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Small Kitchen Storage Ideas

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Storage Solutions for Small Kitchens

My kitchen is soo small (how small is it)? It's so small, that only one person can stand in it at a time. I live in New York City, where space is at a premium. My counter is the size of a sheet of paper. No drawers. A full-size fridge (yay), but a half-size stove (just big enough for a cheesecake). There are two standard size cabinets, and two half-size cabinets. And that's it. No more storage.

With a space this tiny, great storage ideas for small kitchens are a necessity. Here are some of the products and tips that I use so that I can store everything, find what I need, and still get food on the table every day.

Photo credit: me

Repurpose

Look at organizing with a fresh eye - use a sock organizer for small cans and jars.

Small Kitchen Organizer

Sock Box - Clear Drawer Organizer - Set of 2

Amazon Price: $24.00 (as of 06/03/2012)

This is supposed to be for socks, but I use several in my microwave cart. They're great for keeping smaller items in one place. One has plastic container lids, another has small cans of tomato sauce and tomato paste. A third has small jars (like sesame oil and rice vinegar). No socks in sight.

Small Space Storage Solutions

If your space is small, then you need to think a bit differently.

1Limited floor space? Look up! Hang things from the walls. I've got my spice rack, wire shelving, teaspoons, and paper towels on the wall.
2Use wire racks to double your shelf space. I put wire shelves in my microwave cart, giving me two levels instead of just one.
3Get pots that stack! If you're really stuck for cabinet space, try a marine or camping store. They've got sets of pots that stack into each other, so they take up less space.
4Measure appliances and space before you buy. Not every toaster oven or blender will fit. Take a tape measure when you go shopping, or measure (and write down) your counter size before you buy online.
5Look for double (or triple) duty appliances and furnishings. My microwave cart is also a cabinet, a towel holder, a knife block, storage for silverware, and counter space.
6Move cookbooks to another room. Since my living room/dining area/kitchen is all really one big space, the cookbooks are on a shelf over the TV. I only have to walk a few feet to get the one I need.
7Store plastic bags in an old tissue box. Thumbtack or nail it to the inside of a kitchen cabinet door. Or, for a more elegant solution, try a fabric plastic bag holder.
8Use wire baskets to separate your cleaning supplies, or keep all your pots together.
9Hang small appliances (like microwaves or toaster/ovens) under your cabinets. Or, get slide-out drawers for more storage.

Use your kitchen door

An over-the-door spice rack saves counter and wall space.

Over-the-door spice rack

Organize It All 3-Tier Wall-Mounted Spice Rack, Chrome 1812

Amazon Price: $12.85 (as of 06/03/2012)

Keep all your spices organized and easy to reach. This spice rack is very sturdy, and big enough to clear out an entire cabinet of spices.

Wire Storage Shelves

Wire storage shelves are essential in small kitchens. You can use them to create an extra shelf (and get twice as much space in your cabinets), or just to keep your food, ingredients, or cleaning supplies all in one place.

The stacking shelves give you split level cabinets. I used them to create extra space in my microwave cart. There are more in my kitchen cabinet, which let me stack sandwich size plates on top of larger dinner plates.

Stack everything

Get bowls, containers, and even pots that stack. They use less space.

Stacking Cookware

Stansport Premium Quality Stainless Steel 7 piece Deluxe Family Cookset

Amazon Price: $42.01 (as of 06/03/2012)

Cookware that stacks. The pots nest inside each other, so they use up a lot less space than standard pots. If you're really, really stuck for space, this set includes 4 quart , 3 quart, 2 quart and 1 quart pots, 10 inch fry pan, a universal lid and a detachable handle. The whole set fits in a small box (so you could even use it for actual camping if you wanted to).

Add a Rail

Here's an easy kitchen storage solution: hang your utensils, potholders, and extra shelving

Multipurpose Storage/Furniture

A storage cart (like the one below) is counter space, pantry, and towel rack.

Winsome Storage Cart

Winsome Wood Single Drawer Storage Cart, Natural

Amazon Price: $99.98 (as of 06/03/2012)

This compact cart is made of real wood (not particle board). It's got a counter top for extra workspace, plus a towel rack, and a drawer for silverware. The cabinet underneath has a built-in shelf. Add more storage with wire baskets and shelving. Since it's small (19x25, 34) you can push it out of the way when you're not using it.

Got a small kitchen? What are your best storage ideas and tips?

Reply

acastano1030 Apr 22, 2012 @ 12:52 pm | delete

I keep my Kitchenaid stand mixer on my countertop. I simply place all of the attachments inside the bowl. They are concealed, but are conveniently placed exactly where I need them.

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alwaysjules Jan 8, 2012 @ 7:03 pm | delete

Happy New Year! Congratulations on being chosen as a top 100 Community favorite for 2011!

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Papier Jan 2, 2012 @ 12:03 am | delete

We just can't get enough storage. I have one of those wall rails - very handy. congrats!

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Auntiekatkat Dec 31, 2011 @ 10:10 pm | delete

Congrats on being nominated for Community Favorite Lenses of 2011. A wonderful lens. Fortunately we both share one thing it was easier to vote than for most as mine was my "why-I-am a- vegetarian was nominated as well. A proud moment for all of us. Good luck in the voting.