Last Updated on August 21, 2024
By Graci Woodworth, Storage.com
Here at Storage.com, we want to help people get their homes organized and clean, whether through the use of self-storage or helpful online tips and hacks that you can try yourself.
Both renters and homeowners of every stage can usually agree on one thing—there’s never enough space in the kitchen. Since additional space can be hard to come by when you’re already settled, the process of reorganizing calls for a little investigative work and a lot of innovation. Listed below are ten kitchen hacks for fully maximizing the space you already have.
1. TACKLE “THAT SPACE” BENEATH THE SINK.
Home to the kitchen’s endless collection of cleaning supplies, utensils, and other miscellaneous tools, the infamous space below the sink can be transformed from unorderly to methodized with a few organizational approaches. An easy way to organize “that space” is to position curtain rods or wall hangers for DIY cleaning supplies and garbage bag holders. With frequently-used items fixed up above the base of the cabinet, there’s plenty of space to organize the rest within specific tubs or containers.
2. OPT FOR MAGNETIC SPICE RACKS.
While traditional spice racks are great for keeping all of your seasonings neatly organized, many of them are uniquely shaped and hard to store. If you’re looking for a more efficient method to stash away your spices, DIY magnetic spice containers might be just the solution. Simply stick them to the side of your fridge (or other magnetized surfaces) to keep spices on hand and easy to see when whipping up those tasty recipes.
3. HANG POTS AND PANS.
Save the storage space of larger cupboards for eye-sore items (like bulky appliances), and hang pots and pans from rods, hooks, or racks. Whether you prefer to display entire sets, or an eclectic combination of your go-to cookware, this lived-in kitchen storage hack also makes for quicker preps and clean-ups.
4. DIVIDE AND CONQUER.
Free up some drawer space by placing spatulas, whisks, wooden spoons, and other tools divided into pitchers or crocks near the stove. This clever kitchen hack takes little to no time at all and can be done with pots, ceramics, or mason jars you already have sitting around your home.
5. USE A FILING SYSTEM.
Arranging baking sheets and cutting boards within DIY file folder racks is a simple yet handy trick. Stowing them vertically brings order to the various sizes and edges, which helps keep finishes pristine and intact, too.
6. FILL EMPTY WALL SPACE WITH OPEN SHELVING.
Use any bare walls to your advantage by installing DIY open shelving. This allows you to stock shelves with day-to-day dishes, utensils, or apothecary jars within reach all while keeping the vibe of your kitchen open and airy with this modern design concept.
7. KEEP PRODUCE OFF THE COUNTER.
When life gives you lemons, hang them from the ceiling (at least that’s the new phrase we’re coining). These suspended fruit baskets add a contemporary touch to any kitchen space, while taking fresh produce off the counter tops and out of your way.
8. CREATE A DIY COFFEE STATION.
Take the early-bird routine clutter even further from regular counter space by setting up a DIY coffee station. Designating a separate space for all of the mugs, spoons, and accessories that come with the perfect cup of morning java takes extra bodies out of high-traffic kitchen areas (and might earn you a few more hostess points along the way). If you needed another excuse to invest in a bar cart or similar portable shelving piece, this is it!
9. REVAMP THE CATCH-ALL DRAWER.
Hoarding everything from old receipts to batteries and thumbtacks, the catch-all drawer (otherwise known as the “junk drawer”) doesn’t have to be an overwhelming sea of clutter. Placing space dividers within the drawer allows you to differentiate items by their miscellaneous uses. For a quick-fix, you can even make dividers by using small baking sheets or the tops of old shoe boxes, jewelry boxes, or check boxes.
10. POSITION A WINE RACK.
The top of your fridge is no place to balance happy-hour essentials—winos and cocktail enthusiasts alike can attest. Instead, arrange your slew of wine bottles and glasses in an organized fashion by mounting a wine rack or case (like this DIY wine rack made from a wood pallet).
What are some of your favorite DIY kitchen hacks? Tell us in the comments!
