One of the most common complaints homeowners have about their kitchen is the lack of storage space. One solution is to hire a contractor to remodel your kitchen; but if you aren’t quite ready for that project, here are a few tips to help you create a well-organized kitchen in your existing space.
One of the best ways to increase storage space in the kitchen is to think vertically. Installing shelves, pot hangers and other vertical storage options will allow you to conveniently store many kitchen items – decreasing clutter within cabinets, drawers and closets. Other vertical spaces in kitchens that can double as storage options are the backs of doors, tops of cabinets and above the island. Basically,
anywhere you can add shelves or hanging storage units will help with kitchen organization.
Stackable food containers are a great way to achieve kitchen organization in pantries and other areas where you store food (including the refrigerator). Airtight plastic containers are easy to reseal, they keep foods fresh, and because they are stackable, they keep things neat and orderly.
Store everyday cleaning supplies under the sink or in a designated area, and hang a broom and dustpan holder in an out-of-the-way-yet-convenient spot, such as the little gap beside the refrigerator. All other cleaning supplies that aren’t used as often can be stored in another area of your home – perhaps the garage, basement or laundry room.
Closet, cabinet and drawer organizers are available for purchase at most department stores – all are designed to keep your kitchen tidier. If you don’t find the solution you are looking for in the housewares department, check out office supply stores. They have many handy options that can easily be used in the kitchen.
Finally, if after organizing you find that you still have too much clutter in the kitchen, it may be time to downsize your kitchen belongings. Instead of keeping all of your rarely used small appliances (such as the ice cream maker or the bread machine) on the countertop or cabinets, find another home for them – a hall closet, or a shelf in the garage or basement. You can grab them when you want to use them, yet they aren’t taking up precious kitchen storage space.
By implementing these tips, you should be able to organize your kitchen space so it is more functional, less cluttered and overall more enjoyable to cook and entertain in.