Insanely Easy Kitchen Storage

February 19, 2016
Carving out more storage space in the kitchen doesn't have to cost a fortune. Get organized with these super simple tricks (many using items you already have around the house).
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Max Out Cabinet Doors

Use the insides of your cabinet doors for storage. Stick a corkboard, magnetic board, or peg racks there to hold shopping lists, small tins of spices, or small cooking utensils. Cover the door with chalkboard paint for writing lists and labeling measuring cups and spoons.

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Hang Shelves

Smart Storage Ideas

When space and budget don't allow for new cabinets, add more storage in the kitchen by installing basic shelving on a stretch of wall. Use the expanse to store dinnerware, serving pieces, or decorative items. This mounted shelf used to house trinkets in the living room.

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Simple Storage Baskets

Open storage is a hit in this clean kitchen. Large woven baskets are perfect for storing a mix of dry goods. They can easily be pulled out to empty or refill.

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Plan for Better Kitchen Storage

Optimize you kitchen storage spaces! This storage-packed kitchen is filled with space-saving techniques.

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Spot for Afternoon Tea

A small box groups like items together. This tray easily slides from under a shelf when it's time for some coffee or tea and slides right back into place when done. The clear acrylic allows eyes to gloss over the storage, making the countertop appear uncluttered.

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Store in Farmhouse Finds

Why keep towels hidden in drawers when they're this pretty? Keep neatly folded wash cloths and hand towels in a rustic farmhouse find, like this galvanized tub. The unique metal will look great with a variety of kitchen materials.

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DIY Knife Block

Keep your pointy kitchen tools safely stored without losing their sharpness. Paint a box to match your kitchen and fill it with small wood skewers. They should be loose enough to slide a blade in, but packed enough to keep the handles afloat.

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Hook and Hang

Plain brass screw hooks can hold a variety of kitchen necessities. Try hanging pots, utensils, or even measuring cups. This teacup and coffee mug collection is showcased off the underside of a cupboard where wineglasses used to be stored.

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Solve the Most Annoying Kitchen Storage Problems

No matter how much you're struggling to keep your kitchen efficient and organized, you're bound to run into at least one of these problems. See how we tackle some of the most annoying kitchen storage problems.

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Hang It Up

No place to hang your hand towel? Install coat hooks on the end of your kitchen island. Towels will always be in reach, and you can even hang cooking tools when you need a bit more space on the countertop.

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Use a Pegboard

Not all pegboards are for offices—not even all pegboards are on the walls! Use a pegboard surface in your drawers to keep all your items totally organized. You can rearrange as you like by pulling out the dowels and starting over.

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Use Vintage Finds

Think outside the box when it comes to kitchen storage. A vintage wooden tool caddy filled with serving necessities is a clever way to transport items from the kitchen to the dining room. Plus it can serve as a stunning table centerpiece.

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Rethink the Backsplash

Don't keep knives stored dangerously in a drawer! Turn your backsplash into knife storage by installing a magnetic strip. This simple solution frees up counter space and keeps your cutting tools handy.

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Look Up

Capture unused space over a door or window by hanging a basic shelf above the frame. Use it to store off-season dishes, rarely used serving pieces, specialty cooking oils, or bottles of wine.

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Grab Some Hang Time

Bulky pots and pans take up a lot of room. Free up valuable drawer and cabinet space by hanging them from a ceiling-mount rack. If that's not possible, use hooks to mount them to the wall for artistic effect.

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Boost Storage with Baskets

Baskets are a pretty way to keep messes out of sight. Use them on shelves or in cabinets to organize linens, snacks, utensils, and more. Baskets over the fridge house seasonal goods, while lower baskets take the place of regular drawers for silverware and cutlery.

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Say It with Chalk

Find everything you need quickly when you use large labels. Chalkboard paint is a low-cost solution for adding labels to almost anything in the kitchen. Use it to organize spice jars, containers filled with baking supplies, shelf fronts, and more.

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Instant Pantry Organization

Messy pantry? Tidy up in no time with these clever clutter-busting tricks.

 

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Tame Unruly Drawers

Corral plastic and zip-top bags by storing them in metal tissue holders. The bins are perfect for organizing a drawer and are attractive enough to sit on a counter. A matching silver box holds miscellaneous goods and helps you avoid a junk drawer.

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Transform Towel Bars

Metal towel bars can serve a new purpose in the kitchen when you install them inside a cabinet or pantry door, or mounted to the wall. Use the bar to store lids in your pots and pans cabinet. You can also hang cooking and baking utensils from S-hooks.

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Organize Under the Sink

Control undersink clutter by using clear plastic bins to store like items. Label each container so it's easy to find and return the tools you need. *Tip: Keep a mat or liner below cleaning products for wipeability.

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Upgrade an Island

Get more from an island with a solid back by adding storage bars and bins. It's the perfect spot to keep towels, cutting boards, and other items needed during dinner prep. A paper towel roll at this height is perfect for families with children.

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Claim Wasted Space

Over-the-door storage solutions maximize otherwise wasted space. Use small metal or plastic racks with baskets and bins inside cabinet doors, or choose longer versions with pockets or shelves for pantry doors. This door also capitalizes on storage with the use of adhesive hooks.

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Free Up Those Drawers

Don't let a lack of drawer space cramp your style. Stash silverware in a pretty mug or container. Better yet, this idea makes it easy to move utensils from counter to table when entertaining.

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Try a Temporary Fix

There are times when an oversize cabinet isn't helpful. To keep upright items—like cutting boards, cooling trays, and baking sheets—organized, turn inexpensive tension rods into temporary cabinet dividers. There's no permanent damage done if you decide to rearrange your kitchen storage.

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Label for Organization

Nothing is better for the kitchen than an organized pantry. DIY labels for the pantry not only look great, but also help the family stay organized. Transfer snacks and cooking essentials into clear, airtight containers to keep them fresh and make it easy to find exactly what you need.

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