Kitchen Storage Hacks That Actually Save Space
Friends, today I am going to talk about a topic which probably troubles everyone - the problem of storage in the kitchen!
I learned some such hacks (and discovered some myself, honestly! ) who literally transformed my entire kitchen. Today I thought I would share all tricks with you. Trust me friends, after trying this you will also think - "Why didn't I know this earlier!"It is important to use cabinets smartly
First of all let's talk about cabinets. Most of the people (I also used to do the same) use only the bottom surface of the cabinet and the entire upper space gets wasted. This is the biggest mistake honestly.
Magic of Shelf Risers
Let me tell you what I did. Ordered some shelf risers - these are basically little racks that you place inside cabinets. And then see the magic - one shelf becomes two!
Like I had very little space to keep plates. After installing the shelf riser, the solution was found - proper space for both big plates below and small plates above. Same trick works for bowls, cups and containers too.
Don't Ignore Cabinet Doors
This is a space that almost 99% of us waste. You can organize a lot of things on the inside surface of the cabinet door.
Let me tell you what I did:
- Installed a small rack on the door of the cabinet below the sink where I keep cleaning supplies.
- Spice rack on the door of the spice cabinet - now all the spices are visible at a glance.
- Install hooks for measuring cups and spoons in the baking supplies cabinet.
Smart Ways to Organize Drawers
Kitchen drawers - This is the place that gets messy first. You'll also relate - spoons, forks, knives, random tools, everything stuffed in a drawer and nothing available when needed.
Must install drawer dividers My best investment was adjustable drawer dividers. These are very flexible - you can adjust according to the size of your drawer.
This now has the proper sections in my utensils drawer:
- Separate section of spoons
- Forks apart
- Knives' own space
- Serving spoons separately
- Chopsticks and small tools in separate corners
When everything is in its place, you can't even imagine how easy it becomes while cooking.
Pantry Organization
Having a pantry is a blessing, but if it is not organized then it can also become a curse. Earlier my pantry was such that the stuff in the back was never used because it was not visible. Then one day I cleaned and found out that 3 packets of sugar had expired! Can you imagine?
Game Changer Effect of Clear Containers
This is a serious game changer, friends. I transferred all the dry goods like flour, rice, dal, sugar, pasta – everything into clear airtight containers.
See the benefits:
- You can see at a glance what is coming to an end
- Provides protection from pests
- Uniform containers make the pantry look neat and organized
- Space is utilized better
Lazy Susan - My Personal Favorite Hack
Lazy Susan is basically a rotating tray. I keep 2-3 lazy susans in my pantry. One for all oils and vinegars, one for canned goods, and one for spices. Just do a spin and what you want appears. Now there is no need to remove anything to access the things behind.
Adopt Basket System
I have divided my pantry into categories and have a separate basket for each category:
- Breakfast items (cereal, oatmeal, etc.)
- snacks
- baking supplies
- Pasta and grains
Keep the Refrigerator Organized
People pay least attention to fridge organization, but it is actually very important. There is less food waste in an organized fridge because you know what is there and what is about to expire.
Use Clear Bins
I have added clear bins to my fridge. Dairy products in one bin, fruits in one, vegetables in one, leftovers in one.
Smart Use of Door
Keep only drinks on the fridge door. Do not keep milk and eggs here because the temperature of the door keeps fluctuating. Keep them inside on the shelf.
Simple Trick of Vegetable Drawer
Line crisper drawers with a paper towel. It absorbs extra moisture and vegetables remain fresh for longer days. Simple hack but very effective.
Make Maximum Use of Vertical Space
The most important thing in a small kitchen is to utilize the vertical space properly. Are the walls empty? Put them to work!
Wall-Mounted Racks
I have installed a wall-mounted spice rack in my kitchen that does not take up counter space. Similarly, a magnetic knife strip has been installed so that knives are stored safely and drawer space is also saved.
Hooks, Hooks, Hooks!
Hooks have become my best friends. Mugs have been hung on hooks below the cabinet. Pots and pans from hooks on the wall. Even cutting boards hang on hooks.
An important tip: Command hooks are great because they don't damage walls. Perfect solution for renters.
Over-the-Door Organizers
Install an over-the-door organizer on the pantry door. You can keep snacks, spices or small items in it. Extra storage is available without drilling.
Under Sink Area - Paradise of Hidden Storage
The area under the sink usually remains messy. Pile of cleaning supplies, trash bags and random stuff. But this can also be organized properly.
Tension Rod Trick
This is my absolute favorite hack. Place a tension rod below the sink and hang spray bottles on it. Instant extra space is available!
Stackable Bins
Use small stackable bins. Dish soap and sponges in one, cleaning sprays in one, trash bags in one. Everything organized!
Pull-Out Organizers
If you can invest a little then get under-sink pull-out organizers installed. These slide like drawers and the things behind them also become easily accessible.
It is important to keep the countertop clutter-free
Cluttered countertop = Cluttered mind. And while cooking, proper space is required.
Keep only daily use items
I have a simple rule - only those things on the countertop that are used daily. I only have a coffee maker, toaster, and a utensil holder on my countertop. Everything else is stored in cabinets.
Use Tiered Stands
If certain items must be kept on the countertop (like fruits or oils), use tiered stands. This utilizes vertical space and saves actual counter space.
Build Appliance Garage
If possible, make an appliance garage in a corner or buy a ready-made one. You can hide items like mixer, blender which are not used daily.
Maintenance Tips
Organization is not a one-time job, friends. It has to be maintained.
Weekly Check
Check the fridge and pantry once every week. Remove expired items.
One In, One Out Rule
When the new thing comes in, the old thing goes out. This prevents clutter build up.
Everything Has a Home
Everything should have a fixed place and put it back there after using it. Tell this rule to family members also.
Final Words
Friends, an organized kitchen not only looks good, but it also makes your daily life much easier. Cooking is fun, saves time and reduces stress.
There is no need to implement all these hacks in a single day. Try slowly one by one. Tackle one area every weekend.
You will see that your kitchen will be completely transformed within a few weeks. And when guests come and ask, "Dude, how is your kitchen so organized?" So you can proudly share your hacks!
