring cup hooks in cabinet
Credit: Edmund Barr

Install hooks and labels on the inside of a cabinet door within your kitchen baking center so every measuring spoon and cup has its proper place. Add a conversion chart for good measure.

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Keep a Rolling Pin Handy

rolling pin holder
Credit: Jean Allsopp

For a baker, a rolling pin must be close at hand at all times. A simple storage hook mounted to the side of a cabinet keeps the baking essential at hand and frees up a drawer for smaller utensils.

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Create a Utensil Caddy from Mason Jars

mason jar utensil caddy
Credit: Paul Dyer

Add cottage style to any table setting and make serving a snap by upcycling glass jars. This utensil caddy is made out of glass milk jars and a simple metal handle. Mason jars also work for organizing silverware into a simple serving station.

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Stack Baskets

wicker picnic basket storage
Credit: Megan Chaffin and Werner Straube

Keep your eyes peeled for vintage wicker picnic baskets at flea markets or estate sales, and use them to stow kitchen gear and keep countertops clear of clutter. Stack baskets in a countertop corner to store linens, dishware, or even stacks of coupons and household papers.

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Shop for Over-the-Door Solutions

over the door kitchen towel bar
Credit: Jay Wilde

Make use of the backside of cabinet doors, as well as the insides, for additional kitchen storage. An over-the-door storage unit keeps mismatched towels out of sight and handy for dish duty. Measure the width of your cabinet door and consider the contents of your cabinet to determine the best size for over-the-door cabinet storage.

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Build Easy Beverage Storage

triangular storage niches
Credit: Erica George Dines

Turn an open display shelf into triangular storage niches for just a few dollars. Add intersecting 1x boards, as shown, to one or more shelf sections to create attractive, angular storage that works well for displaying and storing everything from wine to rolled cloth napkins.

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Hang Display Shelves

long display shelf
Credit: Michael Partenio

A single ledge or shelf installed near the ceiling can take advantage of untapped storage potential. This long shelf displays and stores bottles of oils and vinegars, showing off golden hues and shapely outlines while drawing attention to the rustic ceiling beams and beautiful lighting.

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By Caitlin Sole

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    1 of 31 Hang Floating Shelves
    2 of 31 Organize Water Bottles
    3 of 31 Add Freestanding Shelves
    4 of 31 Gather Loose Lids
    5 of 31 Incorporate Clear Containers
    6 of 31 Hang Pegboard
    7 of 31 Try Tension Rods
    8 of 31 Label Pantry Containers
    9 of 31 Turn Cabinetry into Open Shelves
    10 of 31 Utilize Hooks
    11 of 31 Organize Kitchen Drawers
    12 of 31 Install Island Add-Ons
    13 of 31 Incorporate Shelf Risers
    14 of 31 Build an Island from Cabinets
    15 of 31 Employ a Wire Rack
    16 of 31 Hang Baskets
    17 of 31 Attach Corkboard to Cabinet Doors
    18 of 31 Turn a Caddy into Spice Storage
    19 of 31 Organize Your Freezer with Containers
    20 of 31 Mount a Knife Rack
    21 of 31 Set Up a Cleaning Station
    22 of 31 Add Shelves to Pantry Doors
    23 of 31 Consider a Plate Rack
    24 of 31 Fashion a Pot Rack in a Pinch
    25 of 31 Fashion a Baking Center
    26 of 31 Keep a Rolling Pin Handy
    27 of 31 Create a Utensil Caddy from Mason Jars
    28 of 31 Stack Baskets
    29 of 31 Shop for Over-the-Door Solutions
    30 of 31 Build Easy Beverage Storage
    31 of 31 Hang Display Shelves

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    Declutter Your Kitchen for Less with These Budget-Friendly Storage Ideas
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