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How to Organize a Small Kitchen to Make Every Shelf, Drawer, and Corner Work Smarter

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By Sharon N

Whenever I go to a small kitchen or look at my kitchen, the first question that comes to my mind is - How to manage everything in such a small space? The biggest challenge of a small kitchen is that we also have a lot of stuff and space is also limited. Spices, utensils, groceries, small and big appliances - everything seems important and one does not feel like removing anything. 

But the truth is that if we learn to organize properly, even a small kitchen can become as beautiful, functional and comfortable as a large kitchen. I always say that the kitchen is not just a place to cook, it is the heart of the home. 

Having a small kitchen is not a problem, you just need to know how to set it up properly. I always say that the size of the kitchen can be small, but its planning should be smart. If everything is in its place, the kitchen feels very neat and big even in a small space.

If you have a small kitchen, I understand very well how difficult it becomes to manage everything. Sometimes there is a crowd at the counter, and sometimes half the time is spent just searching for something. But the good thing is that having a small kitchen does not mean that it will be inconvenient. By planning properly, you can make your small kitchen so organized that working becomes easy and fun.

Here I am telling you some methods. By adopting these methods you can make your small kitchen smart, clean and useful.

1. Declutter Everything and Keep Only the Essentials

First of all, I would advise you to remove unnecessary items from your kitchen. There is less space in a small kitchen, so it is not necessary to keep everything. I always keep only those things in my kitchen which are used daily or weekly. 

Those utensils which are used only once or twice a year, it is better to keep them in the store room or upper cabinet.

When there are less items in the kitchen, it becomes much easier to organize. I always feel that a clean and light kitchen also calms the mind. Only start further organization after decluttering, as this is the most important first step.

2. Make Proper Use of Vertical Space

Lack of space is the biggest challenge in a small kitchen, so I always focus on making the right use of vertical space. Often we try to keep things only on the counter and the lower shelves, while the walls and the empty space above go to waste. 

First of all, I put open shelves or small racks on the walls, where everyday utensils, spices or cups can be easily kept. This keeps the counter empty and gives more space to work.

Vertical storage doubles the space in a small kitchen and makes the kitchen look more organized.

I always say - don't leave the space above empty, use every corner smartly. This will not only make your kitchen look organized, but will also make cooking easy and fun.

When things are placed at different heights in the kitchen, the entire space seems balanced. The working space at the bottom feels open and the top part also appears to be in use. This makes the kitchen look more organized and clean, even though it is small. 

When vertical space is used correctly, the stuff in the kitchen does not spread out but is neatly arranged upwards. This keeps the counter clean, gives walking space and the kitchen feels bigger. A little planning and the right storage ideas can make even a small kitchen open, organized and easy to work with.

3. Use Corners Correctly

Corners are often ignored in small kitchens but I always say that these corners are the most precious space if they are used in the right way. I use every corner of my kitchen for smart storage, so that the space is taken full advantage of and the kitchen looks open and organized.

The corners of the kitchen often remain empty, but I use them too. Storage can also be created in corners by using corner shelves.

I use a revolving tray or lazy susan in the corner cabinet in my kitchen. Due to this, the things kept in the corner do not get hidden behind and come easily in hand. It is very convenient to keep spices, oil bottles or small jars. 

When kitchen corners are used properly, there is double the storage and the kitchen looks more organized.

It is very important to use the corners correctly in a small kitchen. I always say - don't leave the corners blank, use them for smart storage. When you use the corners correctly, the kitchen will not only look organized and open, but cooking will also become comfortable and fast.

4. Use Clear Containers and Labels

The easiest and most effective way to keep a small kitchen organized is to use clean, transparent containers and labels.

Another advantage of transparent containers is that the shelves or drawers look very well organized.

I also take care that the containers are not too big or too small, but fit according to the shelves. Having stackable containers makes good use of the height and saves space.

Clean containers and the labelling make even small kitchens always tidy, beautiful and easy to use.

Labeling is just as important as using containers. Having a clean and easy-to-read label on every box makes things much easier to find. 

Following these three things - clean container, right label and fixed place - makes even a small kitchen always feel organized, light and comfortable to work in. Gradually it becomes a habit and it seems easier than ever to handle the kitchen.

5. Divide Drawers into Sections

Drawers fill up quickly in small kitchens, so I always use drawer organizers. If spoons, knives, forks and small tools are lying together, it takes time to find them and the drawer also looks disorganized.

When a separate place is fixed for everything inside the drawer, a clean and balanced view appears as soon as you open it. 

When everything is organized in the drawer, it becomes much easier while working. You know which thing is where. This method is very useful in small kitchens because space is less and every inch is precious.

I believe that clean and organized drawers make the entire kitchen look organized. Keep the tools you use every day at the front and those you use less frequently at the back.

Such a simple arrangement makes a lot of difference in a small kitchen. When the inside of the drawer is not cluttered, the entire kitchen feels more clean and organized. Having a small section of everything also makes the right use of space and the work of the kitchen goes on smoothly without any confusion.

6. Choose Multi-functional Accessories

Multi-functional accessories bring simplicity to small kitchens where even with fewer items, the entire space feels balanced rather than cluttered. 

Multi-functional accessories create a simple balance in the kitchen. When just a few items handle multiple tasks, shelves appear less crowded and everything appears neat and organized.

When there are only a few useful items that can play multiple roles, rather than having different tools for different tasks, both shelves and drawers appear open and clean.

When there are only those items present in the kitchen that are used repeatedly and can handle many tasks, the whole atmosphere seems organized and comfortable. A small kitchen with multi-functional appliances feels more organized, light and comfortable. 

7. Do a Little Cleaning and Reset Every Day

The easiest way to keep a small kitchen always clean and organized is to do a little cleaning and reset every day. I believe that if only 10-15 minutes are spent on cleaning the kitchen every day, then dirt and clutter never accumulate.

But if everything is put back in place by giving a little time at the end of the day, the kitchen looks clean and balanced again every morning.

This is a habit that gradually becomes a part of the routine and handling the kitchen does not seem to be a burden. A little daily cleaning and reset keeps the small kitchen organized, beautiful and easy to use for a long time.

A small reset every day also makes the big work of the week easier. When a little bit is cleaned every day, it does not take much effort to deep clean in a week.

Regular cleaning is very important in a small kitchen, because even a little dirt looks like a lot. Small daily habits always keep the kitchen beautiful and organized.

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