Clutter. We all have it – especially in the kitchen. As one of the most-used rooms in the house, the kitchen is especially susceptible to accumulating clutter.
Over time, things just build up: multiple potato peelers, kitchen gadgets, kids’ cups, and more. Just because you have it, though, doesn’t mean you have to look at it. When you utilize smart kitchen storage, you can tame your clutter and get organized.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel or just looking to add a few kitchen storage features, the ideas in this blog can help.
Let’s jump in.
6 Smart Kitchen Storage Ideas to Help You Combat Clutter
Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or looking for ways to make your current kitchen function better, these six ideas can help:
1. Utilize vertical space
There’s a lot of vertical space in a kitchen: the backs of doors, the inside of cabinets, doors, and walls, to name a few. Unfortunately, this valuable space is often under-utilized. To combat your clutter, start by making the most of vertical storage.
Hang cutting boards and knives on the wall using specialized storage racks, or invest in a pot and pan holder that allows you to hang cooking utensils over your kitchen island.
Install inexpensive hanging door racks to store canned goods and other staples on the back of the pantry door, or invest in pot and pan organizers that stand your cooking items vertically on your shelves rather than stacking them inside of one another horizontally.
2. Take your cabinets up to the ceiling
If you have the budget to redo them, consider installing cabinets that stretch to the ceilings. The top portions of your new cabinets are a great place to store seldom-used kitchen gadgets, serving platters, and more. Bonus points – the cabinet update will also make your kitchen look larger and airier.
3. Utilize all available space
Are you living with a tiny kitchen? You don’t have to tear it down and remodel everything. Instead, consider utilizing space you might not have thought of before.
Hanging wall shelves or shelves tucked above kitchen windows can all become a great place to display beautiful plates or mugs or store kitchen essentials. If you have a spare hallway closet, consider converting it into an extension of your pantry.
These small changes can make a big difference in kitchen storage.
4. Get organized
Clutter is easier to deal with when you don’t have too much of it. With this in mind, get serious about decluttering your kitchen as much as possible.
Here are some tips:
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Get rid of duplicate items. Most of us collect duplicates over time, but nobody needs three can openers. Get rid of duplicates to make more space in your kitchen.
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Combine like with like. Have three jars of open paprika? Organize your spices to combat some clutter. Combine them into a single, large spice jar and label the top so you can find everything easily in your spice rack.
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Upgrade where possible. Kitchen technology has come a long way. Today, dozens of multi-purpose pots, pans, and utensils are available. If you need more space in your kitchen, consider investing in a few of these multipurpose items. Some companies make a pot-and-pan duo that includes a steamer basket and colander so you can make a complete dinner in just one dish.
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Break out the label maker. A place for everything and everything in its place. As you progress on your kitchen storage journey, use a label-maker to help remind yourself (and everyone else in your house) where things should go. This is a great way to maintain the system you’re building.
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Contain it. A good container storage system is critical for functional kitchen storage. Keep food, pantry essentials, and spices in labeled glass jars for a polished, organized, highly usable approach.
5. Build in specialized storage
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, you have an excellent opportunity to up your kitchen storage. The best way to do this is simply by updating your cabinets. Even if you have a tiny kitchen, adding more cabinet storage can make it much more functional.
Investing in custom cabinetry will allow you to create essentials like built-in spice racks, islands with storage drawers, customized wine coolers, or pull-out recycling and compost centers.
If you’re unsure where to start with kitchen storage, work with a kitchen designer to identify your must-haves and create a kitchen that addresses your pain points.
6. Utilize freestanding storage
Look around your house to find items you can repurpose for kitchen storage. An old file cabinet can become a great storage accessory, for example, as can a rolling bar cart.
If you need more space, consider lining two or three bar carts or cabinets up next to one another to create a horizontal workspace with additional storage for pots, pans, and other essentials below. In addition to making your kitchen more functional, repurposing items like these can add a funky, vintage feel to your space.
Cabinet Depot: Your Source for Custom Cabinets and More
While organizing your kitchen doesn’t always require a total overhaul, remodeling your cabinetry is one of the best ways to deal with clutter and create more kitchen storage.
At Cabinet Depot, we work with clients throughout the Pensacola area and beyond to conduct custom kitchen remodels and design beautiful, all-American, all-wood custom cabinets.
Our cabinets are made from a variety of quality wood options, colors, and styles so they’re guaranteed to blend with your existing decor or start something new and fresh.
Not sure what you want? If you’re in the Pensacola area, visit our showroom to experience the different wood varieties, feel the action of drawer slides and hinges, and experiment with different cabinet hardware to create your unique look.
Ready to start your custom cabinet journey? Contact our team today to learn more about our process and how we can help you get the kitchen of your dreams.